MP thanks Jewish community of Wollongong in speech to parliament
The Member for Cunningham, Alison Byrnes, gave a speech to Federal Parliament, expressing her sorrow and condolences ahead of January 22's National Day of Mourning
In the days after the Bondi terrorism attack, in our parks, on our beaches and inside council chambers, people across the Illawarra came together to honour the 15 innocent lives taken. Again today, Australians will gather to express sorrow and solidarity with the Jewish community.
The Prime Minister has declared Thursday, January 22, a national day of mourning. Flags will be flown at half-mast and everyone is urged to undertake mitzvahs (acts of kindness) for Bondi.
On Monday, ahead of the day of remembrance, Member for Cunningham Alison Byrnes gave a speech to Federal Parliament, sharing her “heartfelt condolences to all those who lost a loved one, and whose lives have been changed forever”.
Ms Byrnes praised the courage of ordinary Australians and first responders amid the horror of December 14, when two shooters targeted Jewish families gathered for Chanukah by the Sea, a festival of light at Bondi Beach.
“We saw people running towards danger; stepping in front of a gunman because maybe they could stop him; calling out warnings and sheltering total strangers. People putting kindness and caring for others first. That is what being Australian truly means.”
Alison Byrnes MP acknowledged "the profound loss and sadness of the Cunningham community" in Federal Parliament this week
She thanked Dr Yoke Berry, from the Wollongong Jewish Community, for her "strength and kindness", and organising a public gathering to witness a Chanukah ceremony in Stuart Park on December 21.
“One week after the Bondi attack, on the National Day of Reflection, I attended the lighting of the Menorah with the Jewish Community of Wollongong, along with local leaders from all faiths,” Ms Byrnes said.
“Nepalese, Indian, Vietnamese, Buddhist monks, and a First Nations pastor, as well as members of the Multicultural Communities Council of Illawarra, the Salvation Army, the Member for Whitlam, the Member for Wollongong, the Deputy Mayor and local councillors, and Wollongong Area Commander Superintendent Karen Cook, local police and many members of our community.
“We all stood together as one with our Jewish community as Rabbi Menachem Aron spread a message of love, light and kindness.
“It was a display of solidarity and of shared grief demonstrating that we will not allow hate to define who we are or how we gather."
People of many faiths gathered to support the Jewish Community of Wollongong on December 21. Photos: Illawarra Flame
In “unequivocally" condemning the actions of the Bondi terrorists, and all forms of antisemitism, hatred and racism, Ms Byrnes said: “Acts of such immense and intense hatred are aimed at dividing us and driving a wedge between us, in this case, based on religion.
“But it has not. It has united our community – firstly in shock and grief, but now into a steely determination that similar incidents are not repeated against any group or at any gathering."
Chosen by the Chabad Community in Bondi, the theme for today's day of mourning is "Light will win, a gathering of unity and remembrance".
"We must use the light to guide us from this dark period and we must use the light to help us stamp out hate in all its forms in all parts of our community," Ms Byrnes told parliament.
"I hope to see others continue to put kindness and unity above division. We must do all that we can so that this event is not repeated in Australia."
Tonight, Australians are invited to light a candle and join a nationwide minute of silence at 7.01pm.
The Coalcliff community stood shoulder to shoulder after the Bondi attacks. Photo: Eric Hahn
Thirroul lifesavers lined the beach in December. Photo thanks to John Dryden
North Wollongong held a moving tribute. Photos: Jeremy Lasek
