Last night the Jewish festival of Hanukkah began. At Bondi, many Jews gathered to celebrate Hanukkah, as we gather at midnight to celebrate Christmas. The terrible massacre was appalling and un-Australian. That two people should randomly shoot so many people gathered to enjoy a God-given festival is heinous.
I have been in touch with three rabbis and a Jewish family. They are traumatised by this event and filled with fear.
The important question for every Australian is this; how should we respond to this event? It seems to me, that amongst the many ways in which we can react and respond, the most important is that we should reach out to any Jewish person that we know. Friendship, inclusion, and support is what is needed by the Jewish community at this time. I therefore encourage you to speak with the Jewish people that you know, to give your support and love, and of course to pray for their communities.
I pray that this horrible event might be a cause for strengthening relationships between ourselves and the Jewish communities. Perhaps the result of evil, might be love and friendship.
Bishop Greg Homeming OCD
