The Edinburgh interfaith Association’s Statement on the Shooting at the Bondi Beach during Chanukah Celebrations

We condemn and are deeply saddened by the tragic events at Bondi Beach resulting in the killing of 16 innocent Jewish people during the Chanukah celebrations. Our thoughts, love, and prayers are with the innocent victims and their families. Chanukah teaches us that light may be kindled precisely from within darkness. One light during this tragedy was the courageous actions of Ahmed Al-Ahmed, a Syrian Muslim, who saved many Jewish lives. It also served to remind us that we should not let others use this tragic event as a weapon for extremists in order to blame whole communities and sow divisions. Ahmed, and other Australians of different faiths and backgrounds, ran towards danger in order to protect others. We must all collectively work to cultivate the love, respect, and courage that they demonstrated towards their fellow humans, and in doing so, honour the victims of Bondi Beach by ensuring that Jewish and other minorities worldwide are able to enjoy their festivities and indeed their lives in safety and without fear.