Key Takeaways:
- The Jewish Board of Deputies, Jewish House, and JewishCare have set up an operational room to deliver support to those affected by the Bondi attacks.
- Significant support has been offered to Kesser Torah College, where many of the children who were attending the Hanukkah festival went to school.
- Operation Golda, a volunteer WhatsApp group, has mobilized to provide support, including delivering food, doing laundry, and offering courier services.
- Jewish support services received 60 calls on the first Monday, with a third of callers wanting to talk, a third needing immediate needs met, and a third wanting longer-term support.
- Various helplines and support services are available, including the Victim Services helpline, NSW Health Mental Health Line, and JewishCare.
Introduction to the Support Efforts
The Jewish community in Australia has come together to provide support to those affected by the recent Bondi attacks. Under the coordination of the Jewish Board of Deputies, Jewish House, and JewishCare, an operational room has been set up to deliver support to those in need. The CEO of the Board of Deputies, Michele Goldman, emphasized that some of the individuals affected by the attacks have a long road ahead of them and will require ongoing support. The community has rallied together to provide assistance, with many organizations and individuals offering their help.
Support for Kesser Torah College
Significant support has been offered to Kesser Torah College, where many of the children who were attending the Hanukkah festival went to school. Several of these children lost fathers or relatives in the attacks, and the college has been working to provide them with the necessary support and care. The college has been working closely with the Jewish Board of Deputies and other organizations to ensure that the children and their families receive the help they need during this difficult time.
Operation Golda’s Involvement
Operation Golda, a volunteer WhatsApp group, was set up after Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel to source and send supplies to those in need. The group has mobilized again in the wake of the Bondi attacks, with its 2000-odd volunteers working with Jewish Care to provide support. The group is offering a range of services, including delivering food, doing laundry, and providing courier services to help those affected by the attacks. Goldman praised the efforts of Operation Golda, saying that they are doing "everything from delivering food, to doing laundry, offering courier services to move around."
Support Services and Helplines
On the first Monday after the attacks, Jewish support services received 60 calls. A third of these callers simply wanted to talk, while a third needed their immediate needs met, and a third wanted longer-term support. Goldman noted that some families are struggling to feel safe in their homes and are requesting assistance with tasks such as changing locks and installing cameras. To address these needs, various helplines and support services have been made available, including the Victim Services helpline, NSW Health Mental Health Line, and JewishCare. Additionally, the Community Resilience and Support Hotline and Lifeline are available for those in need of crisis support.
Community Response and Apologies
The Herald and The Age retracted an opinion piece, ‘I went to Bondi and hugged people who’d never spoken to a Muslim before’, out of respect for the Jewish community. The masthead apologized for any distress the publication may have caused, demonstrating a commitment to sensitivity and respect in the face of tragedy. The community has come together to support those affected by the attacks, with many individuals and organizations offering their help and assistance.
Conclusion and Ongoing Support
The support efforts for those affected by the Bondi attacks are ongoing, with many organizations and individuals continuing to offer their help. The Jewish Board of Deputies, Jewish House, and JewishCare will continue to work together to provide support and care to those in need. As the community moves forward, it is essential to remember the importance of sensitivity, respect, and support for those affected by tragedy. By working together, the community can help those affected by the attacks to heal and recover.