This was an attack not just on the Jewish community, but on Australia as Australians enjoyed what should have been a tranquil summer evening at one of our nation’s most cherished landmarks.

Our thoughts and prayers are firstly with the families who have lost loved ones tonight. We mourn these lost lives as one community and will stand in lockstep with their family and friends during the difficult days ahead. They were murdered as they sought to bring light to the world in their Chanukah celebrations.

This is the moment we have increasingly feared as a community over the past two years, but it is still difficult and heartbreaking to believe it has arrived.

Tonight, our community was the subject of a brutal terrorist attack as we celebrated the first night of Chanukah. At the time of writing, we are aware that at least 12 precious lives were taken in a savage massacre. Dozens of others were injured – some in a critical condition – and are currently hospitalised.

We also pray for those who are injured, and hope that they are able to make a swift and complete recovery.

We want to thank the thousands of community members who heeded the security advice this evening and calmly observed lockdown protocols.

We are sorry that you – and your children – had to experience this but we are grateful for your cooperation.

We also owe a debt of gratitude to the Police, first responders and brave citizens who so courageously stepped forward to deal with the threat and save lives.

Based on the current security situation, we have made the unprecedented and extremely difficult decision to recommend that all communal institutions are closed until further notice.

A crisis management response has been stood up to provide guidance to the community over the days ahead and we will be in further contact in the coming days about security arrangements, access to counselling and any other important matters.

It is critical that all community members report any security concerns or suspicious activity and remain vigilant.

There will be a lot to say over the coming days – including about how we arrived at the current moment – but for now we need the community to be there for one another and to give strength and support to those who have been most directly impacted by this act of terror.

Sending strength to our community on this dark first night of Chanukah.

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