In a powerful and unapologetic stance, Archbishop Kanishka Raffel has declared that silence in the face of anti-Semitism is not an option, sending a clear message of solidarity to the Jewish community reeling from the devastating Bondi massacre. But here's where it gets even more impactful: his actions went beyond words, as he not only represented Sydney Anglicans at an outdoor memorial but also delivered a poignant speech at the Great Synagogue, intertwining the somber remembrance of the massacre victims with the hope of Hanukkah. And this is the part most people miss: the Archbishop concluded his address by leading the congregation in a Hebrew blessing, a deeply symbolic gesture of unity and respect.
Since the October 7th massacre, Archbishop Raffel has been a vocal critic of the rising tide of anti-Semitism, and his recent remarks at the Synagogue in the heart of Sydney were no exception. His words were both a comfort and a call to action: 'Today, I bring you the sympathy, condolences, love, and prayers of the Sydney Anglican community. I honor your dignity, your bravery, and your compassion, and I stand with you in friendship and solidarity.'
But here’s the controversial part: while many leaders offer condolences, Archbishop Raffel boldly stated, 'Sydney Anglicans speak with one voice when I say that we abhor anti-Semitism, and we will not turn away from it in silence.' This isn’t just a statement—it’s a challenge to society at large. He didn’t hold back, calling out the intolerable reality that the streets of Sydney have echoed with threats and violence, unchecked and unchallenged. Is it enough to simply condemn such acts, or should we be doing more to actively silence these voices of hate?
The Archbishop’s speech also highlighted the unbearable tragedy of burying children, parents, Holocaust survivors, rabbis, and community leaders—a loss that no community should endure. 'You deserve to be safe, respected, and protected,' he emphasized, 'not just because you are Jewish, but because you are Australians.' This raises a thought-provoking question: Are we truly living up to the ideals of unity and protection that define our nation?
Here’s the full scope of his remarks, which deserve to be heard in their entirety:
'I consider it a great privilege to be here with you in the Great Synagogue, this house of prayer and devotion. All the more so in this week when you have demonstrated your determination amid darkness to keep the light of Hanukkah shining. Today, I bring you the sympathy, condolences, love, and prayers of the Sydney Anglican community. I honor your dignity, your bravery, your compassion, and I express the friendship and solidarity of Sydney Anglicans with you.
My Jewish friends often joke that when there are three Jews in a room, there are five opinions. The same could be said about Sydney Anglicans. But on this, we are united: we abhor anti-Semitism, and we will not remain silent in its face.
It is intolerable that over the last two years and more, you have been terrorized in your homes, communities, and synagogues. It is intolerable that you must employ security guards for your places of worship, education, and gathering, as if this were normal or acceptable.
It is intolerable that the streets of Sydney have been filled with voices of threat and violence, and no one has silenced them. It is inexcusable that this week you are burying children, parents, survivors of the Shoah, rabbis, and community leaders.
You deserve to be safe, respected, and protected—not just because you are Jewish, but because you are Australians. We stand with you in opposing violence and hatred, whether motivated by extremist religious, racial, or political ideology.
In your scriptures, and mine, the first words of God are, 'Let there be light.' May the Light of the Lord God Almighty shine upon you and give you His peace.'
But here’s where it gets even more meaningful: the state government has launched an initiative called One Mitzvah for Bondi (https://www.nsw.gov.au/community-services/one-mitzvah-for-bondi), encouraging people of all faiths and communities across NSW to perform a mitzvah (good deed) in honor of the Bondi victims. This isn’t just about mourning—it’s about action.
So, here’s the question for you: In a world where hate seems to be on the rise, what concrete steps can we take to ensure that communities feel safe, respected, and protected? And how can we move beyond words to create real, lasting change? Let’s keep the conversation going—share your thoughts in the comments below.
