Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he was “deeply and profoundly sorry” for not protecting Australia’s Jewish community, in a landmark speech at a national memorial event for the 15 people killed in the Bondi massacre. Source: SMH.
Thousands gathered at the Sydney Opera House on Thursday evening for the National Day of Mourning for the victims of the December 14 terrorist attack, united around the theme chosen by Bondi’s Jewish community: “Light will win”.
They were greeted by the surreal sight of police snipers positioned on the building’s famous sails and dozens of armed officers patrolling the concourse.
“We cherish the promise that this country is a safe harbour,” Mr Albanese said to an audience that included relatives of the people killed in the attack and many who survived it, including lifeguards, police and other first responders.
“But sadly that promise was broken. You came to celebrate a festival of light and freedom and you were met with the violence of hatred.
“I am deeply and profoundly sorry that we could not protect your loved ones from this evil.”
Mr Albanese vowed to stand in solidarity with Jewish Australians, attempting to draw a line after a month in which he was criticised by many in that community over perceptions he acted too slowly to curb antisemitism.
His apology was applauded by the audience.
“You are not just accepted. You are valued. You are cherished. You have the right to pray, to learn and to live as proud Jews without looking over your shoulder.
“Australians are committed to driving antisemitism from our shores because it stands in opposition to all we are as a country, the nation we have built together – with care and compassion – over generations.”
NSW Premier Chris Minns and federal Opposition Leader Sussan Ley also delivered speeches, while Governor-General Sam Mostyn was due to read Psalm 23, the “Shepherd’s psalm”, on behalf of King Charles III.
“The story of Hanukkah is not that evil doesn’t exist, but that it can be defeated by light,” Mr Minns said. “We must take action and indeed we must change. We start by fighting hate whenever we see it.”
The public were asked to join a minute’s silence at 7.01pm and place a candle on a doorstep or window.
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‘Profoundly sorry’: PM leads tributes to Australian Jews at Bondi memorial (By Ben Cubby, Sydney Morning Herald)
