The City of Sydney will soon decide how best to commemorate the victims of Australia’s Bondi Beach massacre. As part of those celebrations on New Year’s Eve, they’ll be projecting a giant menora onto the bridge’s pylons. This decision follows an open letter signed by over 30 prominent Jewish-Australian cultural figures, which urged for a specific Jewish symbol to commemorate the tragic event that claimed 15 lives on December 14.
Mayor Clover Moore and the new council needs to be serious about the city’s responsiveness to community input. We are sure that they will approach the commemoration of this tragedy with the utmost sensitivity. For us, lighting that menorah is about much more than a symbolic action. Perhaps most importantly, it powerfully acknowledges the explicit targeting of the Jewish community in the attack.
Community Response and Artistic Voices
The open letter to Clover Moore had some lofty signatories. Others whose names graced the lineup were Pulitzer Prize winner Geraldine Brooks, Aria Award winning singer-songwriter Deborah Conway and Archibald Prize winning artist Yvette Coopersmith. These artists helped shape the process after the first plan to illuminate the bridge was mocked for featuring a generic dove image with the word “peace.” They claimed that this route lessened the significance of the event.
“The selection of this word, coupled with the dove, without any specific reference to the targeting of the Jewish community, prolongs our erasure and obfuscates the problem of domestic antisemitism,” – the letter.
The council’s initial plan had already ignited contentious debates over voice and recognition. This discussion inspired the rethinking of the best places to pay tribute to those lost in the attack. The decision to incorporate the menorah was made in order to create an inclusive environment that honors all communities.
Adjustments to New Year’s Eve Plans
In light of recent events, several New Year’s Eve festivities have been canceled as a sign of respect for the victims’ families. At 11 p.m., the council will observe a minute of silence. Throughout this period, the Harbour Bridge will light up in white, and both the peace dove and the menorah will be lit up on projection.
Mayor Moore stated, “There are no words that can make this moment easier, nor explain the evil we have seen. People from all cultures, nationalities, and faiths should feel safe, included, and respected in our city.”
Ms. Moore added, “Following the minute silence, a projection of the peace dove and the words Peace and Unity will be shown on the pylons.” Through this dual display, we hope to preserve the past while honoring the present, creating a message of unity in diversity.
Looking Ahead
The City of Sydney is still passionate about creating a place where everyone feels welcome to speak up. Lighting the Harbour Bridge with an enormous menorah recognizes that tragedy continues to strike, even as we remember past disasters. It exemplifies a commitment to combatting antisemitism and creating spaces of belonging for all communities.
As New Year’s Eve hits, the city prepares for the parties. Residents are encouraged to use the day to reflect and pay homage to all those affected by violent crimes. Yet the ever-increasing heap of flowers at memorial sites speaks to the power of community support and solidarity. It serves as an inspiring reminder when our hearts ache.
