Socialist Alliance condemns killings at Hanukkah event in Bondi

Socialist Alliance expresses its full solidarity with the victims and survivors of the horrific December 14 massacre at Bondi Beach on Gadigal Country.

The mass shooting at a Chanukah event targeted people of Jewish faith while at a religious festival. Antisemitism, like all forms of racism, is utterly repugnant.

The Jewish community, like all those who face racism, should all be able to gather, and practice their culture, in safety.

This is also a further trauma for members of the Bondi community, so soon after the Bondi Junction mass stabbing event.

Among those who acted bravely in response to massacre was Ahmed al Ahmed, who risked his life to disarm one of the gunmen. This shows the human spirit of solidarity that can guide people's lives, regardless of religious, ethnic or national background.

We condemn in the strongest terms far-right racist figures such as Pauline Hanson and Bob Katter who have tried to exploit this tragedy to whip demonise and scapegoat other people in our community.

Likewise we condemn the reprehensible comments by Jillian Segal claiming that peaceful activity in defence of international law and human rights, including for the Palestinian people, in any way contributed to the tragedy. This is a vile slur and confirmation that Anthony Albanese should remove Segal from her position immediately.

We oppose racism in all its forms. Together we can make Australia a place where all people can live their lives to their full potential regardless of race, religion or ethnicity.