‘Shattered’: Rabbi shares heartbreak for Bondi massacre victims as Melbourne Chanukah event to go ahead in defiance of terror attack

Mourners have gathered in Melbourne’s Federation Square to remember the 16 killed in the horrific terrorist attack at Bondi Beach, as organisers announce Chanukah celebrations held for the past six years will still go ahead. The horror in Bondi unfolded when Naveed Akram, 24, and his 50-year-old father Sajid opened fire using high-calibre rifles at Chanukah By the Sea – a Jewish Hannukah event – just before 7pm on Sunday. At least 16 people – ranging in ages between 10 and 87 – have died and another 27 are being treated for injuries. In the resulting shootout with police, Sajid Akram was shot dead while Naveed was taken into custody. He remains in hospital in a critical condition. The event has united the nation in grief, with politicians united in their condemnation and promise for swift action in the wake of the death toll. In Melbourne, a scheduled Pillars of Light event meant to celebrate Chanukah went ahead – albeit with a heightened police and security presence. The Pillars of Light event has been held at Federation Square since 2019. According to the event website, the week long celebration brings Melbourne’s “rich cultural and faith traditions into a shared space filled with music, dance, art, and story”. Speaking to NewsWire, Rabbi Gabi Kaltmann said it was still important to celebrate Hanukkah even in the wake of the terror at Bondi. “We will not allow the horrific terror we just saw unfold on one of Australia’s most iconic beaches and the famous landmark around the world shatter our way of life,” Rabbi Kaltmann, the rabbi of Ark Centre, said. “We are shattered, we are heartbroken. I knew many of the victims, my friends – good people.” “This hatred is un-Australian. And that’s why, together with the backing of Victoria Police, to come to Fed Square and say enough is enough we’re drawing a line in the sand. “Australian Jews have every right to celebrate to be able to celebrate their faith, their culture, their heritage.” Australian radio personality John Safran also spoke at the event, where he said: “I really appreciate everyone coming and showing solidarity.” “Thank you to the hero everyone is talking about. Let’s stay safe and stay strong,” Mr Safran told the crowd. Rabbi Gabi said the Jewish community of Sydney was “still grieving”. “That’s why it’s imperative for Australians to come around and hug metaphorically the Jewish community,” he said. Jeffrey Shenker, a member of the Jewish community and Ark Synagogue, said he was hopeful Australia would realise antisemitism was not “something in the minds” of Jewish Australians. “You go through a myriad of emotions from sadness and fear to anger and loathing,” he said. “At the moment, its all about solidarity, about physically, not just metaphorically hugging people. Knowing that we’re all going to be okay.” Sikh community leader Harmick Singh said it was “very disheartening” to see such violence happening in Australia. “We’re all here to support the community,” he said. “To see such a lovely community suffer like that is very disheartening.” “They (the Jewish community) should not be living in fear.” “We’ve got great value and great culture and that’s what we need to make sure we still have.” Responding to the Bondi massacre, Melbourne Arts Precinct Corporation (MAP) co-director and chief executive Katrina Sedgwick said: “Our hearts are with Australia’s Jewish community following the harrowing scenes in Sydney last night.” “Our deepest condolences to the community and to those who have lost loved ones,” she said in a statement. Ms Sedgwick said there was “no place” in Australia for acts of antisemitism, violence or hate, reiterating everyone “deserves to feel safe to gather and celebrate their faith”. “Fed Square is proud to work with all communities to celebrate their culture and faith and connect with others – right in the heart of Melbourne,” she said.