Archbishop Eamon Martin expresses solidarity following attack on Hanukkah celebration in Bondi Beach
“I know that many Irish families have sons and daughters living in the Sydney and Bondi Beach area, as well as countless others in other parts of Australia, and no doubt everyone is deeply impacted by the awful attack, which must have been terribly shocking and frightening for everyone present.”
Archbishop Eamon Martin, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, has expressed solidarity with the Jewish community following the horrific attack on a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia.
Speaking during the annual Christmas Carol Service in Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh, Archbishop Eamon shared words of prayer and compassion as the third candle of the Advent wreath was lit. He acknowledged the deep shock and grief caused by the attack, which took place as Jewish families around the world were celebrating the Festival of Light, leaving twelve people dead and many others injured.
Archbishop Eamon was particularly mindful of the many Irish families, including young people from Ireland and from within the Archdiocese, who are currently living in Sydney and the Bondi Beach area, and who may have been directly or indirectly affected by the events.
In his statement, Archbishop Eamon spoke clearly against antisemitism and all forms of prejudice, calling on Christians to actively counter hatred and discrimination towards Jewish people and towards all minorities. He reflected on the Christian belief that Jesus came as the fulfilment of Isaiah’s prophecy, bringing light into darkness and peace into a broken world and invited those gathered to pray for the families who have been bereaved, for those who have been injured, and for the first responders whose courage helped prevent further loss of life.
Archbishop Eamon Martin’s statement
“As we gather this evening for our Christmas carol service, and light the third candle on our Advent wreath, we unite with our Jewish brothers and sisters around the world who are celebrating the festival of Hanukkah today, and whose festival of light this year has been horrifically overshadowed by the darkness and evil of a terror attack on the Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, leaving twelve people dead and many, many more injured.
I know that many Irish families have sons and daughters living in the Sydney and Bondi Beach area, as well as countless others in other parts of Australia, and no doubt everyone is deeply impacted by the awful attack, which must have been terribly shocking and frightening for everyone present.
Sadly, in recent times there appears to have been a rise in antisemitism, and every one of us Christians must do everything in our power to counteract prejudice and hatred towards our Jewish brothers and sisters, or indeed towards any minorities.
Jesus came into our world fulfilling the age-old prophecy of Isaiah that the people who walk in darkness have seen a great light.
Jesus came to be the Prince of Peace, and tonight we pray for peace and comfort for all those families who have been bereaved in this awful attack, for those who have been injured, and for the courageous first responders who helped to prevent even more death and destruction.”
Archbishop Eamon Martin, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland.