Key Takeaways
- The City of Sydney made last-minute changes to Sydney’s New Year’s Eve tribute to the victims of the Bondi Beach terror attack
- The changes were made in response to an open letter signed by over 30 Jewish-Australian artistic and cultural figures
- The letter urged for a "Jewish-specific symbol" to be projected on the pylons of Sydney Harbour Bridge to commemorate the 15 people killed in the Bondi shootings
- The council initially planned to illuminate the bridge with an image of a dove and the word "peace", but later added a menorah to the projection
- The minute’s silence will be observed at 11pm, during which the Harbour Bridge will be illuminated in white, with the addition of a menorah projected onto the pylons
Introduction to the Controversy
The City of Sydney has made last-minute changes to Sydney’s New Year’s Eve tribute to the victims of the Bondi Beach terror attack. This decision was made in response to an open letter signed by over 30 Jewish-Australian artistic and cultural figures, including Pulitzer Prize winner Geraldine Brooks, Aria Award winner Deborah Conway, and Archibald Prize winner Yvette Coopersmith. The letter urged for a "Jewish-specific symbol" to be projected on the pylons of Sydney Harbour Bridge to commemorate the 15 people killed in the Bondi shootings on December 14.
Initial Plans and Criticisms
The council had initially planned to illuminate the bridge with an image of a dove and the word "peace" just before 9pm, a gesture made in consultation with the Jewish Board of Deputies. However, the signatories of the open letter argued that this generic symbol of peace "obfuscates and erases the problem of antisemitism". They claimed that their warnings of antisemitism had been dismissed by "generic calls for peace" in the past two years, and that the selection of the word "peace" without any specific reference to the targeting of the Jewish community "prolongs our erasure and obfuscates the problem of domestic antisemitism".
Changes to the Tribute
On Monday afternoon, Lord Mayor Clover Moore issued a statement saying that the council would continue to listen to the community to ensure the acknowledgement of the Bondi Beach massacre on New Year’s Eve was appropriate. As a result, the council made changes to the tribute, including the addition of a menorah to be projected onto the pylons of the Harbour Bridge during the minute’s silence at 11pm. The bridge will also be illuminated in white during this time, and attendees gathered around the harbour, as well as those watching the ABC’s New Year’s Eve broadcast from home, will be encouraged to shine a torch or light in solidarity.
Response from the Lord Mayor
Lord Mayor Clover Moore stated that "there are no words that can make this moment easier, nor explain the evil we have seen". She emphasized the importance of making people from all cultures, nationalities, and faiths feel safe, included, and respected in the city. She also stressed the need to hold tightly to everything that makes Sydney a diverse, peaceful, and harmonious city, now more than ever. The changes to the tribute are a step towards acknowledging the specific impact of the Bondi Beach terror attack on the Jewish community and towards creating a more inclusive and respectful commemoration.
Cancellation of New Year’s Eve Events
Some New Year’s Eve events were cancelled out of respect for the lives lost in the Bondi Beach terror attack earlier this month. Waverley Council scrapped its celebrations at Bondi Beach, which included the highly anticipated elrow Bondi Beach XXL music festival. This would have been the first New Year’s Eve event of its kind to be held at Bondi in more than a decade. The cancellation of these events is a sign of respect for the victims and their families, and a recognition of the impact of the attack on the community.
Conclusion
The changes to the Sydney New Year’s Eve tribute to the victims of the Bondi Beach terror attack are a significant step towards acknowledging the specific impact of the attack on the Jewish community. The addition of a menorah to the projection on the Harbour Bridge is a meaningful gesture of respect and solidarity. The minute’s silence and the illumination of the bridge in white will provide a moment of reflection and commemoration for the victims and their families. As the city looks to the future, it is essential to hold tightly to the values of diversity, peace, and harmony that make Sydney a great city.