Kate Chaney (Curtin, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

In the eight years I lived at Bondi Beach, I loved the mix of people that you would see on your average Friday night: surfers; city girls catching up in bars; blokes doing laps of the strip in their muscle cars; families of all faiths picnicking on the grass; tourists, fresh off the bus from the airport, feeling the sand between their toes; and Jewish locals walking quietly to shul. It was sometimes rowdy, but it was usually civil. It was the messy promise of multiculturalism and optimism that made me feel proud to be Australian.

The horrific antisemitic attack on 14 December was an attempt to break that promise—to frighten and divide us. Just as September 11 was an Islamic extremist attack at the symbolic heart of American capitalism, this was an attack at the symbolic heart of Australian pluralism and inclusion. It was an unspeakable horror to target Jewish Australians on the first night of Hanukkah, while they were celebrating the triumph of light over darkness. It confirmed the worst fears of Jewish Australians, who'd witnessed a rise in antisemitism in recent years, and it will remain a stain on our collective conscience.

Today is about remembering and honouring those who lost their lives on that day, as a step towards ensuring it will never happen again. I would like to express the deepest condolences, from myself and my community of Curtin, to the families, friends and communities of the 15 people who were killed that day. Each of their lives tells a story of kindness, connection and courage. They were parents, grandparents, children, brothers, sisters, neighbours and friends who gave to their communities, who built lives here, who loved and who were loved. Today we speak their names and remember them.

Boris and Sofia Gurman, married for 34 years, showed incredible bravery on the night, confronting, tackling and disarming one of the attackers, saving countless lives. Rabbi Eli Schlanger, who dedicated his life to community and family, served as a rabbi for 18 years and was head of the Chabad mission in Bondi. Boris Tetleroyd, described by family as a warm, generous and deeply sociable man, was someone who loved conversation, connection and helping others whenever he could. Reuven Morrison's daughter said of him: 'Everyone who knew him knew the incredible man that was just too big for this world—the light that he added, his absolute immense and endless generosity, his sense of humour.' Marika Pogany was a dedicated volunteer and delivered more than 12,000 kosher meals on wheels. Rabbi Yaakov Levitan was a deeply respected member of Sydney's Jewish community and served as secretary of Sydney Beth Din, the rabbinical court. Peter Meagher—'Marzo'—was a retired police detective and deeply valued member of the Randwick rugby club. His family have said: 'He was a cherished brother, husband and uncle whose kindness, generosity and love touched everyone who knew him.' Tibor Weitzen was a beloved grandfather and husband and a cherished member of the Bondi Chabad and Russian Jewish communities. He was killed while trying to shield a family friend. Alexander Kleytman had endured the horrors of the Holocaust as a child. Alex was killed while courageously shielding his wife during the attack. Frenchman Dan Elkayam was beginning to build a future and a family in Australia. His family have said: 'His smile could light up any room. He was pure joy—a beautiful and humble soul.' Adam Smyth was a kind and generous father of four children, caught in the attack with his wife, Katrina. Tania Tretiak was a grandmother attending Hanukkah with her family. She spent her final moments shielding a child from gunfire, displaying unimaginable courage. Ten-year-old Matilda was given the most Australian name her parents could think of after migrating from Ukraine. There is no greater tragedy than a life cut so drastically short. Edith Brutman was described by her family as a woman of integrity who chose humanity every day. She met prejudice with principle and division with service.

As we remember these 15 people, we cannot let those who seek to divide us and sow fear win. Instead, we honour the courage and care of so many that day, first responders and bystanders alike, and recognise the Australia we choose to be in these acts. As Rabbi Eli Schlanger's cousin said:

The world is a good place, and it's filled with billions of good people. We have to believe that the billions of good acts can dispel the darkness.

Faith leaders have asked that we do a mitzvah—an act of kindness—to honour those who we have lost. This act of light in the face of violence is a demonstration that, like Edith Brutman, we can and will choose humanity every day and that we can overcome antisemitism and all hatred and division. May their memories be a blessing.

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