Compassion not just for Jewish people, but for all

Thank you TJI for this platform for us to communally grieve. It is especially important for those of us who are geographically distant from Bondi and physically far from a Jewish community we align with.

We are all hurting. Hurt can spawn anger and anger can give rise to blame and finger pointing in the urge to find rational reasons for traumatic events – whether these be bushfires, floods, or the terrible tragedy of Channukah in Bondi. Questions will need to be answered here in Australia and thankfully we are a country where public accountability is valued and mandatory.

With the genuine outpouring of support, I have already felt a tiny shift: from fear and hopelessness to daring to glimpse the possibility of an Australia of greater mutual support and solidarity. My hope is for compassion not just for Jewish people, but for all. I hope we can hold that in our hearts at the same time as trying to end the misery for Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank and their families here in Australia (and worldwide) who are just as innocent as the people we lost on Sunday.