The National Jewish Memorial Centre was celebrating its own Hanukkah event on Sunday afternoon. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
Roughly 250 km apart, two celebrations of the Jewish “festival of lights” – or Hanukkah – ended very differently on Sunday.
But for members of Canberra’s Jewish community, the question now being asked is confronting: Could their celebration have ended the same way?
When news broke of the deadly terrorist attack at Bondi Beach, Canberra Jews were themselves marking Hanukkah at the National Jewish Memorial Centre in Forrest, joined by diplomats, MPs and friends from across the city.
“It was winding down and at around about just before 7 … our security said, ‘Look, you all have to leave’,” ACT Jewish Community assistant secretary and treasurer Jerry Lissing says.
Australian Federal Police (AFP) vehicles rolled in shortly afterwards and the centre was evacuated as a precaution as news began trickling in from Sydney friends and relatives.
“We weren’t quite sure what it was about, so we were all evacuated, went outside quickly,” Mr Lissing says.
“Then our phones started going and family and friends were calling and then we knew exactly what it was, so it really struck home because we realised this could have been us here.”
The National Jewish Memorial Centre was evacuated on Sunday evening. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
So far, at least 16 people have been confirmed dead, including a child and one of the gunmen.
Mr Lissing’s own family had narrowly avoided being caught up in the violence.
“My nephew was there with his wife and two young children at the playground, which was right where the shootings took place, but 20 minutes before the shooting started they decided to leave because of the little ones. We’re just so grateful.”
The identities of the victims are yet to be confirmed, but Mr Lissing expects many of Canberra’s Jewish people will be connected.
“We are very connected to both the Sydney and Melbourne Jewish community and many of us had connections with the dear rabbi who was murdered … We’re pretty sure there’ll be other connections that emerge when names are released.”
One of the victims identified on Monday (15 December) was Rabbi Eli Schlanger, a Chabad emissary and organiser of the Bondi event. At least 40 others were injured, including police officers and children. Authorities say improvised explosive devices were also found nearby and safely removed.
In Canberra, the attack prompted an immediate security response. ACT Policing increased patrols around places of worship, flagging heightened police presence at local events over the rest of summer.
“I’m just looking at two wonderful young AFP policemen out the window now,” Mr Lissing says.
“We had senior superintendents here this morning and the commissioner’s coming later. The AFP have been absolutely amazing, reaching out, supporting us and they’re very vigilant, because there is a perceived threat.”
Canberra’s Jewish community is well connected with both the Sydney and Melbourne communities. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
Canberra’s Jewish community had relaxed in recent months, since the ceasefire in Gaza and the release of many of the Israeli hostages.
“We thought it was diminishing quite a bit,” Mr Lissing says.
“But from yesterday, we are very concerned. After yesterday, we have to be completely vigilant at all times. We feel Canberra is a more accepting community. But as Canberra grows, we pray and hope we don’t get those influences here.”
Mr Lissing says the tragedy feels like a turning point for the nation.
“I think this was our 9/11 moment, when we realise we’re not exempt from hate and terrorism,” he says.
“It’s hit home and now this is the line in the sand, for state and federal governments to really stand up. Sometimes you can be too tolerant and it’s great for the majority of people, but it’s also seen as a sign of weakness and opportunity for those who would wish us harm.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese earlier described the attack as a “devastating terrorist incident”.
“An attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on every Australian … There is no place for this hate, violence and terrorism in our nation,” he said.
ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr described it as “an act of evil antisemitism” and “an attack on our way of life”.
“At this difficult time, I encourage all Canberrans to look out for each other,” he said.
“In the next few days, the focus of all levels of government will be on community safety and looking after those who have lost loved ones or been injured.”
ASIO has advised the national terrorism threat level remains at probable, meaning there is a 50-50 chance of another incident.
Even as the Canberra Jewish community mourns, Mr Lissing says support from the broader community had been overwhelming.
“We’ve had flowers and phone calls and sympathy,” he said.
“But if anybody knows of any Jewish people, just reach out and see if they’re OK. We just hope that something good will come out of this tragedy.”
The Canberra Islamic Centre was contacted for comment.
