Wellington Abrahamic Council Condemns Bondi Attack

[https://abrahamic.nz/2025/12/wellington-abrahamic-council-condemns-bondi-attack/]

The Wellington Abrahamic Council of Jews, Christians, and Muslims is deeply shocked by the horrific murder of Jewish people attending a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney on December 14. We express our profound sympathy for the families of all those directly affected and recognize the impact on all Jewish people living in Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand and all around the world.

This terrible event reflects a resurgence of public anti-Semitism in many countries in recent years, along with other forms of racism and religious discrimination. Our algorithmically driven communication systems are designed to spread ideologies of hate, disinformation and extremism overseas and here in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Like similar events in other countries this mass murder appears to be an outcome of this trend. While our governments both have dedicated teams addressing this issue, this tragic event suggests the extent of this evil in our societies requires an increase in resources to maintain surveillance of groups that have the potential to engage in terrorist activities, and increased protection for vulnerable communities.

The Wellington Abrahamic Council affirms that all religious communities should be free to practice their particular religion and way of life without fear of discrimination or any interference. All three Abrahamic religions teach the inherent dignity of all human individuals and groups of any culture or religious affiliation. We recognize human diversity as a blessing from the divine Creator of all that is.

As a Council we continue to reject all ideologies of division and hatred directed towards any ethnic or religious group. We believe that increased understanding between religious communities will lead to deeper respect for all of those people who practice these religions. Ongoing dialogue with one another remains the only way forward for us all. We believe that dialogue leading to increased understanding between religious communities and others leads to deeper respect for all people.

Nick Polaschek Christian Co Chair
Rito Triumbarto Muslim Co Chair
Dave Moskovitz Jewish Co Chair