In the wake of the shocking and despicable anti-Semitic attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach over the weekend, legal member associations and advocates have condemned the violence and are offering support to lawyers across the community.
Editor's note: This story has been updated to include a joint statement from Victorian bodies.
On Sunday (14 December), a terror attack was launched at Bondi Beach against Sydney’s Jewish community, which was gathered at the iconic setting for a Hanukkah celebration, Chanukah by the Sea. As of the time of writing this story, at least 16 people have been confirmed dead, including a child and one of the two alleged shooters, while at least 38 people are injured.
NSW Police has confirmed the attack as a terrorist incident, which the state’s Premier Chris Minns has said was designed to target the Jewish community.
In a statement issued on Monday (15 December), Law Society of NSW president Jennifer Ball said: “I share the shock and distress of the community at yesterday’s violence at Bondi Beach. Anti-Semitic and hate-fuelled actions of any kind are to be condemned.
“On behalf of the solicitor profession of NSW, I offer deepest condolences to families and loved ones of those who were killed during this horrific event, and hope for the best recovery possible for those who were injured.
“Members of our state’s solicitor profession are drawn from every background in our community, including the Jewish community. We join all Australians in standing with them.
“Bondi Beach is a place of joy, where people from all over Australia and around the world have made precious memories. The shattering of the peace yesterday, during a festival celebrating the triumph of light over darkness, will likely stay with many of those present for the remainder of their lives.”
Ball went on to note that the Law Society of NSW has extended its Solicitor Outreach Service (SOS) – ordinarily available to all NSW solicitors – to the broader legal profession, including legal professionals, support workers, and family members affected by the incident.
Users can, she said, access free 24/7 telephone crisis counselling, as well as free individual therapy sessions, with registered psychologists, all of which is delivered by independent third-party providers.
NSW Bar Association president Dominic Toomey SC offered his deepest condolences to those affected by the “despicable act of terrorist violence”.
“This reprehensible attack during the celebration of Hanukkah is a tragedy for those of the Jewish faith and the broader community of which we are all part. Jewish members of the Bar, and the wider Jewish community, have the association’s full support,” he said.
Toomey noted that confidential and independent counselling is available to NSW barristers and their families by contacting BarCare, and reminded members of state government-provided mental health support, including trained disaster mental health support clinicians, as well as the NSW Police’s Public Information and Inquiry Centre for information relating to people impacted by the incident.
“Members are encouraged to offer any assistance to those who may be suffering, and to stay connected with colleagues, friends, and family as the end of the year approaches,” he said.
The Australian Bar Association acknowledged “with deep sorrow the tragic events which unfolded” on Sunday.
“Our thoughts are with the families and friends who lost loved ones in yesterday’s horrific attack and with its survivors who will bear the scars for many years,” it said in its statement.
“We stand with the members of Australia’s Jewish community who were the direct targets of this terrible attack. Jewish Australians are entitled to live in a society free from fear, intimidation, and violence. Yesterday’s senseless attack was an attack on the values and way of life of all Australians.”
The ABA also acknowledged Jewish members of the national bar, and particularly those Jewish members of the New South Wales Bar, who have been directly impacted by the attack.
“We acknowledge the pain and suffering that their families are enduring and want to assure them of our unqualified support at this difficult time. [We are] committed to upholding the rule of law and to fostering a tolerant, diverse and respectful Australian society. Antisemitism and racism are completely unacceptable and have no place in our society.”
In a joint statement, the Victorian Legal Services Board and Commissioner, the Law Institute of Victoria, the Victorian Bar and the Legal Practitioners’ Liability Committee said they were “united in our shock and sorrow”.
“Our thoughts are with the victims, their families and all those who have been tragically affected by this abhorrent violence. This has particularly impacted the Jewish community of Sydney and across Australia, a community that is an integral and cherished part of our multicultural society,” the bodies said.
“We stand in solidarity with the Jewish community and all who have been affected by this senseless violence. Everyone has the right to safety, security and freedom from fear. We condemn these acts of antisemitism, extremism and violence in the strongest possible terms. We reaffirm our commitment to the rule of law, which underpins the safety and security of all in Australia.”
“We are united in our resolve that such acts of violence and hate will not undermine the values of inclusion and fundamental freedoms, including of religion and other rights, which define our community,” the joint statement read.
Elsewhere, the Human Rights Law Centre condemned the anti-Semitic attack and offered its deepest condolences and sympathies to the victims, families and communities impacted, especially the Jewish community.
“We condemn the anti-Semitic mass shooting which has killed at least 16 people and injured dozens more. The perpetrators of the attack must be held accountable,” the centre said.
“Everyone has the right to practice their faith in safety, free from intimidation, harassment, or violence. What was supposed to be a day of peaceful, happy celebrations for thousands of people to mark the first day of Hanukkah has been scarred by hate.
“Anti-Semitic violence is an attack on our collective values of justice, equity, and inclusion. Such acts of hate and racism have no place in our society. We stand with Jewish communities and everyone impacted across Australia in mourning.”
Jerome Doraisamy is the managing editor of Lawyers Weekly and HR Leader. He is also the author of The Wellness Doctrines book series, an admitted solicitor in New South Wales, and a board director of the Minds Count Foundation.
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