John Partridge poses a series of well constructed rhetorical questions in his missive about the causes of the Bondi attack (Why did we stay quiet? Letters, 2/1). There is no doubt that news events focused on religious war as reported by the media will impact on local social narratives, potentially motivating anonymous fanatics to commit outrageous criminality, as occurred on December 14. Those of us writing consistently against “Hamas-supporting” protesters dominating our streets had to tread warily, lest we be accused unfairly of Islamophobia. Partridge calls on everyone to speak up and to ensure we avoid further victimisation of our Jewish neighbours. Bravo! But he is completely wrong to assert that there was an abyss of silence before Bondi, with no one opposing the lies propagated about Israel and the blind eye turned to the war crimes of using human shields. Alan Sexton, North Parramatta 3Jan2026
Why did we stay quiet?
How did we allow the Bondi massacre to happen? Why did we all stand back watching marches denouncing Israel for over two years? Why did we not speak up as a community while witnessing our Jewish community being harassed, synagogues desecrated, cars graffitied, children harassed going to school, cafes defaced and firebombed? Why did we all say nothing? As a result of that inaction, indifference and our reluctance to speak out against the persecution of our Jewish community, our nation now bears this scar, this human stain. May it never happen again. John Partridge, Mosman 2Jan2026