JVL condemns the antisemitic attacks on Bondi Beach
Jewish Voice for Liberation extends our deepest condolences to the families and friends of all those killed and injured in the barbarous antisemitic attack that took place on Bondi Beach as people were gathering to celebrate the beginning of Hannukah, the Jewish Festival of Lights.
JVL is opposed to all forms of violence and to racist violence in particular. There is never any excuse for targeting civilians, whatever their religious affiliation and whatever their political views. We condemn this attack without equivocation.
We are concerned that this horrendous attack on the Jewish community of Sydney is already being exploited by Israeli leaders and the far right to attack Muslims. This form of collective blame happens every time and on this occasion is regardless of the heroism of Ahmad al Ahmad, an Arab Muslim who disarmed one of the gunmen. Netanyahu was quick to attribute this heroism to a Jew and has been slow to make a correction. He is one of far too many that blame the rise in antisemitism on those who stand in solidarity with the people of Palestine and against the genocide and ethnic cleansing of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. Meanwhile those on the Far Right argue that this is a result of having too many Muslims in our majority non-Muslim countries and will use this as another excuse to support Trump’s racist attacks on the demography of Europe and reinforce their attacks on asylum seekers.
Whatever the intent of the assassins, they have ensured that world attention has been shifted from the murder of tens of thousands in Gaza and allowed Jews to be presented as the principal victims. By indulging in murderous antisemitism, they have allowed anger at antisemitism to displace anger at genocide.
In this context we will resist all attempts to use this dreadful attack to clamp down on support for Palestine. We have been appalled to hear on our mainstream media some, echoing Netanyahu, blaming this on those protesting for the end to the genocide in Gaza. Our Australian sister organisation, Jews Against the Occupation issued this statement condemning the attack. We know that there is a spike in antisemitism during mass killings of Palestinians but reiterate that nothing justifies this racist attack on Jews in Australia.
Above all, we stand in solidarity with those who have been attacked and recognise the fear that this will engender for many Jews. The answer is not emigration to Israel but ongoing work as Jews with our comrades from all communities to resist the rise of the far right and the Islamophobia, antisemitism and anti-Black racism that are being whipped up to divide us.
As you say, nothing justifies this racist attack. But the chief rabbi and others are blaming “hate marches” for the rise in antisemitism. We know that this the Israeli genocide that is prompting misplaced antisemitism. Thus the state of Israel, founded to make Jews safer in the world, is actually making diaspora Jews less safe.
Thank you, you beautiful, intelligent compassionate people for clarifying this.
I wouldnt be at all suprised if that evil Zionist machine was behind this latest disgusting, heartbreaking massacre..they don’t care who they kill. They (inc/especially) Netanyahu have no affinity towards ‘their own people’. We humans (irrespective of creed, colour, religion) are simply disposable fodder for their sick twisted ambitions.
This, latest ‘ Islamic Terrorist Attack’ I would argue, is another well plotted ‘revenge attack’ to bring chaos to Australia, as its minister refused to play along and instead defied the Zionists by finally daring to recognise Palestine.
Their plan has been partly thwarted (maybe there is a God after all) due to an ‘annoying bloody Muslim’ getting in the way and trying to stop the loss of further life. No doubt they weren’t counting on that to ruin there ‘divide and rule’ usual bullshit propoganda.
Thank you again for your balanced and timely response. We need you, indeed the world needs you, our Jewish brothers and sisters..to continue to stand with us..and stamp out the lies and terror. For all of humanity’s sake.
No doubt there will be further similar orchestrated attacks, especially when they feel they are losing their iron-fisted grip of terror.
Regardless of ‘faith’ our shared instinctive humanity is not allowing increasing numbers of us to stay silent.
With much Love, Respect and Solidarity from your sister Ghzala x
All of the JVL commentary is excellent, unbiased, caring and truthful.
The establishment and/or mainstream media has been rotten – as usual.
Well said. So sad. With love from Australia
I loved your response to this hateful incident. We must condemn violence, no matter where it occurs. Praying for all the victims.
Ghzala: “I wouldnt be at all suprised if that evil Zionist machine was behind this latest disgusting, heartbreaking massacre.”
Dismiss unproven conspiracy theories.
Israel’s atrocities and aid siege can in no way justify, but ferment terrorist avengers.
In Sydney, Manchester and elsewhere.
Many now believe, rather than protect Jews, the brutal IDF weakens our security.
This message can help win safety for Jewry and Palestinians through a just peace among both peoples.
A truly honest assessment, of how the Israeli hasbra, turned a tragedy into a political propaganda, zionists have no compassion Judaism except as a shield for the ethnic cleansing & genocide of thousands, not just 15, who would not be murdered but for Netanyahu, his far right cronies, for being the worst offenders of anti-semitism!
I am so sorry for this horrendous attack on your community.
Thank you for your balanced article – in the heat of all of the emotion, it must be difficult to remain so balanced. I have shared the article.
There aren’t strong enough words to condemn such barbarous, antisemitic behaviour.
The one lesson we can take from this tragedy – like other similar tragedies – is that there must be stronger laws against gun ownership.