The Law Society of New South Wales has strongly condemned the terror attack at Bondi Beach, describing the violence as “antisemitic and hate-fuelled” and expressing solidarity with the Jewish community following the deadly disruption of a Hanukkah celebration.
In a statement issued after the attack, Law Society President Jennifer Ball said the solicitor profession was deeply shocked by the violence that claimed multiple lives and injured others at one of Sydney’s most cherished public spaces.
“I share the shock and distress of the community at yesterday’s violence at Bondi Beach,” Ball said. “On behalf of the solicitor profession of NSW, I offer deepest condolences to families and loved ones of those who were killed during this horrific event, and hope for the best recovery possible for those who were injured.”
The attack occurred during Hanukkah, a Jewish festival symbolising the triumph of light over darkness. Ball said the incident had “shattered the peace” of the iconic location and sent shockwaves through the legal profession.
“Members of our state’s solicitor profession are drawn from every background in our community, including the Jewish community. We join all Australians in standing with them,” she said.
In a statement this morning, the Law Society of Western Australia echoed the condemnation, saying: “We join with our sister organisation, the Law Society of New South Wales, in condemning last night’s terror attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney, claiming multiple lives during a Hanukkah celebration. Last night’s events tear at the heart of Australian society. We offer our deepest sympathies to all those affected, including those in the WA legal community with friends, family or colleagues impacted in NSW.”
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Executive Council of Australian Jewry said, “The shooting attack targeted the Jewish community but it took place at Bondi Beach, the people’s beach, on what should have been a carefree summer’s day. It was an attack on all Australians, our freedoms and our way of life.”
