Amanda Rishworth (Kingston, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations) Share this | Hansard source

Today, our parliament comes together not only in sorrow and solidarity but also with resolution for action in our hearts. The antisemitic terrorist attack at Bondi on 14 December was a horrific assault on the Jewish Australian community. But it was also an attack on the Australia that we know and cherish—an Australia where people of all faiths and backgrounds can gather freely, celebrate openly and live without fear. What happened on that first night of Hanukkah has shaken our country. But the message of Hanukkah is that light will always overcome darkness, and, even in the darkness of that moment, we saw humanity, courage and community.

Today, we honour and remember those who were murdered on that tragic day: Boris Gurman, Sofia Gurman, Boris Tetleroyd, Reuven Morrison, Edith Brutman, Marika Pogany, Dan Elkayam, Rabbi Eli Schlanger, Rabbi Yaakov Levitan, Peter Meagher, Alex Kleytman, Tibor Weitzen, Adam Smyth, Tania Tretiak and, of course, little Matilda. They were mothers, fathers, children, grandparents, community leaders, volunteers and sports fans. I didn't know them personally, yet they were not strangers. They were just like you and me. They were just like millions of Australians. They had family who loved them. They had friends who celebrated them. They had hopes and dreams that were as ordinary and precious as our own.

These terrible acts have tried to fracture us—to make us afraid of each other. But they will not succeed, because what we share as Australians is so much stronger than anything that could divide us: it is a common sense of decency and humanity. We saw strangers run towards danger, without hesitation, to protect others. We saw bystanders holding each other, offering first aid and comforting people they had never met before. We saw communities from all backgrounds and walks of life gathering to mourn together. For many of the victims and their families before them, Australia represented safe refuge—a place to live, work and worship in peace. They built a life here, raised family and formed friendships and communities. And this has all been ripped away by hate-fuelled extremism.

I think of those who are now left with a hole that can never be filled. But their contributions and their memories will endure. That Hanukkah gathering beside the sea was meant to be a celebration of light and togetherness, so let us carry that light forward, because the light will prevail. Our strength lies in unity—in nurturing the bonds we build every day with our neighbours, with our colleagues, with our friends and with strangers on the street.

The people who died at Bondi were part of the fabric of our national life. We honour them by standing up against antisemitism, prejudice and hate. Today, we commit to action to eradicate those evils, and we vow to stand together, holding fast to the best of the Australian spirit.

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