Is anyone surprised? Because Jews are not

Uncontrolled antisemitism
For two years now, widespread antisemitism has continued largely unchecked. We witnessed this in the streets, on university campuses, in demonstrations filled with Nazi slogans, and in Melbourne’s Adass Israel Synagogue, which was set on fire.
It is now time for all Australian governments to take action to stop the violent antisemitism that is endemic in our society.
William Holmes, Kew

Don’t blame governments
As a Jew, I firmly state that I do not blame the federal or NSW governments for the Bondi massacre. They cannot control the actions of all the anti-Semites in the world. And no, they did not contribute to a climate of hatred
Michael Helman, St Kilda East

Work for peace
The horrific attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach was absolutely shocking and horrifying. My prayers are with everyone who suffered in this vile attack. I pray that those who lost their lives rest in peace, and I wish a speedy recovery to those who were injured.
As someone who grew up in Australia, I can say that violence and hatred have no place in Australia.
This is not a time to be divided, rather we must unite against all forms of atrocities committed against humanity and work to promote peace, compassion and harmony.
Fareeha Ahmed, Civil Servant

not alone
As a Jewish community, I am deeply sorry for the deadly violence perpetrated by racist, evil and cowardly men who attacked you not only in Sydney on Sunday but also in previous incidents everywhere. I wish my words could heal your fear and pain. I want you to know that you are not alone.
Robyn Westwood, Heidelberg Hills

severe consequences
Bondi Beach is no longer marred by fun and merriment, but by misery. Unfortunately, our enjoyment of gathering together for social events and events is diminishing.
This mass attack is not only a shock to Australians, but also has potentially serious consequences. This will always fuel more anti-Semitic and far-right incidents, while also glorifying the gunmen as martyrs to the extremists in our midst.
Needless to say, we must remain strong and refuse to be afraid of such crude, violent and inhumane acts of aggression.
Carol Marshall, Williamstown,

Ley’s point total
While Australia’s collective heart goes out to everyone affected by the horrors at Bondi, Sussan Ley chooses to attempt political distance from the horror.
This is a time for unity, not for parties to score political points. We need to unite and work together to eliminate this evil.
Kerry Lewis, Williamstown

Terrible politicization
At a time when anyone with even a modicum of decency is hoping politicians will come together, Sussan Ley’s appalling politicization of the Bondi attacks is as despicable and opportunistic as a politician could get.
This is exactly the unconstructive nonsense we all expect from him every day. And they wonder why they’re going backwards.
Julie Fethi, Brighton

Hanson’s hypocrisy
One day, Pauline Hanson is seen prancing around parliament in her burka, managing to anger and enrage as many people as possible in the Muslim community.
A few days later, he’s standing on his soapbox, blubbering about Albanese not doing enough to defuse racial tensions. The disgusting hypocrisy of these right-wingers is truly astonishing.
Dean Wotherspoon, Northcote

Not just in America
I thought the Port Arthur massacre meant we had closed the door on mass shootings and had nothing to worry about.
And now after this terrorist attack, my American relatives ask me: “I thought there were no gun deaths in Australia because of gun control?”
Naosheyrvaan Nasir, Quakers Hill, NSW

More gun control
Now that there are more guns in society than at the time of the Port Arthur massacre, isn’t it time for the government to reconsider the John Howard law on gun control in this country?
From the Bondi massacre and the daily reported shootings, it is clear that potential terrorists and crooks have plenty of weapons in their hands. If one of the alleged terrorists is reported to have six guns, then the question must be asked why any reasonable person would need that much firepower for legitimate purposes.
After Port Arthur, Howard wasted no time in enforcing gun controls, and one would hope that Anthony Albanese would develop some backbone and follow through with doing what was not only necessary, but necessary to restore law and order in society.
John de Kever, Kew

respect for diversity
On the day of another mass attack in the US, we Australians, unfortunately unaccustomed to this type of violence, were shaken to our core by the events in Bondi. It is confronting and deeply distressing to be reminded that no society is completely immune.
However, Australia is a country built on respect for differences. We are enriched by many cultures and beliefs, and we must not allow this act of violence to break our belief in tolerance, kindness and care for one another.
Hate, whether spread anonymously online or voiced by those in power, should never be allowed to take root unchecked.
The most devastating loss is the loss of an innocent 10-year-old girl. No celebration, no growth, no future; Only one family is left to endure a pain no parent should ever know. As we mourn his passing, we will be reminded of what really matters: our common humanity and our responsibility to protect it.
Darren Grindrod, Glenroy

AND SOMETHING ELSE

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Terrorist attack on Bondi
To those who always say it can’t happen here; it could be.
Les Aisen, Elsternwick

Unfortunately, the inevitable outcome of the brutality in Bondi will further inflame the immigration debate. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley stated that she was looking for people to blame; But we should not confuse the two
problems.
Ian De Landelles, Murrays Beach, NSW

What a time for Sussan Ley and her party to work with the government to combat antisemitism. It requires a joint effort.
Lesley Grant, Carlton

The fact that Sussan Ley, as leader of the opposition, responded so quickly to the horrific attacks in Sydney clearly shows that she is an unsuitable choice as a potential political leader of Australia.
Malcolm Pollitt, Preston

How dare Sussan Ley politicize the tragic incident in Bondi? There is a need to come together to end racism, not be torn apart by the more Liberal “anger trap”.
Judy Loney, Drumcondra

Australia will not be lectured by Benjamin Netanyahu on how to avoid a terrorist attack. Bebe does not have an agency with Bondi.
Rob McCasker, Murdoch, WA

As a non-Jew, I say that Jews are my fellow Australians and I condemn and denounce every attack on my fellow Australians.
Rodger Smith, Edithvale

What I fear most in the wake of the Bondi events is the inevitable political points scored by some in high elected office who are, let’s say, less sympathetic and tolerant.
Bruce Crowe, Sunbury

Besides
Thank you Geoffrey Robertson (Opinion, 15/12) for calling out so clearly the war crimes of Donald Trump and Peter Hegseth. As he said, there can be no peace without justice.
Sandra Torpey, Hawthorn

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