Ashraf Helmy
The government of the state of New South Wales, under the auspices of Mr. Chris Mines, Prime Minister of the state, lit the opera house in Sydney with Hanukkah candles on the evening of Monday 15 December, in solidarity with the Jewish community.That was the day after the bloody terrorist attack on Bondi Beach, that claimed the lives of 15 victims and injured some 40 people. The event pained and saddened all Australians, and provoked condemnation by the international community. The heinous crime was committed by a terrorist and his son who embrace of the ideology of the terrorist Daesh, ISIS movement.Australia is a country characterised by multiculturalism. It is formed of various nationalities, ethnicities, religions and sects that originally came from many places over the world. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza,
that left in its wake thousands of dead, wounded, and displaced, has moved countless hearts worldwide, and brought on demonstrations in support of Palestine in a number of European countries, America and Australia. Last September, Australia officially recognised Palestinian State.As an Australian citizen who cherishes Australia with heartfelt love, I would like to propose to the New South Wales state government to again ornament the sails of the Sydney Opera House with candles, and light them with pictures of the terror victims who were killed in the Bondi Beach attack.
I propose this for New Year Eve celebrations, and that the usual fireworks would be toned down to a bare minimum, in respect for the immortal lives and memory of those killed by black terror in Bondi Beach.Such an action will signify that the Australian society, would be aspiring for a new year of peace, love and the unity for Australia.I also call for honouring the hero Ahmed Al-Ahmad on Australia’s National Day on January 26, who endangered his life and stopped one of the terrorists, which reduced the volume of the disaster. He suffered several shots, and has undergone surgery to treat his injuries.
