Message from Our Chair

The recent mass shooting at Bondi Beach, which tragically targeted members of the Jewish community gathered for a Chanukah event, is a horrific and despicable act of violence that has profoundly shaken our nation.

This attack has inflicted immeasurable pain and trauma upon the victims, their families, and the wider Sydney community.

Our hearts are utterly broken for everyone affected.

The Jewish community asks for a powerful and positive show of solidarity from all Australians.

They encourage everyone to respond to this darkness by creating more light: by taking a moment to light a candle and performing an act of charity or kindness towards anyone in the broader community—not just within the Jewish faith.

As Buddhists, we wholeheartedly embrace this call, seeing it as a way to practise Metta (loving-kindness) and compassion, sending goodwill and peace to all those affected and helping to mend the fractured world around us.

In this time of sorrow, we stand with the community and we must work together to ensure all Australians are safe to practise their faith without fear.

We are resolute in supporting the community as they begin the long process of healing.