My daughter is too scared to go to public places

Last Sunday my children were swimming with their Dad (Huw) at Bondi when bullets began firing on and killing innocent Sydneysiders celebrating Hanukkah. Thankfully, my family are safe. They ran from the bullets striking the waves nearby and sheltered under the sea wall. Once our kids were secured, and despite his desire to stay with them, Huw, like every other police officer present, ran towards the threat, hoping to stop it. He was only in his board shorts; no vest, no weapon, no radio. He pulled panicking people into cover. He reached wounded Probationary Constable Hibbert and realising he was losing too much blood, took him through the gunfire towards safety. He held Hibbert’s wound together with his hands, kept him calm and called in paramedics using the officer’s radio.

Meanwhile, our kids bravely did as their Dad asked and stayed where they were. They were terrified he or they would be shot. When Huw could finally return to them, he was covered in blood and had to wash in the sea before he could hug them. They are all traumatised by this event.

This devastating massacre in Sydney targeted what is beautiful and free in our community. The killing of Jewish people celebrating their faith is horrific, especially at Bondi beach, a symbol of freedom, diversity and natural beauty in Australian life.

I am so grateful that my family is alive, when fifteen innocent lives have been taken.

Yesterday, three of us went to lay flowers in the rain at the memorial. My daughter remains too scared to go to public places. Today I went again, this time to grieve with the women of Sydney in a memorial organised by and for women. I swam afterwards in the crystal green waves I love. The sea welcomed me, as it has so often done when I am grieving.

I want to reclaim Bondi and our community for kindness, humanity and freedom from hate. I share my deep sorrow and support for the Jewish community and my dear friends within that community. I thank and commend those who showed extraordinary courage and care for others through a terrifying 15 minutes of hatred. There are so many stories of altruism like this.

I can see that light shines on and through. Let the light win.