Bondi Beach: Archbishop Timothy Costelloe calls on Australians to come together and ‘turn backs on violence’

One of Australia’s most senior Catholics has called on Australians to come together and “turn our backs on violence” in the wake of the horror Bondi Beach massacre.

At least 15 innocent people — including a 10-year-old girl — were killed and countless others injured, after two alleged gunmen opened fire at Chanukah by the Sea, which marked the start of the Jewish holiday, on Sunday afternoon.

Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe, who is also the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference president, issued a statement on Monday describing the shooting as a “tragedy beyond measure”.

“The violence and horror which descended upon Bondi on Sunday evening have shaken Australians to the core,” he said on Monday.

“The loss of innocent lives is a tragedy beyond measure. The families and loved ones of those who have died have had their world shattered.

“Many more people have suffered injuries, some of them very serious.”

Archbishop Costelloe said the “twisted motives” of the alleged terrorists were “clearly linked with the scourge of antisemitism”, adding that “nothing can ever justify this destructive violence”.

“This is a shocking and deeply distressing reality which calls into question our own understanding of ourselves as Australians,” he said.

“In a country which prides itself on its tolerance and open-hearted hospitality, this blind prejudice and hatred points to a dark and destructive stain in our society which threatens not just our Jewish brothers and sisters but, in fact, all of us.

“As our nation confronts this tragedy, we must work hard to ensure that the justifiable anger we feel does not breed even more violence and hatred.

“Our horror at what has happened must become the source of a determination to turn our backs on all acts of violence and blind hatred.”

Archbishop Costelloe commended emergency services and bystanders for their remarkable acts of courage, including father-of-two Ahmed al Ahmed who tackled a rifle out of the hands of one of the alleged shooters.

“Equally, the remarkable courage of the police and other first responders, and individual acts of bravery as people sought to protect each other, are a timely reminder of what is best in our Australian character,” he said.

“The hearts of all the people of this nation go out to the families of those who have died and to all those who have been injured.

“The prayers of all people of religious faith will accompany those who in the days, weeks and months ahead will be struggling with the physical, psychological and spiritual consequences of Sunday evening’s awful events.

“We entrust those who have died to the love and mercy of God, in praying for their family and friends and for all those who have suffered injuries of any kind.

“We join with all those who condemn such terrible violence and plead with all Australians to reject any impulse towards hatred and violence and instead to recommit ourselves to being peacemakers in our families, amongst our friends and in our wider society.”

Archbishop Costelloe will hold a special mass for Peace and Solidarity at St Mary’s Cathedral on Monday afternoon.

West Australians are also invited to pay tribute in a condolence book at the Government House ballroom from Monday morning.

Floral tributes can also be laid at Lady Kyle Gardens.

Governor Chris Dawson condemned the shooting as an “attack on the values of our country and the Australian people”.

“Australians all over our country are horrified at the attack on innocent people that took place in Bondi, New South Wales today,” he said on Monday.

“That the attack occurred in a place and at a time when families were celebrating a significant day of Chanukah for Australian Jewish people is a tragedy.

“The loss of lives and terrible wounding of innocent people and responding police officers requires us as a community to support all of those impacted.”

Mr Dawson expressed his support to WA’s Jewish community.

“We also have witnessed the bravery and selflessness of members of our community and our first responders, for which we offer our thanks and praise,” he said.

“This is a time when our community needs to come together, work and do as much as we can to support each other.”