Key Takeaways
- The One Mitzvah for Bondi campaign encourages Australians to perform acts of kindness in memory of the 15 victims of the Bondi beach attack.
- The campaign invites people of all faiths and backgrounds to do a good deed, such as volunteering, donating to charity, or simply calling someone they haven’t spoken to in a while.
- The idea is to foster a society where evil cannot grow by spreading kindness and compassion.
- The campaign has been taken up by the Jewish community, with people visiting the injured in hospital, making and giving food and toys to affected families, and performing religious mitzvahs.
- The campaign has also been supported by the NSW premier, Chris Minns, and the prime minister, Anthony Albanese, who have recognized the importance of acts of kindness and bravery in response to the attack.
Introduction to the One Mitzvah for Bondi Campaign
The One Mitzvah for Bondi campaign was launched in response to the terrorist attack that claimed 15 lives at Bondi beach. The idea, presented by Rabbi Nochum Schapiro, is simple: to encourage everyone to perform one mitzvah, or act of kindness, in memory of the victims. The campaign invites Australians of all faiths and backgrounds to do a good deed, such as volunteering, donating to charity, or simply calling someone they haven’t spoken to in a while. The goal is to foster a society where evil cannot grow by spreading kindness and compassion.
The Power of Mitzvahs
In the religious sense, there are 613 mitzvahs, or divine commandments, given to the Jewish people at Mount Sinai. However, in common usage, the term has come to mean any charitable act. The campaign encourages acts big or small, from donating blood to giving food and toys to those in need. Each of these acts is a mitzvah, and the campaign aims to inspire people to make a positive impact in their communities. As Rabbi Eli Feldman of Newtown synagogue put it, "Let us continue to bring their light to the world" by performing acts of kindness and compassion.
Community Response to the Campaign
The campaign has been taken up by people from all walks of life, including Kabir Singh, a small business owner who runs a food truck serving Indian-Australian fusion food. Singh was inspired by the campaign and decided to donate 100% of his profits for three days to support the victims and their families. He said, "It’s in my blood to do what’s in my power to help," and that the campaign was about "community and togetherness." Other businesses, such as Deliciousness, a Sutherland-based bakery, have also joined in, baking and dropping off cupcakes to Bondi police station.
Government Support for the Campaign
The NSW premier, Chris Minns, has supported the campaign, recognizing the importance of acts of kindness and bravery in response to the attack. He said, "If hatred spreads through words and actions, then so does goodness," and that "peace doesn’t happen by accident. It must be actively pursued through compassion, through kindness and moral courage." The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, has also acknowledged the campaign, announcing a special honours list to recognize acts of bravery in response to the Bondi terrorist attack.
The Impact of the Campaign
The campaign has already had a significant impact, with people from all over Sydney coming together to support the victims and their families. Dr Cassandra Goldie, the chief executive of the Australian Council of Social Service, has lauded the campaign as a "simple, yet powerful call to each of us, from all walks to life, to choose acts of love and kindness, not division and darkness." She said, "We know the transformative power of acting with compassion, care and kindness … We build unity, love and care with every move we make." The campaign is a testament to the power of kindness and compassion to bring people together and create a more positive and supportive community.
