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The Victorian parliament recently expressed its condolences to the victims of a tragic terror attack that occurred on December 14 at Bondi Beach. This horrific incident specifically targeted the Jewish community during a Hanukkah celebration, resulting in the deaths of fifteen individuals.
Government Response to the Terror Attack
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan introduced a motion condemning the attack and issued a heartfelt apology to Jewish Australians. She acknowledged the community’s warnings about the potential for violence, stating, “Your fears were real. Your warnings were clear. And we failed.”
Details of the Victims
Opposition Leader Jess Wilson highlighted the profound impact of the attack, which she said would remain ingrained in the national consciousness. She named the fifteen victims:
- Boris Gurman
- Sofia Gurman
- Edith Brutman
- Alex Kleytman
- Yaakov Levitan
- Peter Meagher
- Dan Elkayam
- Reuven Morrison
- Boris Tetleroyd
- Marika Pogany
- Eli Schlanger
- Tania Tretiak
- Tibor Weitzen
- Adam Smyth
- Matilda (10 years old)
Wilson emphasized the urgent need to address rising antisemitism, declaring, “The time for ‘never again’ is now.”
Recognition of Heroism
Deputy Premier Ben Carroll clarified that the attack was a deliberate assault on the Jewish community. He commended the bravery of first responders, particularly Ahmed al Ahmed, a Muslim man who courageously intervened during the attack. Carroll stated, “His courage symbolizes the best of Australian multiculturalism.”
Community Impact
Deputy Liberal leader David Southwick, who is Jewish, expressed his sorrow over the attack while highlighting the community’s spirit of inclusivity. He noted the tragic irony that the Jewish community’s welcoming nature was overshadowed by the violence. In response to the attack, a planned Hanukkah event at Caulfield Racecourse was cancelled for safety reasons.
The tragedy at Bondi Beach serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to combat hate and promote understanding among diverse communities.
