UPDATE: Survivors of the tragic Bali bombings are sharing their harrowing experiences as the 20th anniversary of the attacks approaches. On October 1, 2005, two bomb blasts rocked Jimbaran Bay, killing 20 people, including three Australians from Newcastle, and injuring over 100 others.
Survivor Julia Lederwasch vividly recalls the chaos. “When the first bomb went off, my daughter Aleta started running,” she said. “The second blast followed, and a bomber approached our table.” Julia and Aleta, both injured, were evacuated two days later to Darwin Hospital where they began their long road to recovery.
As they reflect on that fateful day, Julia describes the scene as surreal, with “dead bodies laid on the floor.” She remembers thinking, “This is real fear, this is real terror.” Aleta, who was just 21 years old at the time, has since transformed her trauma into a journey of healing and compassion.
“I almost lost my right leg and now live with a scar that stretches from ankle to knee,” Aleta explained. Instead of seeking revenge, she chose to understand. “I wished to meet the suicide bomber’s mother, to listen to her story,” she said. “I feel no hate but rather compassion, and a genuine unconditional love for all.”
Julia echoed this sentiment, stating, “Terrorism became very real to us. We were innocent people. What was our crime? We were Australians, allies to the Americans.” The bombings left a lasting impact, and two decades later, Julia reflects on the violence still present in places like Gaza and Ukraine. “You just cannot understand it. Why is this still going on?” she questioned.
Both women have turned their experiences into lessons of gratitude. “I’m deeply saddened that another person’s experience led them to commit such acts,” Aleta stated. “We lost friends that evening; children lost parents, and I am left with immense gratitude for my life and the support we received.”
Julia’s return to her role as an assistant principal at Hamilton’s St Francis Xavier’s College was met with mixed emotions. She organized a small service to honor the victims, lighting a candle and saying a prayer. “You can’t despair; you can’t remain the victim,” she emphasized. “Hope has to win out; you’ve got to have hope.”
As the anniversary approaches, both Julia and Aleta are committed to reconnecting with other survivors and remembering those who lost their lives. “I think about those who still suffer from this violence and wish them peace,” Julia added.
Their story serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable terror. As they approach the 20-year mark, they stand as symbols of hope and compassion amidst the aftermath of tragedy.
This urgent reflection on the Bali bombings not only highlights the personal impact of terrorism but also calls for a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding such acts. Julia and Aleta’s message resonates profoundly: “We were innocent, and we must continue to advocate for peace and understanding.”
Stay tuned for more updates as the anniversary approaches, and remember the lives affected by this tragedy.
