In a solemn address to the Western Australian Parliament, Perth Lord Mayor and Liberal MP Basil Zempilas has issued a powerful call for national leadership and moral clarity following the devastating terrorist attack at Bondi Beach.
A Nation in Mourning After Bondi Tragedy
Zempilas delivered a formal condolence motion on Tuesday, expressing profound grief for what he described as the worst terrorist attack on Australian soil. The attack, which targeted a Hanukkah celebration, claimed 15 innocent lives and left 29 people injured. Zempilas extended his deepest sympathies to the victims, their families, the injured, and the emergency responders who faced the atrocity.
He emphasised that the nation stands united with Jewish communities across Australia, from New South Wales to his home state of Western Australia. The victims were murdered during what should have been a peaceful and joyous event at an iconic Australian location.
Remembering the Victims and Heroes
Zempilas honoured the 13 victims whose names have been released, painting a picture of a vibrant community loss. The list includes Holocaust survivor Edith Brutman, community leaders like Rabbi Yaakov Levitan and Rabbi Eli Schlanger, police officer Peter Meagher, and ten-year-old Matilda.
Among the 29 injured, many are fighting for their lives. Zempilas paid special tribute to the bravery of those who ran towards danger, including Ahmed al Ahmed, who disarmed one of the gunmen. He also recognised the police, paramedics, surf lifesavers, and bystanders who risked their own safety to help others.
A Call for Action Against Anti-Semitic Hate
The WA MP condemned the attack as a premeditated act of anti-Semitism taken to its most vile conclusion. He quoted Dr Dvir Abramovich, Chair of the Anti-Defamation Commission, who stated the atrocity came with "logistics, with a schedule, with a reloading plan."
Zempilas argued that this violence is nurtured by hatred that is excused or tolerated. He insisted there can be no explaining away or contextualising such evil. The time has come, he declared, for strength in leadership and concrete action, not mere platitudes.
He urged governments to urgently consider the recommendations of Jillian Segal, the Special Envoy for Anti-Semitism. Zempilas concluded with a message of solidarity, stating that Australia must harness the outpouring of love and support to ensure the country is unified, not divided, by this atrocity. He vowed to stand with the Jewish community today, tomorrow, and always.
