Jana Stewart (Victoria, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise today to share my deepest condolences to the Jewish community after the devastating, targeted antisemitic attack at the Chanukah by the Sea event on 14 December, where 15 innocent people were murdered. From my family to yours, we are sorry for your profound loss and grief. As a First Nations woman, I'm aware of what happens when hatred moves to violence, when your identity and who you are becomes a reason you or your community are singled out and attacked. This type of hatred and violence causes deep and profound harm, and it is felt through generations. I say this not for whataboutism, but rather a shared experience of living in this country. And I share this to say that we see you and we stand with you. No-one should endure this.

To the victims and survivors of this antisemitic attack, their loved ones and all Jewish Australians, I stand in solidarity and grieve your unimaginable loss with you. Today, as many others have done, I remember the victims and pay tribute to their lives: little Matilda, the youngest victim of the attack; Dan Elkayam; Alexander Kleytman; Reuven Morrison; Rabbi Levitan; Rabbi Schlanger; Tibor Weitzen; Boris Tetleroyd; Adam Smyth; Tania Tretiak; Boris and Sofia Gurman; Peter Meagher; Edith Brutman and Marika Pogany.

Many of the 15 victims of the Bondi terrorist attack died trying to save others, shielding children, strangers, confronting the gunmen and selflessly putting themselves in harm's way. We have also heard many stories over the past month, and today in this parliament, of the people whose lives were cut short as active, proud members of the Jewish community in Bondi and beyond. We heard stories of them as friends, neighbours, colleagues, volunteers in their communities and beloved family members. May their memories always be a blessing.

I also wish to acknowledge those Australians who showed extraordinary courage in the face of danger. I recognise Ahmed al-Ahmed, who demonstrated incredible bravery to risk his life to disarm one of the gunmen, no doubt saving countless people. The many first responders, the police, the paramedics and the healthcare workers who responded swiftly and urgently to ensure no more blood was shed or innocent lives lost. To all the Australians who showed their outpouring of solidarity with the Jewish Australian community, from the vigils and tributes at Bondi and across Australia following the attack, to the thousands of Australians who queued for hours to give blood. Even during a horrifying time of darkness, evil and terror, Australians showed the true spirit of who we are by rallying together.

To honour the memories of the victims, we must ensure the true message of Hanukkah is not lost. Light must win over darkness, and unity over division. As parliament returns this week, we do so with a heavy heart but with a clear responsibility to pass laws which keep us safe and to stamp out racial hatred and antisemitism from our country.