A memorial sculpture set to be installed in Sydney’s eastern suburbs to commemorate the impact on Sydney’s Jewish community of the events of 7 October 2023, has taken on a powerful new meaning in the wake of the recent terror attack at Bondi Beach.
Two months ago, Woollahra Council and Waverley Council announced the joint commissioning of a new permanent public artwork titled ‘In Them We See Ourselves’, inspired by the themes of resilience and compassion.
“The fragments of weathered Corten steel rising from the earth and leaning inward resemble cracks, with light seeping through reminding us of the hope that can emerge from hardship,” said Woollahra Mayor, Sarah Dixson.
“From the rear, the sculpture reflects the silhouette of a flame that is only made complete when a visitor sits within it on a bench, with their
body forming the core,” said Waverley Mayor, Will Nemesh.
When unveiling the plan in October (pictured), both Mayors say they could not have imagined how that emotive symbolism would soon hit so close to home.
“The unimaginable grief being felt by the community right now casts this beautiful and impactful artwork in a new light,” Mayor Nemesh said.
“It speaks to both grief and endurance, fracture and protection, and sends the message that light always triumphs over darkness.
“The latter is the meaning of Chanukah, the usually joyous Jewish celebration that was being marked by 1000 members of our community on Sunday 14 December when evil visited Bondi.
“This sculpture will speak to the pain our community is enduring and serve as a permanent testament to resilience and strength.”
‘In Them We See Ourselves’ was always designed to commemorate a significant tragedy – 7 October, 2023 – and to honour those whose lives were robbed by the evil of antisemitism, Mayor Dixson said.
“Sadly, that purpose has not changed, but the artwork’s meaning has evolved since Sunday and when complete, Cr Nemesh and I believe it will offer a poignant space for quiet reflection, contemplation and meditation for those impacted by the attack at Bondi,” she said.
Both Mayors say they believe in the sculpture’s power to serve as a place of healing, from which to both reflect and look forward, and the inclusion of a bench inside the structure invites viewers to sit and become part of the tribute.
Work on the piece continues and it will be installed in Christison Park in Vaucluse in the first half of 2026.
