The words we say, and the ones we listen to now, will shape Australia
Front page of Edwina Pickles Messenger of the Sun A crescent-shaped photograph of hundreds of volunteer lifeguards, all in the familiar red and yellow, standing guard on Bondi beach, whose colors give us a long-lasting sense of security and dedication (“Hateful flags and slogans banned,” 21 December), struck me in the way only grainy depictions of the Anzacs landing at Gallipoli always do. Andrew Cohen, Glebe
The photograph of volunteer surf lifeguards standing tall around Bondi Beach shows the respect and sensitivity felt for the victims and survivors of last week’s tragedy. It’s on the refrigerator door. This shows that Australia is strong, takes care of its mates and treats everyone with kindness and care. Hate is not our way. Politicians who use divisive words are not worthy of votes. Our hearts are heavy with grief but a smile and a good day shows kindness and wins. Bea HodgsonGerringong
Surf Lifeguards from Bondi stand shoulder to shoulder along the shore and observe the silence on Saturday 20 December. At the same time, surf lifeguards were standing with them on beaches across Australia.Credit: Edwina Pickle
The power of words
Thank you, Jenna Price, for your moving article (“My country is gone. It won’t be coming back,” December 21). I would never question the depth or sincerity of Josh Frydenberg’s sadness at the terrible events at Bondi, but I was outraged that he used that emotion in his speech two days later to so nakedly politicize such a tragedy, at a time when our country clearly needs unity from our political leaders. Jenna Price’s sadness, empathy, and deep understanding are a stark contrast. His words powerfully conveyed the pain of his own and the Jewish community’s experience, without rancor or blame, in a way that could truly change minds. Josh Frydenberg made me angry, Jenna Price opened my heart. Nick Parsons, Lithgow
Thank you, Jenna Price, for your sensible and heartbreaking words. I was wondering how you were, of course I knew you would be “broken”, just like so many Australians, both Jewish and non-Jewish, who experience “tears and fear” and try to stand “against bigotry and racism” in our daily lives and the way we vote. I’m glad you were able to write such an honest and moving piece as part of the long healing process ahead of you for you, your friends, and your family, and for anyone who “pays attention” to the sad and dangerous normalization of hatred and violence that has reared its ugly head in our country lately. Kerrie Wehbe, Blacktown
Jenna Price, we feel your pain, and no, our country will never be the same again. I hope it can be better. Losing hope means that those perverted terrorists have achieved their goal. Our beautiful, sometimes hospitable country has never been perfect. Hatred, greed and prejudice ensure that this place is not always a safe haven. Your demand to call out bigotry and racism reflects calls from our own hearts. We all want the country your parents wanted for you and your children and grandchildren. Things will never be the same again, but we can work to make them better. Geoff Nilon, Mascot
To Jenna Price and Jacqueline Maley (“It’s time for politicians to return Bondi Beach to the people,” December 21), thank you for your passionate and timely responses to the Bondi Beach atrocity. Your openness, engaging narratives, and insights helped me understand what was going on from different perspectives. You both capture the ongoing pain of bigotry and the need to call it out and work for positive and unified solutions. May your clear calls be heard above the noise of trolls and opportunists. I offer my respect and gratitude to both of you. Deb McPherson, Gerringong
manage risk
Any investigation into Bondi’s shooting must be completed and take into account all the issues that led to the events: the policies of the federal government and its agencies; Reasons for the rise in antisemitism and how to prevent a possible repeat in the future (“Minns’ plan for state investigation wins PM’s backing,” 21 December). We learned at a young age to be “street wise” and not put ourselves in dangerous situations; The “risk management” tool has been used by organizations for some time when planning any event. Therefore, we expect to be safe at any organized event. Therefore, we need to know why the event organizers failed to choose a safer venue; especially given that our Jewish community has seen the need to provide protection to their schools/places of worship for some time and have understandably expressed concern for their safety in their homes and public places following the graffiti/burning of their properties in the Eastern Suburbs. Brian McDonald, Willoughby
The voice of softness
My father was becoming deaf in his later years (Letters, December 21), and I remember begging staff in restaurants to turn down the music. My favorite restaurant to eat with my dad was the old world restaurant in Double Bay. The carpet, padded chairs, curtains, tablecloths and napkins absorbed the bouncing sounds like sponges. Nobody was shouting because everyone was shouting. My dad and I can really talk. The ongoing trend towards a space so bare it could be cleaned with a fire hose creates an acoustic environment that’s hard to bear, even if you can hear it well. Sounds reflect off walls, ceilings, floors and other hard surfaces, increasing the decibel value to unbearable levels. People are speaking louder and louder to be heard. I’m not recommending that cash-strapped restaurants deck out their floors with carpeting and plush flooring, but a few inexpensive, soft furnishings here and there can help reduce noise, or better yet, perhaps interior designers can plan spaces with built-in acoustic baffles. It would be nice not to have to yell at everyone at dinner. Penny Auburn, Newport
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