Like so many Australians, I watched the horror of the Bondi shooting unfold, glued to the screen, unable to look away, unable to comprehend that this was happening here on our shores and in our community.
Everyone should have the right to live in peace, to practice their faith, to celebrate their cultural heritage, or simply enjoy a beautiful summer’s day at the beach without fear of violence.
But as the night wore on and details trickled through the devastation, a knot of fear grew in my stomach. Social media erupted before facts emerged—when all we had were grainy pictures and it was being reported that three people had died. The divisive language was already ablaze: “Deport all Muslims.” “This is what mass migration does.” “Of course it’s an Arab.” “Such filth belongs back in the Middle East.”
That fear took me back to another horrific moment: 9/11.
As an Australian of Lebanese heritage, I know racism all too well. I lived through the Cronulla riots, and I have seen how tragedy amplifies prejudice. Before 9/11, people asked me, “Where are you from?” After 9/11, the question changed to, “Are you Muslim?” When I answered that I’m a Catholic Maronite, I could hear the sigh of relief as if that somehow made me more acceptable.
Now, as I read the rhetoric and watch events unfold, the fear returns. NSW Police have warned of a potential ‘retribution event,’ and a social media post circulating declaring: “WE RIOT. WOG/MIDDLE EASTERN BASHING DAY. SATURDAY 27TH DECEMBER. SPREAD THE WORD AUSTRALIA! STAND THE F**K UP.” To be held in Cronulla.
I asked my son to shave his beard, hoping it would make him look less Lebanese even though he was born and raised here. I told him to be careful at the gym and when out with friends. We’ve been here before.
Social cohesion in Australia has been fraying for years—long before the events of October 7, 2023. Racism has always existed, but recent years have seen it intensify, fueled by COVID, far-right movements, neo-Nazis on our streets, and divisive political rhetoric from some of our leaders and elected officials.
I am scared. Where do we go from here?
As an Australian of Lebanese heritage, I fear what comes next not because of who we are, but because of how we are perceived. Not all people from the Middle East, regardless of faith, are terrorists. Yet time and again, we are branded as such. The truth is, those who commit senseless acts of violence are not always who we expect and Port Arthur and Christchurch taught us that. And no one should ever be targeted in acts of atrocious violence because of faith or heritage as the Jewish community were on Sunday.
We often ask and have been asked, what Australian values are, as if we’ve lost them. But we haven’t. Mateship, compassion, a fair go, tolerance, acceptance—these are our values.
Despite our flaws, I believe we live in the best country in the world. Our leaders don’t always get it right, and we have work to do, but we stand shoulder to shoulder with neighbours, friends, and communities, regardless of where we come from, who we pray to, or what language we speak.
This tragedy must remind us that unity is not passive, it requires action. We need stronger anti-racism policies, better education about cultural diversity, and leadership that rejects fearmongering. Communities must speak out against hate, even when it is uncomfortable or critical of their own. We cannot allow extremists, whether online or on our streets, to define who we are. Australia’s strength lies in its diversity, and we must protect that fiercely.
We must condemn what happened in Bondi and support our Jewish community, because they are frightened. We must honour the lives lost and the families left with only memories.
We must stand against those who seek to divide us and exploit tragedy for their cause. Because most of us just want to live in peace.
Today, my Australia is united. I have watched people queue to donate blood, lay flowers and light candles, hug strangers, and share grief. This is who we are. And this is who we must remain especially when fear tempts us to forget and diminish our identity.