Written by Marika Kontellis, ISV EO
Hello Sector,
My best friend is Jewish and hearing him weep on the phone just now has flooded me with emotion.
He and his family were not in Bondi and were not physically hurt but this barbaric, anti- Semetic act of terror has wounded my friend, his family and the Australian Jewish community beyond words. It has also impacted every Australian who values our way of life. Our respect of, and genuine interest in other cultures, the symbols and rituals of other faiths, the food, arts and ethno-wisdom that we all consume with veracity.
There is no place in Australia for hatred or violence against any community. We stand in solidarity with Jewish communities and all those impacted by this act of terror.
At moments like this, our local services and community organisations must do what we do best. We must create safe, healing spaces where people can come together. We must help navigate people to accurate information, care and support. We must back our clinicians, frontline workers, volunteers and peer leaders, and ensure they, too, are supported as they help others through grief, fear and shock.
Inner Sydney Voice will open its doors on Tuesday 23 December at 3pm. We will invite a small number of local leaders, frontline workers and community members to gather in an act of solidarity. Please RSVP here if you are able to pop in, say hello and share what we could all be doing more of to help our community heal.
To everyone working, volunteering and caring across our region: we see you. Please find some time for yourself and your loved ones over the holiday period. Rest where you can, and we will see you on the other side, committed, as always, to care, connection and community.
Marika.