I have seen an outpouring of grief over what happened in Bondi Beach from people who have never made so much as a peep about Israel’s genocide in Gaza for over 2+years. A genocide that would not be possible without the full aid and support of the United States and many Western nations.

And It tells me two things: One, it was never about a general disinterest in something occurring far away in another country. And two, this is a prime example of selective grief, one which is deeply rooted in Western racism.

After months of relentless bombings and near total destruction of every structure in Gaza, and a death toll that has now surpassed 100,000, dozens of Palestinians have died of hypothermia, including an infant, in just the past week in flooded tents, due to Israel deliberately withholding aid. Medical charities have been documenting children arriving at clinics with skeletal frames and sunken eyes. In fact, at least 400 civilians have been killed by the Israeli military since the supposed “ceasefire.”

Of course, what happened at Bondi Beach was horrific and vile. It was undoubtedly fueled by antisemitism, one of many social hatreds that should be vigorously opposed and condemned. These people were targeted for their faith or ethnic identity and there should be no room for anyone who holds such odious positions. It is worth noting that many Jews have been outspoken in their opposition to Zionism and Israel’s barbarism. Even if there weren’t, no one should experience this kind of violence.

But here is the point; Liberation is a collective enterprise. We will never get the better world we all deserve if we continue to allow social hatred to derail solidarity and selective grief to poison our humanity.

Kenn Orfanos, December 2025