Monday was the 11th anniversary of the Lindt Cafe siege, Sydney’s last horrific terrorist event which paralysed a nation and destroyed the reputation of one of our iconic venues. Now, who will see Bondi Beach in the future without recollecting thoughts of a devastated Hanukkah celebration, ending with a phalanx of rescue personnel providing resuscitations to the scream of sirens and the sobs of the fallen? (“Terror strikes at Sydney’s home of sun and beauty”, DT,15/12). The PM and his government have alienated Jewish Australians by tolerating protests against the government in Jerusalem. In the twisted minds of radicals, this has condoned those motivated to take these actions on Sunday. Congratulations to Ahmed Al Ahmed, an Aussie hero, all police and rescue services for going above and beyond and also the Muslim Council for condemning this mindless terrorism. With similar advocacy from our feckless federal government, the fragile harmony within our multicultural communities might yet be revitalised. RIP to the fallen. May God bless them all. Alan Sexton, North Parramatta 16Dec2025