In addition to the horror of an attack on innocent civilians, part of what has made Sunday’s murderous attack on a Hanukkah event in Australia so shocking is the location of the atrocity itself. With its golden sands, Sydney’s Bondi Beach is not only a world-famous tourist draw, its laid-back atmosphere mirrors the country’s reputation as a safe, tolerant and increasingly diverse nation.
Such values are anathema to the two men who carried out Sunday’s shooting. Opening fire on the community gathering of more than 1,000 people, the gunmen killed at least 15 and injured 40 more, including two police officers. Many more people will have been deeply traumatised by this appalling violence. Police suspect a father and son were responsible, making this terrorist act even more disturbing.
The way in which the Bondi attack was planned and carried out – an indiscriminate shooting spree against a soft target – demonstrated a desire to kill as many people as possible. That the target was Australia’s small Jewish community highlights the curse of anti-Semitism that has been a part of many societies for far too long. Sadly, this repellent form of violent prejudice is on the rise.
Bondi beach hero identified as Syrian-Australian 00:44
A little over two months ago, two people died when a man drove a car into pedestrians and stabbed a security guard at a synago
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