The Chair made the following announcement:

“The thoughts and prayers of everyone at the Council are with the families, loved ones and friends who were killed or injured in the horrific and senseless attack at Bondi, along with the local community where it occurred.

It is not the first time this year that we have seen a terrorist attack on the Jewish community take place during a religious celebration, this time targeting innocent people attending a Hanukkah event.

We welcome the assurances over the weekend by Thames Valley Police colleagues that dedicated patrols will take place around synagogues and other Jewish venues during the remaining days of Hanukkah and I would echo police calls for people to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious to them.

For its part, Reading Council will reach out to faith leaders from Reading’s Jewish community to understand if there is any support we can offer locally.

While the weekend’s attack took place on the other side of the world, there is absolutely no doubt it resonates within our local communities, and particularly for people who may have family or friends nearby or visiting. I would stress once again the importance of communities standing together against hatred in all its forms.

Could I ask everyone present to please stand for a minute’s silence.”

The meeting stood for a minute’s silence.