Dear Editor,
We must all work to support those in our community who have been impacted by the horrific massacre of those who were celebrating a Jewish religious and cultural event in Bondi last Sunday.
Major events such as the attack at Bondi or the accident that occurred in Daylesford in November 2023, challenge our sense of safety and our belief that our world is predictable and controllable.
The impact goes well beyond those who were at Bondi on Sunday night. The primary victims are those who were injured or murdered, their families and friends and those others who were present at the beach. Secondary victims are the first responders, community members who intervened and helped, the Bondi community and the broader Jewish community.
Given the size of the Australian Jewish community (about 120,000) it is likely that many Hepburn community members who are also Jewish may be primary victims and will certainly be secondary victims given the rise of antisemitism in Australia since October 7th 2023 and the distress, anger and fear that the Gaza conflict has generated in the Jewish community.
So, what can the rest of us do? How can we help? Firstly, we should acknowledge that a strong reaction to an over-whelming event is normal. Denying the validity of these normal reactions can solidify distress and stop the processing of such an event. People and communities who are impacted after Bondi, the members of our Jewish community, will have a strong threat response, including anxiety, fear, and panic. It is important not to dismiss or try to minimise this. Make space for those feelings. Acknowledge and accept them. And respond with compassion, comfort and support for who are impacted.
After years as a social worker working in rape and sexual assault services and then in child protection, I am aware that being alone and trying to manage these normal reactions by yourself are factors that embed trauma so that acute stress develops into PTSD. So acknowledge what people are feeling. Don’t minimise it. Offer compassion and support. And if you don’t personally know any Jewish people but still want to be supportive, then you can do as our Prime Minister has suggested and give blood. You can also call out remarks that are anti-Semitic – demonising and dehumanizing Jewish people, blaming them for whatever is happening in the Middle East. Don’t use language that supports or calls for violence. Do what we, as individuals can do, to help all of us feel included and safe in our community. After all, that fits with the message of Christmas.
And as an after note – thank you to the Call Your Mates Group whose installation of the Blue Trees in visible locations around town reminds us all about the importance of doing exactly what I have suggested – recognising when people are struggling, not dismissing it or hiding it and offering compassion and support.
Lesley Hewitt
Daylesford
