Josh Dolega (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise today in support of this motion and to join with my colleagues to send my love and support to those affected by the Bondi terrorist attack. Sunday 14 December marked the beginning of Hanukkah, a Jewish festival of lights and one of the holiest periods of the Jewish calendar. It should've been a joyful day filled with celebration, with love and with peace, when just before 7 pm, out of nowhere, came the most wicked, evil, tragic act of hatred—the worst terrorist attack in our nation's history. Two terrorists, who were driven by antisemitism and irrational hatred, brutally murdered 15 people who were loved and valued Australians and members of the Jewish community.

Boris and Sofia Gurman, Rabbi Eli Schlanger, Edith Brutman, Adam Smyth, Boris Tetleroyd, Marika Pogany, Peter Meagher, Dan Elkayam, Reuven Morrison, Tibor Weitzen, Alexander Kleytman, Rabbi Yaakov Levitan, Tania Tretiak and, of course, 10-year-old Matilda—these are not just names. They are people. They were mums, dads, sons, daughters, brothers and sisters, friends, colleagues, teachers, community leaders and children. They were deeply loved and respected members of their communities and their light will never be forgotten, yet the void that they leave behind will never subside.

At a time of darkness and in the face of true terror, ordinary Australians and first responders rushed towards danger, placing their own lives at risk by trying to save another life. Sadly, some people died or were injured trying to protect others. Their braveness and their selflessness in what was a terrifying and dangerous situation is nothing short of heroic.

To the police, to the paramedics and to everyone who helped save a life: thank you for your bravery.

I can't go without mentioning father of two Ahmed al-Ahmed, who ran into the jaws of danger to disarm one of the attackers. I remember watching the events on TV as they were unfolding and I was astounded by the sheer bravery of that man running in and taking a weapon, ready to take a bullet for another Australian. I've never seen such bravery in all of my life. Ahmed's actions were selfless and he saved countless lives. Mate, you are a hero and you have our thanks.

On Thursday 22 January, we will unite for a national day of mourning under the theme 'light will win'. Flags across the country will be flown at half-mast as we come together to mourn, to remember, to support one another and to support the Jewish community. Tasmanians are unfortunately all too familiar with hatred and gun violence following the Port Arthur massacre in 1996. As a country, we will never forget Port Arthur and we will never forget Bondi.

I extend my most heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the 15 Australians whose lives were taken far too soon. Each and every life that was lost represents a profound loss for Australia and a wound that will never heal. It's incumbent on us as elected representatives and as leaders to set an example of unity, of kindness and of dignity.

Australians must unite, and we must reject the often deliberate, targeted agendas that stoke division. It's time for the hatred and for the dog whistling to stop.

The impact of hate speech disproportionately harms our most vulnerable people, and, in this moment, the Jewish community are the most vulnerable people as well. But we also need to think about our children. Our children are less equipped to process fear, to process anger and grief, and the effects can stay with them long into their life after an incident has passed.

Every single person deserves to feel safe. We deserve to be respected, regardless of our race, of our religion, of our sexuality, of our gender or of our ability. An attack on one of us should be an attack on all of us. We are all equals. We need to reject division. Let's embrace each other. Kindness matters.