April 14, 2024
The Jewish Council of Australia extends its deepest condolences to the victims, their families and loved ones in the wake of the knife attack at the Westfield Bondi Junction shopping centre in Sydney's east where six people were killed and at least 12 people injured.
The Jewish Council of Australia expresses concern at the troubling narratives and rhetoric emerging since the tragic attack. Following the attack, Channel 7 irresponsibly repeated false information spread by antisemitic accounts on social media that the attacker’s name was ‘Benjamin Cohen’.
Right-wing Islamophobic groups also spread disinformation that the stabbings were an ‘Islamist’ attack. Some even outrageously tried to link the event to the Palestine solidarity movement.
Dr Max Kaiser, Executive Officer of Jewish Council of Australia:
“We mourn the tragic loss of life and condemn the violence that has unfolded. Our hearts go out to all those impacted by this senseless act. At a time like this, we must come together, reject division, and work towards shared values of compassion, inclusion, and respect for human life.”
“Police have confirmed the attacker’s name is not ‘Benjamin Cohen’ - a name that was widely circulated on social media and irresponsibly repeated by Channel 7 news. This false name was deliberately spread by notorious antisemites and fascists attempting to use this tragedy to drive antisemitism.
“We unequivocally condemn any attempts to stoke fear, hatred, or discrimination against migrants, Muslims or Jews in the aftermath of this horrific event.”
Sarah Schwartz, Executive Officer, Jewish Council of Australia:
“Right-wing Islamophobic groups and individuals in Australia and overseas have been all too quick to spread disinformation and exploit this tragedy to push their hateful agenda. We must not allow this tragedy to be exploited for political gain or to stoke Islamophobia or antisemitism.”
“The Jewish Council of Australia extends our deepest condolences to the victims and their families and loved ones.”
Media contact:
0493 970 412
