It is difficult to find words for the devastation felt in the wake of the Bondi Beach shooting.
Taking place on Sunday, December 14, two men — since identified as a father and son — targeted an event marking the first day of Hanukkah, the eight-day Jewish Festival of Lights.
The antisemitic terror attack has claimed 15 innocent lives with some 40 others hospitalised at the time of publishing, and one of Sydney’s most beloved beaches remains an active crime scene.
As news of the attack broke, the nation collectively held its breath. Waves of despair, terror and grief followed. They have not receded, and they will not for some time. If, like us, you are searching for ways to support those most affected, there are meaningful ways to help.
Donate To Lifeblood
Lifeblood has called for donations in the wake of the attack, revealing a particular need for O type donors thanks to its ability to be used universally.
“Fewer than 7% of the population are O negative, making it a challenge,” a Lifeblood spokesperson said.“O negative and O positive blood are always in high demand because they are used in emergency situations when a patient’s blood type is unknown.”
The call for Sydney-siders to donate blood has led to an inundation of traffic to the Lifeblood website causing the platform to crash. Bookings to donate blood can still be made however, through the online booking platform.
The organisation assured followers on social media they are “working to fix a temporary outage on our website”, and that “our call centre is working through a high volume of calls”.
Before turning up to your closest donation centre, it is reccommended you try to book an appointment. You can do so here or you can book appointments via phone on 13 14 95 (the Lifeblood national line)
Sydney Town Hall Donor Centre
483 George St, Sydney NSW 2000
Sydney York Street Donor Centre
Level 1, 1 York St, Sydney NSW 2000
Hurstville Donor Centre
252 Forest Road, Hurstville NSW 2220
Liverpool Donor Centre
Unit 5 & 6, 50–52 Macquarie Street, Liverpool NSW 2170
Marrickville Donor Centre
Level 1, 76a Edinburgh Rd, Marrickville NSW 2204
Macquarie Park Mobile Donor Centre
69–71 Waterloo Rd, Macquarie Park NSW 2113, Australia
Lifeblood Parramatta Donor Centre Rosehill
22 Oak St, Rosehill NSW 2142 (serving the Parramatta area)
Lifeblood Chatswood Donor Centre
Level 1, 62/436 Victoria Ave, Chatswood NSW 2067
Lifeblood The Shire Donor Centre
29 Kiora Rd, Miranda NSW 2228
Lifeblood Liverpool Donor Centre
Northern end, Unit 5 & 6/50 Macquarie St, Liverpool NSW 2170
Support The Jewish Community
Speaking to the ABC, Jewish House CEO Rabbi Mendel Kastel stressed the importance of standing together to ensure the Jewish community feels safe.
“Putting arms around us is absolutely appreciated and necessary,” he said.
“I think those arms need to get wider and wider and more and more people step up … and say we are with the Jewish community.
“The messages of Hanukah, of bringing light, of bringing piece, of bringing togetherness, that needs to be done together. We can’t do it on our own.”
We will update this article as calls for support are made.
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