The Bondi Pavilion has become a poignant site of remembrance, with flowers, a hanukiah, and Jewish memorial candles placed in honour of the victims of the Bondi beach Hanukkah shooting on 14 December. The community's grief is palpable, captured in images of the tributes left at the iconic location.
A Time for Mourning, Not Division
In the raw aftermath of the terror attack, former New South Wales magistrate David Heilpern has issued a powerful plea for unity and reflection. He argues that this is a moment, above all else, to support the bereaved families, friends, and the wider Jewish community. The fundamental right to life was taken from children, Holocaust survivors, and religious leaders simply because they were Jewish.
Heilpern is unequivocal about what this period is not for. It is not the time, he states, to blame Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for foreign policy decisions, to stifle legitimate criticism of Israel under the pretence of combating antisemitism, or to hastily investigate intelligence services. Furthermore, he warns against diluting democracy with reactionary laws, banning protests, or politicising the tragedy by advocating for a religion-based immigration system.
Rejecting Opportunism and False Narratives
The article specifically calls out the behaviour of politicians Pauline Hanson and Barnaby Joyce at the Bondi vigil, accusing them of turning tragedy into opportunism. Heilpern also firmly dismisses conspiracy theories about 'false flags' or Mossad involvement, and urges against immediately pivoting the conversation to conflicts in Gaza or Sudan.
"Please take a breath and say that right now Jewish lives matter. Just that. Unequivocal," he writes, emphasising that deeper lessons and discussions can come later. The immediate focus must be on compassion and solidarity.
A Path Forward Through Compassion
Heilpern suggests that in the shadow of this violence, close to Christmas, there is a dual imperative: to hold loved ones closer and to question deeply. He encourages people to reach out to Jewish friends, acquaintances, or even strangers with a simple message of support and solidarity.
Reflecting on his own response, Heilpern describes meditating in a garden below his law school at Southern Cross University, where 35 trees were planted for the victims of the Port Arthur massacre. He sees in their now-mature growth a lesson in resilience and time. His hope is that the nation can rise above the horror and shame to become stronger, with less hatred and more compassion.
The overarching message is clear: this is a moment for the country to stand together, reject division, and affirm the value of every life before the necessary, but more complex, conversations begin.
