Leader statement on attack at Bondi Beach in Australia
Leader of Camden Council, Councillor Richard Olszewski, with a message for Camden’s communities following the shootings at Bondi.
Councillor Richard Olszewski, Leader of Camden Council, said:
“What has happened in Sydney today is an attack on everything we hold dear. We stand with our Jewish communities and we mourn those innocent people who have been killed in this horrendous antisemitic attack. We are reaching out to our Jewish residents, who will be getting ready to celebrate Chanukah this evening and I want to reassure them that measures are being put in place to provide extra security.
“In October, around Yom Kippur, our communities responded and supported each other following the attack the Heaton Synagogue in Manchester. Now, again, we are taking steps to reassure our communities at a holy time in the Jewish calendar following another attack on Jewish people. This is a tragedy, and my thoughts are with the those who have been killed, their families and friends and with all of those who will be fearful for their safety as a result.
“Right now, the safety of our Jewish residents is our priority. Additional police, and our community safety officers, are out on foot in our neighbourhoods. There will be patrols at synagogues and events today and throughout the festive period. Teams will be visible at key locations, they are engaging with communities, listening to concerns, and attending faith venues. We are contacting Camden’s Jewish community groups to ensure that they know we are here to support them.
“If you see or hear anything which could be a hate crime, please do get in touch so action can be taken. This could be criminal damage, graffiti, or written and spoken threats or slur. We want our residents to feel safe, and we will not stand for any actions that make people feel threatened or discriminated against.
“Camden will not be divided, and we stand together in the face of terror. I know that our communities will be there for each other, and we will work with our partners to support everyone in our diverse communities. I urge anyone who is fearful or experiences hate crime to get in touch – we are here for you.”
To report a hate crime:
- If someone is in danger call the Police on 999. For non-emergencies call 101 or visit your local police station.
- For information on how to report online through the Police and trusted partner organisations, visit: www.camden.gov.uk/hate-crime
- Call the Council on 020 7974 4444
- Even if you don’t report a hate crime straight away, please do report it