Catholic Religious Australia (CRA), the peak representative body for the Leaders of Religious Institutes and Societies of Apostolic Life in Australia, expresses deep sorrow and distress over the antisemitic attack that occurred at a Chanukah celebration in Bondi, claiming many lives, leaving others injured and a community traumatised.

“We utterly condemn this hateful and violent attack on the Australian Jewish community,” said Br Gerard Brady cfc, President of CRA.

“All Australians should be safe to live out their faith. We are profoundly dismayed that on the first night of Chanukah, a joyous celebration of Jewish life in the public square, this horrendous act of religious and racial persecution has occurred,” he said.

“We stand in solidarity with the Australian Jewish community and offer our prayerful support in their time of grief and fear. We call for unity, dialogue and encounter amongst all Australians in the wake of this antisemitic attack, designed to fragment our precious multi-faith and multicultural society,” said Anne Walker, CRA National Executive Director.

“While the first day of Chanukah has been marked by this unspeakable act of terror, we also stand with the Jewish community to draw hope from the lighting of Chanukah candles, commemorating the miraculous endurance of the light. Together, we remember the God of light who drives out much darkness,” Anne concluded.

Download the media Release here.

MEDIA ENQUIRIES: Anne Walker | nationalexec@catholicreligious.org.au | +61 409 936 711