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Dear friends
Today, the people of Australia are shocked and saddened by the tragedy that unfolded in Bondi yesterday afternoon. Our hearts are heavy with grief, and we wonder how it is that a gathering at the start of the sacred festival of Hannukah (Chanukah) for our Jewish brothers and sisters can have ended in such horror. As people of faith, we know that violence is never the way.
In our hearts we hold in prayer:
Those who have died and those who mourn their beloved dead
Those who have been injured and those who now undertake their bedside vigils
The Jewish community who has been targeted in an act of hate
The first responders and bystanders who acted with extraordinary bravery
All who are affected by this tragedy.
May we be gentle with one another
May we speak and act with courage
May we be renewed in our efforts to pray and work for peace
And may those who have died rest in peace, and may their memory be a blessing
Incline a merciful ear to our cries, we pray, oh Lord
May the God of peace watch with us all today.
Amen.
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