Healing and Unity: How to Support Communities After the Bondi Beach Attack
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Following the devastating attack on Australia’s jewish community at Bondi Beach that claimed the lives of 15 people, many are grappling with feelings of helplessness and uncertainty about how to offer support. experts emphasize that even small acts of kindness and connection can make a significant difference in the wake of such trauma.
Understanding the Initial Response
The immediate aftermath of a violent event often brings a wave of complex emotions. Christopher Hall, CEO at Grief Australia, explains that a sense of “powerlessness and helplessness” is a common reaction. though, he stresses the possibility of channeling these feelings into constructive support.
Amanda Gordon,a Jewish clinical psychologist in Sydney,and founder of bereavement counselling service Chesed,now run by JewishCare NSW,describes the initial response as one of shock and disbelief. She notes the importance of allowing space for grief and avoiding pressure to “move on” prematurely.
Julian Leeser, executive officer at the Jewish Council of Australia, emphasizes the need for a unified community response. “We need a collective community response to these horrific events,” he stated. the council has been overwhelmed with messages of support from across various communities, including Christian, Muslim, Palestinian, and Arab groups, highlighting existing alliances.
Kaiser urges individuals to reach out to those affected,simply letting them know they are in your thoughts. He stresses the importance of responding with “love, and solidarity and unity,” and cautions against allowing the tragedy to fuel further division or racism. “Racism can’t be solved with more racism,” he warned.
The Power of Acknowledgment and Connection
Gordon highlights the importance of validating the experiences of those grieving. Many simply want their pain to be acknowledged and understood. She also notes the unusual outpouring of support from non-jewish communities, describing it as “amazing.” She encourages individuals to actively stand up against antisemitism and extend kindness to neighbors from diverse backgrounds.
Practical Ways to Offer Support
Beyond words of comfort, practical assistance is also vital. Kaiser points to increased blood donations – with the Red Cross’s Lifeblood Service reporting the largest response since the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires – as a tangible example of community support. He also mentions the meaningful gesture of placing a candle in one’s window as a symbol of remembrance.
Hall suggests attending vigils, donating to relevant charities – such as fundraisers for Ahmed Al Ahmed, the bystander who bravely disarmed one of the attackers – or simply checking in on Jewish friends and colleagues. “It might be checking in on Jewish friends or colleagues. Without asking to educate or explain, just to simply say, ‘I am thinking of you’. ‘I’m here if you woudl like company,'” he advises. Volunteering time and resources can also help to combat “compulsive rumination” and support the grieving process.
Extending Support Across Cultures
The need for connection extends beyond the Jewish community. Imam Ahmed Abdo, chairman of the Council of Imams NSW, emphasizes the importance of communities “putting labels aside” and supporting one another. drawing on the experience of the Christchurch massacre in New Zealand, he stated, “we want to make sure we are in complete support for our brothers and sisters in the Jewish community who were celebrating their festival of light.”
Abdo also acknowledges reports of harassment and abuse directed toward members of the Muslim community and urges people to offer support.Simple acts of neighborliness – offering to walk with someone or run an errand – can provide reassurance and demonstrate solidarity.
Kaiser advises mindful engagement with news and social media, cautioning against “doomscrolling.” He encourages people to prioritize genuine connection through face-to-face interactions, phone calls, and conversations.
Ultimately, supporting communities affected by tragedy is about fostering connection, offering compassion, and reaffirming shared humanity. It’s a reminder that even in the face of unimaginable loss, acts of kindness and unity can illuminate the path toward healing.
