Perth, Australia — The recent violent attack on members of the Jewish community during a Hanukkah celebration has provoked a strong response from Archbishop Timothy Costelloe, president of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference. He has called for immediate national action to combat antisemitism in the nation, highlighting the urgent need for cohesive efforts to address this rising concern.
During the Hanukkah festivities held on December 14 in Bondi, Jewish families celebrated a tradition symbolizing hope and perseverance, a celebration overshadowed by tragedy when violence erupted. In an official statement, Archbishop Costelloe expressed profound sorrow over the incident, describing it as a shattering of peace and joy that should characterize such occasions.
Despite public assurances that antisemitism has no place in Australia, the Archbishop pointed to the Bondi incident as indicative of a deeper, troubling reality within society. “We must confront the uncomfortable truth that remnants of this ancient hatred persist in corners of our community,” he said, emphasizing the need for a thorough examination of underlying attitudes.
Archbishop Costelloe acknowledged the initiation of the Richardson Review, which is set to assess current measures for policing and security intended to protect Australians from terrorism. He labeled this review as vital for ensuring that similar violent acts do not recur, urging prompt action to identify and correct any shortcomings.
However, he cautioned that merely enhancing security protocols would not suffice. The Archbishop insisted on a broader approach that confronts the fundamental roots of antisemitism. He urged the nation to engage in introspection and propose strategies that effectively eliminate this discriminatory ideology.
In light of recent events, Archbishop Costelloe advocated for a comprehensive national inquiry in addition to the Richardson Review. This inquiry should investigate how antisemitism manifests across various sectors, including politics, business, academia, and media, and actively work to address it. “Visibility is key; we must illuminate the unseen facets of antisemitism,” he stated.
Reinforcing the Catholic Church’s dedication to interreligious dialogue and human rights, Costelloe asserted that safeguarding one community’s dignity ultimately benefits all Australians. “A nation that stands firm in protecting its Jewish community stands as a beacon of hope for everyone,” he remarked, stressing the interconnectedness of societal protection.
He urged Australians to collectively champion values of tolerance and justice, reinforcing that combating antisemitism aligns with the broader principles of fairness that define Australia’s national identity. Archbishop Costelloe concluded his statement with a call to action for unity and vigilance against all forms of hatred, asserting that the commitment to dismantling antisemitism is a commitment to humanity as a whole.
The Archbishop’s remarks add to the growing chorus of voices advocating for solidarity and decisive action in confronting the surge of religious intolerance and violence across the nation.