On January 18, 2024, a vigil outside the Bondi Pavilion drew over 120 attendees, led by prominent criminal lawyer Peter Lavac. The event was held to honor the victims of the December 14, 2023, terror attack that claimed 15 lives and to express solidarity with the Australian Jewish community. Lavac used the occasion to issue a pointed critique of the Australian government, particularly targeting Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
As part of the vigil, Lavac began by reading the names of those murdered just a short distance away last month. He emphasized the emotional connection felt by many Australians towards the Jewish community, stating, “Today we want to show the world that we – ordinary Aussies – care about our Jewish brothers and sisters – we feel their pain, we feel their suffering, and we stand with them.”
Lavac’s Call to Action
With fervor, Lavac condemned the government’s lack of action in the wake of rising anti-Semitism. He expressed outrage that the Prime Minister had to be “dragged kicking and screaming” to establish a Royal Commission following a firebombing incident at the Addas Israel synagogue in Melbourne in December 2024. He stated, “It should have been called after the firebombing, but Anthony Albanese did nothing.”
Lavac announced his intention to explore legal avenues against the federal government. He mentioned discussions with colleagues about potentially demanding that the Governor-General sack Albanese, initiating a private prosecution for gross criminal negligence, or pursuing a civil class action for breach of duty regarding the protection of Australian citizens. “We must hold them accountable,” he asserted.
Voices of the Community
Among the speakers at the vigil was Dr Isaac Balbin, a cousin of victim Reuven Morrison. He articulated the need for clarity in addressing the ideologies behind the violence. Balbin stated, “To name the ideology that is responsible for the Bondi Beach massacre is not prejudice, it’s not racism – it is responsibility, and it’s clarity.” He identified radical Islamism, in conjunction with socialism, as the catalysts for the tragedy, warning that without action, such incidents could recur.
Yaakov Travitz, leader of the Lions of Zion, echoed Balbin’s sentiments, criticizing the government for conflating anti-Zionism with antisemitism. He called for unity among supporters of Israel, urging a collective and vocal response to rising anti-Jewish sentiment. “The stronger our voices, the stronger our impact,” Travitz remarked, emphasizing the importance of standing firm against adversity.
In a powerful message directed at adversaries, Travitz declared, “I will not be told to stay silent… I’m an extremely proud Jew, and an extremely proud Zionist, and an extremely proud Australian!”
The vigil concluded with a symbolic gesture as Lavac and friends conducted a slow lap across Bondi Beach, carrying helium-filled bee-shaped balloons. This tribute honored Matilda Bee Britvan, the youngest victim of the Bondi terror attack, who was only ten years old.
The event underscored a community’s grief while also fueling calls for action and accountability from the government. The collective voices at Bondi were not just about remembrance but a plea for systemic change and the protection of all Australians.
