Media Releases

Condolences to Victims of the Martin Place Attack

AIJAC wishes to convey profound condolences to the families and friends of Katrina Dawson and Tori Johnson, the two tragic victims of the appalling Martin Place attack in Sydney on December 15. We also extend our best wishes for a speedy recovery to all the surviving hostages. We hope they will all draw strength and comfort from the thoughts and prayers of all men and women of goodwill.

AIJAC further expresses our admiration for the NSW Police, supporting agencies and Australia’s political leaders, federal and state, for their compassionate professionalism, resolve and calm statesmanship at a difficult moment in our nation’s history.

Episodes like the one yesterday only re-emphasise that bigotry, intolerance, incitement and hatred need to be confronted, condemned and marginalised by all responsible communal and elected leaders. Terrorism and violent extremism, in all their ugly and threatening manifestations, must be fought with all due seriousness – using legal, political, diplomatic, cultural, intelligence and, where necessary, military means – if we are to maintain Australia’s harmonious and cohesive society.

Mark Leibler AC, National Chairman

Dr. Colin Rubenstein AM, Executive Director

AIJAC’s Jeremy Jones laying a wreath and signing a condolence book