‘We condemn anti-Semitism and all forms of racist hatred’ says Louth councillor

By Olivia Ryan, The Drogheda Independent

The shocking terrorist attack on Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia was condemned as a “devastating act of violence” at the December meeting of Louth County Council.

Cllr. Michelle Hall spoke on behalf of Labour councillors on Louth County Council when she expressed sympathy and condolences to those affected by the mass shooting on Sunday evening in Sydney.

At least fifteen people were killed, and many more injured, when two shooters opened fire at a Jewish holiday event taking place on the world famous beach.

Cllr. Hall told the meeting: “We extend our deepest condolences to the family and loves ones of all those people who were killed, and all who were injured, and the Jewish community in Australia who are grieving in the wake of the devastating act of violence.”

She added: “We condemn this mass shooting which has taken the lives of fifteen people, and caused immense harm and trauma to many others.”

Cllr. Hall said her own daughter is currently in Australia, and for many people with relatives or friends who are on Bondi Beach regularly, she added they were “fearful” that their loved ones were caught up in the shooting.

She said it was “a sheer miracle that no one from Ireland was killed” in the attack.

“Acts of terrorism, racism and violence are an affront to our humanity, and we stand in solidarity with the Jewish community, and mourn alongside them. We condemn antisemitism and all forms of racist hatred.”