As helicopters circled overhead, sirens descended on her suburb, and people ran screaming down her street on December 14, Mary felt a grim sense of deja vu. That was when I knew there was something seriously wrong – again, she says, her eyes brimming with tears.
Mary, who did not want to give her real name, was at Westfield Bondi Junction when six people were stabbed to death by a man in psychosis last year. With the memories of that traumatic event still fresh, the community now faces another tragedy—a shooting declared a terror attack that left 15 dead, including a child.
The shooting victim's father shared similar sentiments, recalling the heartbreak within the community, where the impact of both incidents is deeply felt. Leaders such as Mayor Will Nemesh noted, Everyone knows someone affected. The double tragedy has created a scar on the community's sense of safety and unity.
In the Jewish community, which has long regarded Bondi as a sanctuary, feelings of dread have emerged. Numerous calls for action against rising antisemitism have surfaced, as many believe warnings about a surge in hate crimes were overlooked.
With tensions high and people mourning, the outpouring of support after both incidents reflects a deeply connected community, while anger towards perceived inaction looms large. As residents engage in memorials and solidarity actions, questions about safety and the future of Bondi persist.
Mary, who did not want to give her real name, was at Westfield Bondi Junction when six people were stabbed to death by a man in psychosis last year. With the memories of that traumatic event still fresh, the community now faces another tragedy—a shooting declared a terror attack that left 15 dead, including a child.
The shooting victim's father shared similar sentiments, recalling the heartbreak within the community, where the impact of both incidents is deeply felt. Leaders such as Mayor Will Nemesh noted, Everyone knows someone affected. The double tragedy has created a scar on the community's sense of safety and unity.
In the Jewish community, which has long regarded Bondi as a sanctuary, feelings of dread have emerged. Numerous calls for action against rising antisemitism have surfaced, as many believe warnings about a surge in hate crimes were overlooked.
With tensions high and people mourning, the outpouring of support after both incidents reflects a deeply connected community, while anger towards perceived inaction looms large. As residents engage in memorials and solidarity actions, questions about safety and the future of Bondi persist.
