West Tamar Councillors yesterday sent a message of unity and support to the Jewish community following the abhorrent shooting of 15 people at Bondi on Sunday.
Elected members supported the motion from Councillor Josh Manticas, which called on his fellow Councillors to affirm their unequivocal support for the Jewish community, including Jewish Australians, and condemns antisemitism in all its forms, including conduct, rhetoric, or symbolism that intimidates, vilifies, or targets Jewish people.
Councillors spoke in turn of their support for the motion, and their unwavering support for Australia’s Jewish community, which was targeted in the Sydney terror attack.
In opening the meeting, Mayor Christina Holmdahl said on behalf of all the councillors, it was important to take a moment to acknowledge the deep pain felt across the country and beyond.
“We stand together in grief and solidarity with our Jewish brothers and sisters. Their sorrow is our sorrow and their resilience inspires us all,” she said.
“We condemn hatred and violence in all its forms. We reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that everyone in Australia feels safe, respected and supported.
“Let us all share the values of compassion, unity and peace as we move forward from this unspeakable tragedy.
“Violence, hatred and antisemitism have no place in Australia.
“Our condolences to the families that lost loved ones. We stand with Jewish Australians everywhere, and especially with our Jewish family in Tasmania.”
Cr Manticas said the purpose of his motion was to draw a clear and principled line, to reject hatred, terrorism, and extremist ideology in all its forms, and make it absolutely clear that violence has no place in the municipality.
“I stand with all Jewish community at a time when they are being targeted and feeling vulnerable, and I affirm I will not bend or retreat in the face of hatred or antisemitism,” he said.
“Our country is built on the rule of law, respect for human life, and a shared commitment to safety, and those values must be defended.
“Australia is one nation, united by shared values, our will not be broken, and our resilience is unbreakable.
“I want this Council to support this motion to back the Jewish community and affirm that our Australian values and freedoms will never be broken by the sounds of gunfire.
Cr Manticas added that he wanted to acknowledge all first responders for their professional and courageous response to an unfolding and highly dangerous situation.
“I also acknowledge the extraordinary bravery shown by fellow Australians who intervened to assist others and helped in the face of extreme danger. Those acts reflect the very best of who we are as a nation.”
Council flags across all its sites were flown at half-mast on Monday as a sign of condolences following Sunday’s terror attack.