Bondi Beach was reclaimed by locals as Australia prepares to pause on Sunday for a national day of reflection, and calls for people to light candles and do good deeds in honour of the victims of the Chanukah Massacre.
Hundreds of surfers joined a massive paddle-out – a floating memorial – at Bondi on Friday, paying tribute to the 15 people killed in the December 14 terror attack targeting a Hanukkah celebration. The community-led event far exceeded expectations, many times bigger than a similar event after the Westfield Bondi Junction stabbings last year.
“It’s just beautiful,” Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief Alex Ryvchin said.
“It’s a gorgeous day and you see that scene, I’ve seen paddle-outs before, but never of that size.”
Trent Knox, who runs the local 440 Run Club and helped organise the event, said more than 2,000 people attended.
“I was overwhelmed with the crowd,” Knox said.
“People from all walks of life were there, everyone. People who weren’t competent on a board just swam out.”
Knox said the paddle-out was coordinated alongside his friends Rabbi Joseph Eichenblett and David Solsky. Solsky said the turnout had strengthened connections between Jewish Australians and their neighbours.
“We are a community who, for the last few years, has felt quite isolated and alone, and to see this many people out on the beach, to hear the message of support is incredible,” he told Nine News.
The national response has extended well beyond Bondi. One of the world’s most senior Jewish leaders, Chief Rabbi to the UK and the Commonwealth Sir Ephraim Mirvis, travelled from London to Sydney to offer support to those affected.
“I came to Sydney to offer some encouragement to a community in mourning,” Sir Ephraim said before attending Sabbath services at the Great Synagogue of Sydney.
“Instead, they have taught me what courage truly looks like.”
Sir Ephraim said he had found resolve where there might have been despair, and hope where there might have been hatred.
“This is not a community asking, ‘why us?’ This is a community asking, ‘what now?’” he said.
A national day of mourning has been declared for tomorrow, Sunday December 21, marking one week since the attack. Flags will fly at half mast, buildings will be lit in yellow, and Australians have been encouraged to light a candle at 6.47pm as a quiet act of remembrance.
“This day is about standing with the Jewish community, wrapping our arms around them and all Australians sharing their grief,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.
Lights will beam into the sky above Bondi Pavilion, where tributes continue to be laid. NSW Premier Chris Minns said planning for a formal public service would take several weeks to ensure as many people as possible could attend.
Faith leaders have also mobilised in response. The NSW Faith Affairs Council held an emergency session the day after the attack, joined by Jewish leaders including Rabbi Nochum Schapiro of Chabad House and Rabbi Benjamin Elton of the Great Synagogue.
Rabbi Schapiro called for unambiguous support and asked Australians to do one mitzvah, an act of kindness or charity.
In response, the Faith Affairs Council launched the #OneMitzvahforBondi campaign, encouraging Australians to undertake one act of kindness and share it with the community. Making a donation, volunteering, caring for someone in need, or calling someone you have not spoken to for some time were the simple suggestions of good deeds anyone can do.
“At the core of our faith communities is a commitment to love and compassion,” Chair of the NSW Faith Affairs Council Right Rev Dr Michael Stead said.
“Our only response to this profound darkness can be with light,” President of the Rabbinical Council of NSW Rabbi Shua Solomon said.
Like what you’re reading? Support New England Times by making a small contribution today and help us keep delivering local news paywall-free. Donate now