Queensland in Lockdown as Jewish Community Mourns: “Calm But Vigilant” Warning Issued After Bondi Massacre Leaves 15 Dead
- Fifteen people killed in terror attack targeting Jewish patrons at Hanukkah event in Bondi on Sunday evening
- No public Hanukkah events to be held in Queensland on Monday, with authorities ramping up security at places of worship
- Acting Queensland Police Commissioner Cheryl Scanlon urges public to remain “calm but vigilant” amidst fears of retaliation or retribution
In the aftermath of the horrific mass shooting that left 15 innocent lives lost and a community shattered, Queensland is reeling in shock and grief. The Jewish community has been plunged into mourning, with all public Hanukkah events cancelled for Monday in the wake of the terror attack that targeted Jewish patrons in Bondi on Sunday evening.
As authorities scrambled to respond to the crisis, Acting Queensland Police Commissioner Cheryl Scanlon issued a stark warning to the public, urging them to remain “calm but vigilant” amidst fears of retaliation or retribution. “There is no place for either retaliation or retribution,” she declared, as the state’s threat level remains at probable.
In a heart-wrenching development, Queensland Jewish Board of Deputies president Jason Steinberg revealed that a decision had been made, in consultation with police, not to hold any public Hanukkah events on Monday. A large celebration had been due to take place on the Gold Coast for the second night of the festival.
Steinberg expressed his gratitude to police for their offer of extra security at synagogues around the state and called for people to be “sensitive” to Jewish places of worship. “We’re in a heightened space of awareness and security within our community,” he said, echoing the sentiments of many who have been warning of a rise in antisemitism across the community in recent years.
As the sun rose over Brisbane on Monday, dozens of people gathered at the Brisbane Synagogue to pay their respects, laying floral tributes and offering messages of support to the Jewish community. “It really shocked me, what happened,” said Kirsty Kahler, a local resident who attended the synagogue to show her solidarity. “I think this is a time to come together and to remember what Australia is founded on … we should care for one another, absolutely irrelevant what our religious beliefs are.”
In a gesture of unity, landmarks across Brisbane will “glow bright” on Monday evening, with Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner declaring that the city chooses “light over darkness”. Flags are flying at half-mast across the state, as Queenslanders come to terms with the devastating loss of life and the trauma inflicted on the Jewish community.
As the investigation into the attack continues, authorities are working closely with the Jewish community to ensure their safety and security. Further meetings between Jewish community groups and the QPS are expected to be held throughout Monday afternoon, as the state grapples with the aftermath of this shocking attack.