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Bart Shteinman, a leading figure in the Jewish Council of Australia, expressed that the intensity and extent of the recent assault were beyond what most Jewish individuals could have ever anticipated.
“In Australia, virtually every Jewish person is somehow connected to someone who was present at the event, and many of us are mourning the loss of loved ones,” Shteinman shared with SBS News.
He further urged, “The Jewish Council is encouraging everyone to light a candle in remembrance of those who have passed, and to honor their families.”
Amidst the floral tributes at Bondi Pavilion, people were seen embracing in a poignant moment of solidarity. Source: AAP / Mark Baker/AP
People embrace after laying flowers at a memorial outside Bondi Pavilion. Source: AAP / Mark Baker/AP
“We’re asking people to put up that up on social media and use it as an opportunity to show support to the Jewish community and to everyone impacted by this event.”
The prime minister has also supported the call to light a candle saying Australians should put these in their windows at 6.47pm on Monday.
Get in touch with community members
Sharma said at times like this, members of the community would be asking questions about whether they belong in Australia.
“As we see by how all Australians are reacting, we see it as an attack on Australia and the sort of fundamental values that underpin our society — our multi-faith society of respect, tolerance, diversity, and fundamentally a peaceful and respectful attitude towards one’s fellow citizens,” he said.
“The Jews of Australia are absolutely the most loyal, committed Australians, and they need to be supported in everything that they do, their professional work, their social work, their communal work.”
Blood donation website crashes
“They did an incredible job, but they need your help. They need blood.”
NSW Premier Chris Minns (centre) said people looking for something practical could donate blood. Source: AAP / Mick Tsikas
The response from Australians has been so overwhelming that it crashed the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood website.
“It’s important to note that we do need blood donors every day, and so if you can’t get in this week … Christmas is a particularly critical time of year, and we’d encourage people to look ahead and book maybe next week or the week after, when blood donations will also be urgently needed.”
