The New South Wales Faith Affairs Council is inviting Australians to undertake an act of kindness, compassion, or charity to bring light into the world and honour the victims of the 14 December Bondi terrorist attack.
The ‘One Mitzvah for Bondi’ campaign was launched after an emergency session of faith leaders sought advice from Rabbi Nochum Schapiro of Chabad House and Rabbi Benjamin Elton of the Great Synagogue on what would help the Jewish community to recover.
Rabbi Nochum Schapiro responded with two requests: to stand with the Jewish community and show unambiguous support, and to do one “Mitzvah”.
In the Jewish tradition, a Mitzvah is an act of kindness, compassion, or charity to another.
In light of the Rabbi’s response, the council with support from the Minns Government has launched the #OneMitzvahforBondi campaign, asking all Australians to undertake one act of kindness, compassion or charity, and to share their good deed with the wider community by using the hashtag #OneMitzvahforBondi or visiting the website Nsw.gov.au/onemitzvah.
You can do this through:
- Volunteering
- Donating
- Giving blood
- Calling someone you haven’t spoken to in a while
- Buying a neighbour a coffee
- Supporting those in need.
One Mitzvah for Bondi is an initiative of the NSW Faith Affairs Council with support from the New South Wales government.
Sydney Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP is supporting the campaign, posting on social media that “as we approach the Christmas season, let us bring the light of charity into the darkness.”
On 17 December the archbishop hosted a public memorial at St Mary’s Cathedral attended by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, NSW Premier Christopher Minns, Governor of NSW Margaret Beazley, Israeli Ambassador Amir Maimon and others.
Chair of the NSW Faith Affairs Council Right Rev Dr Michael Stead, of the Anglican Church of Australia said a commitment to love and compassion is at the core of faith communities.
“The NSW Faith Affairs Council encourages everyone to take part in the One Mitzvah for Bondi campaign, to spread warmth and kindness to our fellow Australians,” he said in a media statement.
“I would like to sincerely thank our Jewish leaders for their grace and guidance during this unfathomable period of grief.”
President of the Rabbinical Council of NSW Rabbi Shua Solomon said the “unspeakable horror” has touched every Jew and every Australian.
“Our only response to this profound darkness can be with light,” he said.
“We ask every Australian to honour the memory of our lost not only with words but with action, unity and faith – by doing good.”
Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said the Jewish community had responded to the “terrible atrocity” with remarkable kindness and compassion.
“This call to action is the remedy our heartbroken city requires at this time. It can be something as small as calling in on a neighbour, or an act of service like helping out at a food kitchen or donating blood,” he said.
“Every single one of us has an obligation to build the world we want to live in. Now is a time for us to unite, first and foremost, as fellow Australians.”