Thank you so much, ladies and gentlemen, honoured guests, friends and most importantly, families.
The Book of Isaiah tells us that, “The people that walked in darkness have seen a brilliant light and on those who dwelt in a land of gloom, light has dawned.
Today’s date for this National Day of Mourning was chosen after speaking with the Chabad community, who, in a poignant gesture, asked that this evening coincide with the Shloshim, the one-month mark following the death and burial of a loved one.
Many rabbis have told me that whilst the pain remains and the grief continues, the one-month mark is a transition where we begin to search for meaning, to find purpose, to take action and even to ask questions.
Sometimes difficult questions.
In the midst of our grief, many people in our country have asked, can this nation truly live up to its promise that we would accept anyone anywhere, and have them live side by side in peace and safety, free to live your life, raise your family and practice your religion?
It’s a bitter reality to realise that this was a dark and evil crime committed here in Australia.
And that we are not immune to the kind of darkness that would see a family decide to maim and kill another family, simply because they were practicing their religion.
But the story of Chanukah is not that darkness doesn’t exist, but rather that it can be extinguished with light.
Scripture tells us that we can defeat evil, but crucially, not by doing nothing. We need to light the candle.
So, the message tonight is, and it must be, that Australia can live up to that original promise, but we must take action, and indeed we must change.
I think we start with fighting hate wherever we see it, racism, antisemitism, it’s corrosive to our community, and it’s everyone’s responsibility to stand up against it.
We must also accept that words lead to actions.
It’s intolerable for anyone to suggest that another Australian doesn’t deserve a safe space, cultural or any other kind.
Everyone deserves safety. It’s the minimum obligation of a civilised society.
And lastly, we must unabashedly take pride in the parts of Australian life that are intrinsically part of our character and our country, democracy, freedom, respect and equality.
And should someone refuse these basic and non-negotiable aspects of our country, we have to have the confidence to say that Australia is just not the country for you.
Friends, I think the good news is that nearly everyone that comes to this country wholeheartedly agrees with that trade.
It’s the very principles that drew millions of people from around the world to these shores.
People like Boris and Sofia Gurman who came to this country, joined a community, started a family, and as their son, Alex recounted, died confronting a gunman armed with nothing but their courage.
People like Ahmed Al-Ahmed, who came to Australia from Syria.
Ahmed Al-Ahmed, who came from Syria, and said on social media as he was traveling home from America last week – yes, Ahmed, I was on your social media.
He said this, you’ll love it. It’s beautiful: “I deeply miss my beloved Australia, and I am counting the days until I return. My heart is already there, with its people, its spirit, and the life that I’m proud to call home.”
The months and years ahead will require difficult conversations and tough decisions, but as Rabbi Ulman tells us, it will be made easier by remembering to perform a mitzvah.
A moment of kindness and understanding that might be supporting someone in need, practicing some gratitude, leading with warmth, instilling hope in the next generation.
Because these simple acts will bring more light into our lives, and we need that light right now.
Something that struck me from the very first moments of this horrible tragedy, was that it was the Jewish community that was the first to hold up that candle of hope.
You did it in the moments where parents, friends, uncles, shielded children from bullets.
In the moments when ordinary Jewish Australians confronted the gunman.
With the brave and gracious words that you spoke to farewell your loved ones.
And tonight, as you lead a national gathering of unity and remembrance.
So to the Jewish community, I want to say thank you because of your strength and resilience, you’ve shown how to unite a nation and bind up its wounds.
And in return, I hope tonight sends a very clear message to you from everyone else in Australia, you are not alone as you mourn.
I hope you’ve seen that in the actions of young police officers like Scott Dyson and Jack Hibbert, who would not have missed tonight, and we’re very happy that they’re here.
In the surf lifesavers, in the paramedics who rushed to the scene.
I want to include the Leader of the Opposition in New South Wales, Kellie Sloane, who did exactly the same thing.
In the people that lined up in blood banks and the and the 1000s of surfers who paddled out in Bondi, these people represent the real Australia.
And the message, and the message those actions send, is that we stand with you tonight and every night as you heal.
Finally, just as you reclaim Bondi Beach, tonight, you’ve taken back the Opera House as well.
And friends, can I say that’s exactly what the Opera House is for, not a place of hate with loudspeakers and racism, with flares and hateful symbols, but a location of peace and unity.
Tonight, we gather in our most important building to bring out the best in Australia. Thank you.
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