This Felt Inevitable: Australian Jews Reflect on Rising Antisemitism and Predictable Violence
The Atmosphere of Bondi Beach: A Scene of Tragedy
In the vibrant coastal community of Bondi Beach, a profound silence envelops the usually bustling streets. The sun bathes the area in light, but the waves are deserted and lifeguards stand guard over an empty shore. Helicopters buzz overhead, a stark reminder of the terror that unfolded just a day prior during a Jewish festival, where two gunmen opened fire, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 15 lives and injuries to over 40 others.
Left behind are beach chairs, crumpled towels, and innocent children’s sandals, all discarded in a panicked escape from what is now being labeled Australia’s deadliest terror attack. Flowers and heartfelt tributes are accumulating along the footpath, where shocked locals gather, expressions of disbelief etched on their faces.
Growing Fear Among Australian Jews: This Felt Inevitable
The agony and fear felt by the Jewish community in Australia are palpable. I’ve grown up in fear my whole life, expressed 22-year-old Jess, a sentiment that resonates deeply in the community. For many, this attack is not merely shocking but rather a heartbreaking culmination of escalating antisemitism that has permeated Australian society. Our innocence is over, lamented Yvonne Harber, who gathered at Bondi Beach to mourn the devastating events of the previous day. She likened this moment to the aftermath of the Port Arthur massacre in 1996, which pushed Australia towards significant gun reform.
As the Australian Jewish community trudges through the aftermath of the attack, pain amplifies as they search for the missing and mourn the deceased. Among the fatalities is Rabbi Eli Schlanger, a prominent local leader, whose family is now enduring unimaginable sorrow.
The Intensifying Climate of Antisemitism in Australia
Alex Ryvchin, co-CEO of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, captured the essence of the tragedy when he described the youngest victim, a 10-year-old girl named Matilda, saying, Her only crime was being Jewish. Additionally, he mourned the loss of a Holocaust survivor who had once braved the horrors of the past only to fall victim to this senseless violence in Australia.
For weeks leading up to the attack, the Executive Council had been ringing alarm bells about a spike in antisemitic incidents since the October 7 assault on Israel by Hamas and the ensuing conflict in Gaza. They assert that the authorities failed to act on these warnings, a sentiment echoed by Ryvchin who expressed both numbness and anguish. This was our worst fear, yet it felt beyond the realm of possibility, he stated.
Government Response and Accountability
In the wake of the tragedy, inquiries into why preventative measures were not enacted have been persistent. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, along with state leaders, faced scrutiny regarding their handling of the increasing violence against the Jewish community. There has been a disturbing rise in antisemitic offenses in Australia—including synagogue arson in Melbourne, vandalism against Jewish MPs, and inflammatory protests organized by neo-Nazi factions.
As locals gathered at Bondi Pavilion to honor the victims, Albanese condemned the attack, referring to it as an act of pure evil and an act of antisemitism. He listed measures introduced by his government aimed at addressing this issue, such as establishing a federal police task force to investigate antisemitic incidents and amendments to hate crime laws that impose mandatory sentences for hate symbols and terror offenses.
Community Resilience Amidst Grief
However, words alone seem insufficient for many. Nadine Saachs, draped in an Israeli flag alongside her sister, expressed disdain for the government’s perceived lack of urgency in combating the growing tide of hatred. If they had put their foot down straight away, this would not have happened,” she said.
As the community mourns, the realities of violence have prompted serious discussions about public safety, collective memory, and the implications of unresolved tensions. Many Australians are calling for stricter gun control measures, reminiscent of the reforms instituted after the Port Arthur massacre.
Solidarity and Hope
Despite the overwhelming despair, a spirit of solidarity has emerged. In a remarkable display of community support, hundreds flocked to blood banks after a call for donations to assist the injured, including a heroic bystander who intervened during the attack. As individuals lined up to give blood, sentiments of unity and national identity flourished.
Australia has your back, stated Alex Gilders, a young local who hopes that the outpouring of compassion will serve as a source of comfort for the Jewish community.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead
As the dust settles on this tragic event in Bondi Beach, the growing antisemitism within Australia raises crucial questions about the future. The painful awareness that such violence can occur in what many consider a safe haven is a harsh reality for Australian Jews. Reflecting on the sentiments shared by many, it becomes clear that this moment serves not only as a reminder of deep-seated biases but also highlights the necessity for collective action, dialogue, and tangible change as the community seeks healing and justice in the aftermath of this attack.