Sydney: As Australia continues to grapple with the shock and grief following the deadly shooting at Bondi Beach, Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe has appealed to the nation to stand together and decisively reject violence and hatred. Describing the incident as a wound to the country’s conscience, the Archbishop called on Australians to transform their sorrow and anger into a renewed commitment to peace and solidarity.
At least 15 people, including a 10-year-old child, lost their lives when two alleged gunmen opened fire at the “Chanukah by the Sea” gathering on Sunday afternoon. The event marked the beginning of the Jewish festival of lights, and the attack left many others injured, some critically, sending shockwaves across the nation.
In a statement issued on Monday, Archbishop Costelloe who also serves as President of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference said the scale of loss and suffering was almost impossible to comprehend. He said the violence that unfolded at Bondi had “shaken Australians to the core,” leaving families and communities devastated by the sudden loss of innocent lives.
The Archbishop strongly linked the attack to antisemitism, describing the motives behind the violence as deeply distorted and dangerous. He warned that such hatred strikes at the heart of Australia’s identity as an open, tolerant and welcoming society. According to him, blind prejudice and extremism are not just a threat to the Jewish community, but to the social fabric of the entire nation.
While acknowledging the understandable anger felt by many Australians, Archbishop Costelloe urged restraint and reflection. He cautioned that rage must not give way to further hatred or retaliation, insisting that nothing can ever justify acts of terror and brutality. Instead, he said, the nation’s collective horror should strengthen its resolve to reject all forms of violence and bigotry.
He also paid tribute to the courage displayed during the attack, praising police officers, first responders and ordinary citizens who risked their lives to protect others. Among those highlighted was Ahmed al Ahmed, a father of two who reportedly disarmed one of the attackers, an act the Archbishop described as emblematic of the best values in Australian society.
Extending condolences, Archbishop Costelloe said the thoughts and prayers of people of faith across the country are with the families of the victims and those recovering from injuries. He acknowledged that the physical, emotional and spiritual impact of the tragedy will be long-lasting, and called for continued compassion and support in the weeks and months ahead.
As a sign of solidarity, the Archbishop announced a special Mass for Peace and Solidarity to be held at St Mary’s Cathedral on Monday afternoon. In Western Australia, members of the public have been invited to sign a condolence book at Government House, while floral tributes may be laid at Lady Kyle Gardens.
Western Australian Governor Chris Dawson also condemned the attack, describing it as an assault on Australian values. He said the fact that the shooting occurred during a sacred religious celebration made the tragedy even more painful. Expressing support for the Jewish community, Governor Dawson echoed calls for unity, praising the bravery of first responders and urging Australians to come together to support all those affected.
As the nation mourns, religious and civic leaders alike have emphasized that this moment of darkness must become a turning point one that strengthens Australia’s commitment to peace, mutual respect and shared humanity.