Hundreds gathered at Bondi Beach for a memorial swim to honour the 15 people killed in a shooting at a Jewish Hanukkah celebration.
SYDNEY: Hundreds of people swam and paddled surfboards off Bondi Beach on Friday to honour 15 people shot and killed at a Jewish festival.
Crowds gathered at the iconic Sydney surf spot to remember those slain on Sunday in an alleged attack by father-and-son gunmen.
The accused gunmen are alleged to have fired into crowds celebrating Hanukkah on the beach.
Out on the water, participants gathered in a large circle, splashed water and shouted.
“They slaughtered innocent victims, and today I’m swimming out there and being part of my community again to bring back the light,” security consultant Jason Carr said.
Carr said he hesitated before going back into the water because people were still grieving.
“We’re still burying bodies. But I just felt it was important,” the 53-year-old said.
“I’m not going to let someone so evil, someone so dark, stop me from doing what I do and what I enjoy doing.”
Carole Schlessinger, chief executive of a children’s charity, said there was a “beautiful energy” at the ocean gathering.
“To be together is such an important way of trying to deal with what’s going on,” the 58-year-old said.
“It was really lovely to be part of it. I personally am feeling very numb. I’m feeling super angry. I’m feeling furious,” she said. – AFP
