Diocesan News
A message from Bishop Paul Bird CSsR in response to the tragic event at Bondi:
I have spoken with John Abraham, President of the Ballarat Hebrew Congregation, to express support for the Jewish community in Ballarat and beyond.
John is very appreciative of the kind messages he has received from religious groups and from the community as a whole.
May God grant comfort to all who have suffered because of this attack.
Parishes and schools around the diocese expressed their distress at the Bondi attack and offered their support to Jewish communities. One such school was St Alipius Primary School in Ballarat East –
We wish to express our heartfelt thanks to the Jewish community, and in particular our neighbours in Ballarat East, for the extraordinary generosity and hospitality they showed in a time of deep grief.
In their sorrow, they opened the doors of the synagogue and welcomed us in, allowing us to lay flowers, to stand with them, and to pray together. This simple yet profound act of openness and grace was warmly recieved by our staff, students and parents.
We are deeply grateful for the way you allowed our community to share in prayer and solidarity at such a difficult time. Please know that you remain in our thoughts and prayers, and that we stand with you and your community as you face the impact of this tragedy.
Moments like this remind us that there is no place for division or hatred in our community, only compassion, solidarity and shared humanity.
Emily Clarke – Principal
Statement from the Archbishop of Sydney, Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP
Statement from the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference President Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB
Statement from the Victorian Council of Churches