Amnesty International Australia condemns the shocking, targeted terrorist attack carried out on the evening of Sunday 14 December against members of the Jewish community during a festival celebration marking the first day of Hanukkah in Bondi.
We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of people who were killed, to all who were injured, and to the Jewish community in Australia who are grieving in the wake of this devastating act of violence.
We unequivocally condemn this antisemitic mass shooting, which has taken the lives of 15 people and caused immense harm and trauma to many others. Acts of terrorism, racism and violence are an affront to our shared humanity. We stand in solidarity with the Jewish community and mourn alongside them. We condemn antisemitism and all forms of racist hatred.
Amnesty International Australia urges politicians, the public and community leaders to reject attempts to place blame on entire communities or to use this tragedy to fuel further racism or division. We caution against knee-jerk responses that scapegoat communities, undermine the right to protest, or seek to justify discriminatory measures such as calls to restrict or target immigration on the basis of religion, race or nationality.
We call on the Australian Government to take a strong, clear and principled stance against racism and hate in all its forms, and to support meaningful and community-led anti-racism initiatives nationwide.
We call for justice to be upheld for all victims, and for those responsible for this attack to be held fully accountable. Everyone has the right to practise their faith safely and freely, without fear of intimidation, harassment or violence.
Amnesty International is a global movement of more than 10 million people who take injustice personally. We are campaigning for a world where human rights are enjoyed by all – and we can only do it with your support.
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