UPDATE: A powerful memorial service unfolded at St Paul’s Cathedral in Victoria on Monday, honoring the 15 victims of the recent Bondi Beach attack. Governor and Premier Jacinta Allan joined faith leaders and community representatives in an urgent call for unity and healing as the nation grapples with the aftermath of this tragic event.
The interfaith ceremony, attended by leaders from Jewish, Christian, Islamic, Hindu, Buddhist, and Sikh communities, emphasized a commitment to combat hate and violence. Rabbi Ralph Genende, Senior Rabbi of the Australian Defence Force, led the gathering in a pledge to “resist and overcome the evil of antisemitism, hate crime, terror and violence.”
“Together we seek to build a society where all people can work together in cherishing, not disfiguring, our common humanity,” said Rabbi Genende.
As the names of the victims were read aloud, emotional tributes filled the air. Cantor Michel Laloum of Temple Beth Israel sang the traditional El Maleh Rahamim prayer, followed by a moment of silence that resonated deeply within the community.
State Liberal MP for Caulfield David Southwick represented the opposition, lighting a candle and emphasizing the importance of “living and forgiving” as a pathway toward healing. The ceremony also featured cellist Zoe Knighton and pianist Laurence Matheson, who performed Max Bruch’s Kol Nidrei, moving attendees to reflect on loss and resilience.
Premier Allan urged all Victorians to observe Australia’s National Day of Mourning, stating, “I ask us to stand together in grief, in solidarity and in hope to honor the lives lost in the Bondi Beach terrorist attack.” She highlighted the necessity for safety and dignity for the Jewish community, asserting that “the evils of antisemitism continue to threaten this fundamental right.”
“Jews in our state and across our country deserve safety, like every other Australian,” Premier Allan emphasized.
Philip Zajac, President of the Jewish Community Council of Victoria, articulated a poignant message of resilience: “We are a very small and close-knit community, and the events of December 14 shattered all of our sense of safety.” He called on all Victorians to join in a collective effort toward a safer, kinder future.
As candles were lit in remembrance, congregants were invited to light their own as symbols of hope and commitment to peace. This memorial not only honored the victims but also served as a rallying point for communities to unite against hate and violence, reinforcing the vital message of togetherness in the face of adversity.
The impact of this gathering resonates beyond the walls of the cathedral, serving as a clarion call for compassion and solidarity in a time of sorrow. As the community moves forward, the commitment to a safer future remains at the forefront of their collective consciousness.
