Australian diplomat Lyndall Sachs met with Chabad emissaries in Tel Aviv to deliver a message of solidarity in the wake of the Bondi Beach shooting.
She called the days of mourning for the attack "the darkest week in Australia's recent history," and said, "our dear Jewish community was a cruel target of a senseless act of violence, Australians are united in grief and solidarity with the Jewish community."
The ambassador added, "the destructive antisemitic attack at Bondi Beach was a targeted assault on Australian Jews on the first day of Hanukkah, at an iconic Australian place where people from around the world gathered in peace. Hanukkah should be a celebration of peace, and of light that conquers darkness. Instead, all Australians mourn, and we offer our deepest condolences to everyone who lost someone they love. Our thoughts and wishes are also with the injured."
"There is no place in Australia for antisemitism or hatred of any kind and we condemn it unequivocally. We will not allow evil and terror, hatred and violence to define us or divide us. The Australian government has acted decisively to combat antisemitism in Australia. But it is clear that more remains to be done. Australia will dedicate every resource required to ensure that Australian Jews are safe and protected."
"We must work together to reject all forms of antisemitism, prejudice and hatred. Education, ongoing community efforts and close coordination between civil society, institutions and technology companies are essential to limit the spread of hatred and to build social cohesion. Only through our joint efforts can we truly eradicate antisemitism and allow light to overcome darkness. We will forever remember those who lost their loved ones to this terrible antisemitic terrorist attack and we commend the bravery of those who stood courageously to defend them," she concluded.