'No place for such violence in societies & anywhere': Faishal Ibrahim on Bondi Beach shooting, S'pore religious communities offer condolences

Singapore's Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim and the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) have condemned the Bondi Beach shooting.

In Facebook statements on Dec. 15, they said that such acts of violence have "no place" in societies and "anywhere".

Everyone should feel safe to practise their faith freely and without fear: Faishal

In his post, Faishal said he was "deeply saddened" by the incident which occurred at a public Hanukkah celebration in Bondi, Sydney on Dec. 14.

He added: "Such acts of violence have no place in our societies. Everyone should feel safe to practise their faith freely and without fear, whether in a mosque, synagogue, church or temple."

He emphasised that Singapore is "built on mutual respect and trust among our different communities", adding that it is "especially important" for the country to "remain united in upholding our multireligious and multicultural values, and reject hatred and extremism in all its forms".

Faishal said that the Malay-Muslim community in Singapore "remains steadfast" in its commitment to "peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and harmony with all communities, regardless of race or religion".

"We stand in solidarity with our Jewish friends and unequivocally condemn this senseless act of terror," he added.

Faishal also paid tribute to an individual who intervened during the attack, highlighting the role of shared humanity in times of crisis.

"I am also heartened by the extraordinary courage shown by Mr Ahmed al Ahmed, who risked his own life to disarm one of the attackers in an attempt to save others.

His actions, guided not by differences of background, race or religion, but by a deep sense of humanity. This reminds us of the values we must continue to uphold, even in the darkest moments."

He concluded by offering condolences to those affected, saying: "May they find strength and comfort in the support of their communities, and may peace prevail over violence."

Singapore's religious communities offer condolences, condemn violent attack

Singapore's various religious organisations and communities also offered their condolences to the families of the victims and were universal in condemning the violent act.

There is no place for violence targeted at civilians and innocent people anywhere: Muis

In a Facebook statement, Muis described it as "a horrific and shocking incident where innocent lives have been lost to terrorist acts".

The council said: "There is no place for violence targeted at civilians and innocent people anywhere, let alone at religious events or places of worship, or inspired by religious reasons."

Muis added that it was "deeply concerned that the world has become an increasingly dangerous place, where hate and fear are weaponised to divide communities and break up societies".

Muis also said that the incident is a "poignant reminder" that Singapore "must continue to hold together as one closely-knit society whose bonds are built on care, respect and empathy", adding that the country continues to "speak as one to reject all forms of violence and hatred and root out extremism and radicalisation".

Everyone has the right to live safely and peacefully: Catholic Church in Singapore

The Archbishop's communications office issued a statement saying that every person regardless of race, religion or nationality has the right to live safely and peacefully.

"The attack in Sydney is a violation of this fundamental right – an assault not just on individuals, but on the very fabric of our shared humanity."

It also called on societies to remove injustices through sincere dialogue.

Condemn any form of terrorism targeting communities based on faith, ethnicity or beliefs: National Council of Churches of Singapore

The National Council of Churches of Singapore expressed its profound shock and sadness over the attack.

It condemned in the strongest terms, all acts of anti-Semitism and any form of terrorism targeting communities based on their faith, ethnicity, or beliefs.

"The Council also wishes to express our solidarity with the Jewish community in Singapore and globally, affirming that such hatred has no place in society.

We stand together in condemning violence and in upholding the dignity, safety, and rights of all people."

Fragile and difficult to maintain racial and religious harmony: Singapore Buddhist Federation

In a Facebook post, the Singapore Buddhist Federation condemned the attack and joins the global community in mourning for the lives lost in an act of "cold-blooded carnage."

"We pray for the victims’ liberation in peace, for the speedy recovery of the injured, and for the solace of the affected families and communities.

This carnage has starkly reminded us how fragile and difficult it is to maintain racial and religious harmony in Singapore and globally.

This is also a teachable moment for us to constantly guard against any attempts, both locally and from abroad, to drive a wedge among Singaporeans."

Reject heinous acts threatening global peace: Hindu Advisory Board

The Hindu Advisory Board issued a statement saying it expressed its deepest regret, and their prayers were with the bereaved families.

"Innocent lives were lost, and the remaining were left with memories of trauma on a peaceful Jewish religious event, Hanukah.

Anti-Semitism should not be condoned and terrorism through any form should not be addressed lightly. All lives matter regardless of religion, race or creed."

It said it joins the nation in rejecting such heinous acts that threaten global peace and security.

Violence and hatred have no place in our shared future: Jewish Welfare Board

The Jewish Welfare Board stands in solidarity with the Jewish community of Australia. It also mourned the loss of lives, including Rabbi Eliezer Schlanger, who was leading the Hannukah celebration.

"From Singapore, a society built on mutual respect and interfaith harmony, we reaffirm our commitment to peaceful coexistence, religious freedom, and the dignity of every community.

Violence and hatred have no place in our shared future, and we remain steadfast in working alongside partners of all faiths to uphold understanding, compassion, and unity."

Top photos via AFP