The Australia Palestine Advocacy Network (APAN) unequivocally condemns the antisemitic terrorist attack at Bondi Beach, and is deeply saddened and heartbroken by the violence directed at a Jewish community gathering celebrating Chanukah. A festival of light, hope, and resilience that has turned into the killing of 16 individuals and injuring multiple others. This act of hate has caused profound shock and grief and has deeply impacted the Jewish community and the broader public.
The perpetrators of this horrendous attack do not represent our movement or the values we uphold. Week after week, we have gathered together – the best of our community, from First Nations leaders, members of the Jewish community, side by side with Palestinian siblings, and the wider Arab community, among many other allies from all walks of life. Together, we have insisted on a world that is free from racism and hate. And we will continue to insist that antisemitism, like all forms of racism and hate, has no place in our society.
In the midst of this tragedy, we saw an extraordinary act of courage – Ahmed al Ahmed’s heroic intervention in disarming the gunman and saving many lives. His bravery calls on all of us to respond in kind, by standing against hatred and refusing to demonise or vilify Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim communities. We can only counter violence and fear by coming together at every opportunity.
APAN is deeply concerned by comments from Antisemitism Envoy Jillian Segal that seek to draw false links between this act of violence and the March for Humanity earlier this year. The march on the Sydney Harbour Bridge was, and remains, a peaceful demonstration involving hundreds of thousands of people, including many members of the Jewish community, opposing genocide and racism. Such claims by Segal misdirect grief, fuel division, and undermine the urgent need for unity and a clear rejection of all forms of racism, including antisemitism.
Everyone, from Palestine to Bondi, must be able to live free from harm, oppression, and terror, and must be supported in safety, dignity, and care. This is a time for us to reckon with the deep-rooted racism of this country that dispossesses First Nations communities, creates terror in Jewish communities, and vilifies Arab, Muslim, and Palestinian communities. This is a time for our leaders to step up and bring the public together, united against any form of hate and bigotry.
Our thoughts are with the victims, survivors, their families and loved ones, witnesses, and all those affected who are now living with fear, pain, and deep sorrow. APAN stands in care and solidarity with the Jewish community at this devastating time.
ATTRIBUTABLE QUOTES
Nasser Mashni, President of APAN, said:
“Violence is never the answer. The movement for Palestine is against all forms of hate, antisemitism, Islamophobia, misogyny, or any form of discrimination. The vile actions of yesterday have nothing to do with the world we are trying to build: a world where everyone is equal, valued, and afforded dignity and respect, regardless of religion, race, gender, or identity. Now more than ever, we must lean into that vision and reject those who seek to divide us with hate.”
Dr Jordana Silverstein, APAN Executive Member, said:
“This was an antisemitic act of violence that has shaken the country. We condemn it absolutely. No community should ever be targeted for who they are, and no one should live in fear simply for gathering, celebrating, or existing in public.”
“We stand with the Jewish community in their grief. At moments like this, our responsibility is to reject hate, refuse division, and commit ourselves to care, dignity, and safety for everyone.”