Statement in response to Bondi Beach attack

I write with a sorrowful heart on behalf of the 45,000 Members and volunteers of the St Vincent de Paul Society in Australia to express our sorrow that such a horrendous crime could take place in our country. 

Today our prayers and thoughts are with the victims of the Bondi shooting, their loved ones and communities, our first responders, those brave citizens who stepped in to protect others and all those affected by the terror that unfolded last night. 

I want to stand in solidarity alongside all people of good will to send a very strong, clear and loud message to our Jewish friends and fellow citizens that you are part of us. You have always been and will continue to be welcome across all our local communities.  Like every Australian, every Jewish person is a valuable member of our Australian community. 

We pray for our leaders and for our country. Our trust is with them to comfort those who mourn and to address the evilness that has crept in and hides within our community, seeking to divide us. In times of such deep sorrow, we are reminded of our shared humanity, the power of compassion and the need to care kindly for one another. 

May God’s healing presence bring comfort to all who are grieving and peace to our communities.

By Mark Gaetani, National President, St Vincent de Paul Society National Council of Australia

The St Vincent de Paul Society in Australia consists of 45,000 members and volunteers who operate on the ground through over 1,000 groups located in local communities across the country.

MEDIA CONTACT

0475 068 209 or media@svdp.org.au