AACS condemns the horrific violence at Bondi Beach yesterday, an antisemitic act of terror directed at a religious community.

We grieve the loss of life and extend our deepest condolences to the families of those murdered.

We pray for the healing of the injured, including the two police officers in hospital. We are grateful to the emergency services and members of the public who acted with courage to protect lives.

We stand with the Jewish community, including our colleagues and students in Jewish schools. As Christian educators, we affirm that every person is made in the image of God.

Violence motivated by religious hatred has no place in our society.

In this moment of national grief, we call on our school communities to respond with compassion and peace, rejecting hatred and violence in all its forms.

As Jesus taught us, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Matthew 5:9