Share this @internewscast.com
Bart Shteinman, an executive member of the Jewish Council of Australia, expressed that the magnitude and intensity of the recent attack were beyond what most Jewish individuals could have ever anticipated.
“In Australia, almost every Jewish person knows someone who had a loved one or a friend involved in this tragic event, and many of us are aware of individuals who have lost their dear ones,” Shteinman shared with SBS News.
The Jewish Council is urging everyone to participate by lighting a candle in memory of the deceased and in support of their families.
People are seen embracing after placing flowers at a memorial outside Bondi Pavilion. Source: AAP / Mark Baker/AP
“We encourage individuals to share this act on social media, using it as an opportunity to express solidarity with the Jewish community and everyone affected by this catastrophe,” Shteinman added.
Get in touch with community members
Sharma said at times like this, members of the community would be asking questions about whether they belong in Australia.
“As we see by how all Australians are reacting, we see it as an attack on Australia and the sort of fundamental values that underpin our society — our multi-faith society of respect, tolerance, diversity, and fundamentally a peaceful and respectful attitude towards one’s fellow citizens,” he said.
“The Jews of Australia are absolutely the most loyal, committed Australians, and they need to be supported in everything that they do, their professional work, their social work, their communal work.”
Blood donation website crashes
“They did an incredible job, but they need your help. They need blood.”
NSW Premier Chris Minns (centre) said people looking for something practical could donate blood. Source: AAP / Mick Tsikas
The response from Australians has been so overwhelming that it crashed the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood website.
“It’s important to note that we do need blood donors every day, and so if you can’t get in this week … Christmas is a particularly critical time of year, and we’d encourage people to look ahead and book maybe next week or the week after, when blood donations will also be urgently needed.”
