Premier Roger Cook, police vow to stand alongside Perth’s ‘sad and angry’ Jewish community

Local Jewish leaders say they are “sad and angry” but won’t be cowed in the wake of the Bondi Beach massacre, as the State’s top cop revealed WA’s terrorism rating was under review.

Premier Roger Cook, Police Minister Reece Whitby and Attorney-General Tony Buti joined Police Commissioner Col Blanch at a round-table meeting in Yokine, where the Jewish Community Hub was under police guard on Monday, and vowed to stand alongside the community.

Rabbi Marcus Solomon revealed he knew two of the Bondi victims, rabbis Yaakov Levitan and Eli Schlanger.

“They’re both utterly committed to their to their communities,” he said.

“They’re both fathers, husbands and leaders of their communities. It’s just unspeakable.”

Mr Solomon called it the “inevitable end” of a surge in anti-Semitism and questioned “what has happened to Australia”, but vowed to defeat the hate.

“I am Australian through and through, and I love this country,” he said.

“I’m not going to change my behaviour because of these people.”

Jewish Community Council of WA president Michael Levitt said the targeted attack has devastated Australia’s Jewish community, and though there is shock, Mr Levitt said the community was not surprised.

“We are sad and angry that something that we have been warning about, and that was predictable, has been the subject of such insufficient action,” Mr Leavitt said.

“It’s clear now who the culprits were and from which community they came. The community from which they came is not guilty, but the individuals were and they will have a network of support around them, people who coached them, who inspired them, who armed them.

“If we cannot bring ourselves to address that problem, that strategic adversary within our community, within our society, then we’re just asking for this to be repeated.”

Mr Cook assured Jewish leaders of his support, as police launched an operation to increase visibility and vowed to launch a renewed crack down on anti-Semitism.

There is no intelligence to suggest a heightened threat in Perth, but Police Commissioner Col Blanch said WA’s terrorism risk rating is being reviewed.

“Without doubt as a result of this terrorist attack, it is being reviewed as we speak,” he said.

“I will say this as not only a warning, but a message to our community, if you know someone that is espousing anti-Semitism or hate towards groups in Western Australia, ring Crime Stoppers, ring triple zero, ring 131 444, we will take action.

“We want to get ahead of this problem and we do not want to let it manifest itself into what’s just happened.”

At least one event in Perth on Monday night was cancelled as a result of advice from the Jewish community security group, but Commissioner Blanch had a different message.

“Australians need to get out and celebrate Hanukkah,” he said.

“Our police will stand shoulder to shoulder with you, and use every tool available to us to keep our community safe.”

Operation Dalewood has been launched in Perth, increasing a visible police presence at Jewish community locations, reinforcing a zero-tolerance approach to anti-Semitism, and reviewing intelligence.

The Premier urged WA and Australia to unite against violence, and warned the Bondi massacre is proof the country was not immune to terrorism.

“A day that should be filled with fun and laughter was instead marred by cowardly and heinous act of violence, armed men, targeted families,” Mr Cook said.

“Armed men targeted families, targeted children, in a place that should be safe. There is absolutely no place in Australia for anti-Semitism, extremist violence, hatred or discrimination.

“It will be not be tolerated in WA, and we will use every tactic and measure to ensure that every member of the Western Australian community is kept safe.

“This is not Australia. This is not Western Australia . . . We cannot allow these events to divide us. That’s exactly what they want.”

Mr Cook also urged West Australians to “roll up your sleeve” and donate blood in the wake of the attack, after Lifeblood announced it had flown in donations from other states.

A condolence book has been opened at Government House for public messages of support.

Leaders from both sides of politics attended on Monday afternoon, and laid wreaths in honour of the Bondi victims.

Mr Cook, Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti, Liberal leader Basil Zempilas and Nationals leader Shane Love placed floral tributes in the Lady Kyle gardens at Government House.

Governor Chris Dawson and wife Darrilyn also laid a wreath, as did Police commissioner Col Blanch who saluted afterwards.

“Australians all over the country are horrified at the attack on innocent people,” Governor Dawson said.

This is a time when our community needs to come together, work and do as much as we can to support each other.” The condolence book will be open all week between 8.30am and 5pm.