How can we as a Christian community process the Bondi Tragedy, and best help our Jewish friends and community at this time?
On Monday, the day after the Bondi shooting at the Jewish Festival of Hanukkah, New South Wales faith leaders met with Minister Steve Kamper to discuss ways to support the Jewish community during this time of shock and mourning. The gathering also reflected on how our own faith community can process what has happened and how, together, we can work for peace and understanding in our society.
Public Memorial
A public memorial for the victims will be held tonight (Wednesday 17th December) at 7:15pm on the forecourt of St Mary’s Cathedral. The service will include addresses from the Prime Minister, the Premier, Archbishop Anthony Fisher, and Rabbi Ben Elton of the Great Synagogue. This will be a significant moment for our nation to grieve collectively and to stand in solidarity with the Jewish community.
A Personal Response
As individuals we can consider doing some (or all) of the following in response and support:
- Light a candle for each night of Hannukah (December 15-22)
- Get in touch with your local Jewish community members to see how they are doing, what they need
- Click here to book a blood donation
Prayer
A Jewish-Christian leader in Canberra has shared simple prayer points that can be adapted for use in services and personal devotion:
- That this be a time not of bitterness, but of discovery of the light and truth of the Lord.
- As Hanukkah is the season of light, may we all wake up and see the light.
- Trusting that God will turn all things for good.
- In the midst of all these things, may we have hope.
Worship Service Suggestions
In consultation with Jewish leaders, churches are encouraged to incorporate simple yet meaningful acts of remembrance and solidarity into worship services this weekend:
- Observe one minute’s silence in honour of those whose lives were lost.
- Light a candle (or candles) as a symbol of remembrance and hope.
- Read appropriate Scripture, such as Psalm 20 or Psalm 91, affirming God’s presence and protection.
- Offer prayers for comfort, healing, and peace.
- Encourage tangible acts of charity, to fight darkness with light.
A Call to Unity
This moment calls us to stand shoulder to shoulder with our Jewish brothers and sisters, affirming that violence and hatred will not have the final word. As Christians, we are reminded that Christ Himself is the Light of the World, and we are called to reflect that light in times of darkness.
Let us join together in prayer, remembrance, and action - bearing witness to the power of faith, hope, and love in the face of tragedy.