Opinion: Joey Sacharow
“Australia has a choice to make.
Its character — for generations to come — will be defined by its response to the Bondi Beach shooting.
And I’m not talking about just Australia’s government.
It’s in the hands of every Australian, not just politicians, to decide the country’s direction.
Australia’s deadliest terrorist attack wasn’t random. It was an intentional massacre of Jews during a holiday celebration. That must be stated clearly.
Because no society is judged by how it treats its majority — but by how safe its minorities feel.
Right now, Australian Jews don’t feel safe.
There is still time however to turn the ship around.
Australia is a great country and its core values haven’t changed because of Bondi. Most Australians still believe in inclusion, security, and dignity for all.
But the silent majority must speak. The hate behind the attack grew in Australia’s backyard — and it didn’t happen overnight.
This is my plea to every true blue Aussie who believes in their country:
Stand up. Call out hate wherever you see it. Help make Australia a safe place for everyone, regardless of their race, religion, or politics.
And more than ever, stand with your Jewish mates.
What happens next will say more about Australia than the attack itself.”
About the Authors: Joey Sacharow is an Israeli Advisor & Program Manager (Australia & New Zealand) | Strategic Partnerships & Diaspora Engagement.
