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 seeking immediate needs, a third wanting to talk, and a third requiring longer-term support.
- Various helplines and support services are available, including Victim Services, NSW Health Mental Health Line, and JewishCare.
Introduction to the Crisis Support Efforts
The recent attacks in Bondi have left a significant impact on the Jewish community, with many individuals and families affected by the traumatic events. In response, the Jewish Board of Deputies, Jewish House, and JewishCare have come together to set up an operational room to deliver support to those in need. According to Michele Goldman, CEO of the Board of Deputies, "Some of these people have a very long road ahead of them." The support services are working tirelessly to provide assistance, ranging from emotional support to practical help, to ensure that those affected can begin to rebuild their lives.
Support for Kesser Torah College
One of the organizations that has received significant support is Kesser Torah College, where many of the children who were attending the Hanukkah festival went to school. The college has been provided with resources and services to help the students and their families cope with the aftermath of the attacks. Several students lost fathers or relatives in the attacks, and the college is working to provide a safe and supportive environment for them to process their grief. The support services are also working closely with the college to ensure that the students receive the help they need to recover from this traumatic experience.
Operation Golda: A Volunteer-Led Initiative
In the wake of the attacks, Operation Golda, a volunteer WhatsApp group, has mobilized to provide support to those affected. The group, which was initially set up to source and send supplies to those in need in Israel after the Hamas attack on October 7, has expanded its efforts to support the Jewish community in Bondi. With over 2000 volunteers, Operation Golda is working with Jewish Care to provide a range of services, including delivering food, doing laundry, and offering courier services to help those in need. According to Goldman, "Everything from delivering food, to doing laundry, offering courier services to move around," is being provided to support those affected.
The Need for Ongoing Support
The attacks have left many individuals and families feeling vulnerable and unsafe. Goldman has spoken to families who are requesting immediate support, such as changing locks or installing cameras in their homes. The support services are working to provide these practical services, as well as emotional support, to help those affected feel safe and secure. On the first Monday after the attacks, Jewish support services received 60 calls, with a third of callers seeking immediate needs, a third wanting to talk, and a third requiring longer-term support. This highlights the ongoing need for support services to be available to those affected by the attacks.
Available Support Services
For those affected by the attacks, there are several support services available. The Victim Services helpline can be reached at 1800 411 822, while the Public Information & Enquiry Centre can be contacted on 1800 227 228. The NSW Health Mental Health Line is available 24/7 on 1800 011 511, and the Community Resilience and Support Hotline can be reached on 1800 979 676. JewishCare can be contacted on 1300 133 660, and crisis support is available through Lifeline on 13 11 14. Children and young people can call Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or chat online at kidshelpline.com.au.
A Message of Respect and Apology
In the aftermath of the attacks, 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, recognizing the sensitivity and vulnerability of the community at this time. This gesture of respect and apology is an important step in acknowledging the impact of the attacks and the need for support and understanding.
