Editor's Note 19 December

Hello everyone,

There are almost no words that can do justice to this week’s events, however, I feel it is my responsibility to contribute to the narrative in some small way.

The massacre at Bondi has struck at the heart of our nation, making even the most patriotic among us feel disgust and horror at how this event symbolises the way our country is changing. How acts of hate are changing this country.

In my opinion, however, what the terrorists did not realise when they chose to take 15 innocent lives on Sunday, is the power of humanity, the power of unity and the power of good, which far outweighs all hate.

This belief, regardless of which God you worship, which church you attend, or which religion you adhere to, is shared by the vast majority people.

In the aftermath of the atrocity, leaders from many faiths have come together, united in grief, united in prayer.

You see, people find solace in uniting with love following moments of horror. So this devastating event, which has seen an outpouring of grief with the whole world watching, will, in my opinion, only make us stronger and show us the way forward as a country, together.

This is illustrated poignantly by the fact that a Muslim fruit shop owner, who had gone out to meet a friend for coffee on Sunday, became the hero, risking his life to disarm a depraved man full of hate.

As we head into Christmas, let’s keep those who were lost in this tragic event close to our hearts. But let’s also fight this act of hate with love, love for each other, love for life and love for God, whichever God that may be for you.

Rach

Quote of the Week: "We are all human beings first"

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