In the wake of the tragic terror attack at Bondi, it is easy to feel helpless. Here are some simple tips to show allyship and support to the Jewish community during this time.
1. Reach out to your Jewish friends and colleagues
Sometimes we feel like we don’t know what to say to people in the event of such an unbearable tragedy. Keep it simple – let people know you are thinking of them, that what happened was not OK, and that you are sending your care and support to the Jewish community. Text messages and email are effective ways to do this.
2. Light a candle and pray
Rabbi Nochum Shapiro from Sydney’s North Shore Jewish community urged allies to light a candle in their own homes. Hanukkah celebrates the triumph of light over darkness and evil. Candles are a visual reminder of this. Keep the victims and your families in your prayers. You may like to pray Psalm 20 or 91 and hold a moment of silence for the victims.
3. Do an act of kindness each day
Create a culture of kindness in our communities with reference to the victims of Sunday’s attack, to create ripples of hope, connection and generosity. Rabbi Zalman Kastel, Founder of Together For Humanity, cited the Mishna; “One good deed (Mitzva) leads to another Mitzva” (Pirkey Avot 4:2).
4. Give blood
The Red Cross has called for urgent blood donations. This is such a powerful way to give of yourself during this time if you are so able. Go to lifeblood.com.au for more information.
5. Give charity
Consider contributing to reputable charitable organisations providing support to victims and their families.
6. Be a good digital citizen
Be discerning in your online conduct – comment, like and share content that preserves human dignity of all communities. Don’t repost misinformation or content online that conveys hate speech, personally demeaning comments, or prejudice towards other communities.
7. Practise self-care
Violence can trigger trauma responses which can affect your mental health or behaviour. Take care of yourself and others by checking in, holding space for dialogue and reaching out. For mental health and crisis support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or text 0477 131 114.
8. Stay connected
It’s important in our diverse and multicultural community that we stay connected and unified. Interfaith and intercultural learning can help us better understand our Jewish communities, and be more effective allies in the face of hate speech, racism and antisemitism. Organisations like Together for Humanity can support this type of learning and connection in schools and communities.
9. Learn about Jewish perspectives and stories
Rabbi Eli Schlanger, one of the victims of Sunday’s attack, was dedicated to educating non-Jewish people about Jewish teachings that relate to all people, such as the seven Noahide commandments. You might also join one of the Interfaith Commission’s Human Library events to learn more about Jewish beliefs, lived experiences and perspectives.
10. Attend a service, ceremony or event to commemorate the victims and show solidarity with the Jewish community.
Kate Xavier is the Chair of the Diocese of Parramatta’s Interfaith Commission, and a member of the NSW Faith Affairs Council and Professional Learning Lead at Together for Humanity. She has worked with Jewish communities for decades, co-designing antisemitism and anti-prejudice programs for students, teachers and community.
