Our thoughts are with the families and friends of those killed at Bondi Beach on Sunday, December 14, and with everyone in Sydney, Australia, shaken by this horrific attack – in particular the Jewish community, which was targeted during a Hanukkah gathering. We mourn the victims, share in the grief of their loved ones, and stand in solidarity with all those who are feeling fear, anger, or distress in the wake of this violence.

We unequivocally condemn antisemitism and all forms of political or identity-based violence. Attacks on people because of who they are, what they believe, or how they worship are an assault on the most basic principles of human dignity and democratic life. Jewish communities, like all communities, have the right to gather, celebrate, and live without fear.

At the same time, it is essential that this tragedy is not instrumentalised. The investigation must be allowed to proceed independently and thoroughly, and the courts must be allowed to do their work. Justice requires facts, due process, and accountability – not speculation, collective blame, or political opportunism.

We reject any attempt to use this attack to stigmatise entire communities, inflame hatred, or deepen social divisions. Equally, we oppose efforts to exploit this violence as a pretext to crack down on peaceful protest, civil liberties, or basic democratic freedoms. History shows that responding to terror with repression only multiplies injustice and insecurity.

The appropriate response is solidarity, calm, and a firm commitment to protecting both safety and freedom. We stand for a society in which violence and hatred are confronted without sacrificing the rights, pluralism, and democratic values that bind us together.

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