Like everyone else, we are shocked and saddened by the shootings at Bondi. Our hearts go out to the families of the dead and injured and to all those plunged into tragedy at a time when their families and community members were happily gathered to celebrate the first day of Hanukkah or on duty, like the police officers. We join in Dr Elizabeth Smith’s prayer below, and hope that all of us can reach out across religions and cultures and unite in love and courage to oppose violent extremism in al its guises.
We cry out to you, O God,
in shock and grief
in the wake of the violence at Bondi Beach.
Hold in your eternal love the people who were killed.
Surround their families and friends with compassion
in the depths of their sorrow.
Hold in your care the survivors, the injured,
and all who witnessed the attacks.
Guide the authorities responsible for investigating
what happened,
and how to prevent such devastation
from ever happening again.
Have mercy on all who are afraid.
Give courage.
Have mercy on all who are in grief.
Give comfort.
Have mercy on all who are in pain.
Give healing.
Stir up Australians of all faiths and none
to stand in solidarity with our Jewish neighbours.
Make us builders of a community
where everyone has safety, and dignity, and peace.
Amen.
By Dr Elizabeth Smith