How Antisemitism Became Normalised In Australia

In the wake of the tragic Chanukah–Bondi attack targeting the Jewish community, we reflect on a conversation with Mark Leach, Co-Founder of Never Again Is Now, who spoke from the memorial at Bondi Beach yesterday. From that place of mourning, Mark shared openly about the depth of grief, the fear being felt across the Jewish community, and the urgent need for tangible action - not just words, alongside genuine community support. In this moment, we need to stand with the Jewish community. If you have a Jewish friend, neighbour, or colleague, we encourage you to reach out with kindness, solidarity, and support. As Christians, standing for truth is paramount. Part of that truth is recognising the biblical foundations of our faith: - that Israel is God’s firstborn nation (Exodus 4:22), - that salvation is from the Jews (John 4:22), - and that Jesus is the Jewish Messiah - sent first to the Jews and then to the Gentiles (Matthew 15:24; Romans 1:16). Scripture also speaks of God’s ongoing purposes for Israel. Paul affirms that “all Israel will be saved” within God’s redemptive plan (Romans 11:26), and the Bible teaches that Jesus will return to the very place from which He ascended - the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem (Acts 1:9–12; Zechariah 14:4). At the heart of our faith is God’s covenant promise to Abraham - that through his descendants all nations of the earth would be blessed (Genesis 12:1–3; Genesis 17:7; Galatians 3:8). As believers from the nations, we are grafted into those promises by grace (Romans 11:17–18). Standing for truth also means rejecting antisemitism in all its forms - whether overt hatred, subtle distortion, or theological narratives that deny or erase God’s enduring covenant with the Jewish people. In moments like these, shining the love of Jesus Christ looks like presence, humility, prayer, and genuine care. We continue to pray for the victims and their families, for the Jewish community, and for everyone affected. 💔🙏 📞 The Vision Prayerline is here to listen and pray with you during this difficult time. 1800 772 936 | Monday to Friday, 9am – 7pm (AEST)