The Hunter Valley has thrown a collective comforting arm around the Jewish community in the wake of the weekend’s tragedy at Bondi Beach.
At least 15 innocent people died and many more were left injured after two gunmen took aim at a crowd gathered for a Hanukkah celebration just before 7pm on Sunday 14 December.
Newcastle Rabbi Yossi Rodal, who lost a couple of close friends in the horrific incident, will host a Menorah lighting vigil at the Newcastle Synagogue on Wednesday 17 December from 7.30pm.
The event, in Tyrell Street, is an opportunity for everyone to show a united front.
City of Newcastle (CN) also lowered its flags to half-mast to pay its respects.
“Our hearts go out to all those affected by the shooting at Bondi Beach,” a spokesperson said.
“To the victims and their families, those who witnessed the shooting, first responders, and to the emergency services and police who responded so bravely, our thoughts are with you.”
Lake Macquarie City, Maitland City and Muswellbrook Shire councils adopted a different approach: highlighting “light preserving over darkness” throughout their respective LGAs.
The Speers Point-based Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima, is illuminated in blue this week.
“Our thoughts are with the families who lost loved ones and victims who experienced the terrifying attack,” mayor Adam Shultz said.
“We are also thinking of the emergency services and first responders who put their lives at risk to help those in need.”
Lake Macquarie City Council staff will have the chance to donate blood during work hours after NSW Premier Chris Minns indicated doing so was the best practical measure people could take to assist.
“It has been an extremely difficult couple of weeks – first with the bushfires that destroyed homes on the Central Coast and now with this unspeakable tragedy in Bondi,” Cr Shultz said.
“We will do what we can to help… and support affected communities wherever possible.”
Across Maitland, flags are flying at half-mast to honour the innocent victims.
A Star of David has been painted onto the grass at Queen Elizabeth II Park, too, while Morpeth Bridge shone brightly in blue and white in respect to both Australia’s Jewish community and the NSW Police.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to all those affected by the terrible shooting,” mayor Philip Penfold said.
“Our thoughts remain with the victims, their families and friends, the first responders and frontline workers who acted with bravery, and the beachgoers and bystanders who witnessed the tragedy.”
The Muswellbrook Shire Council Administration Centre will light up every night through to 22 December.
“As a shire we acknowledge the lives lost, we honour the acts of courage, grace and resilience,” a spokesperson said.
“We stand together in grief and a shared commitment to the idea of community.”
For more news stories:
- Cyclist dies after hit and run incident at Nords Wharf
- Long road to recovery for Bondi mass-shooting hero
- Newcastle business owners and their kids put spirit into Christmas
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