On Sunday, as our Jewish siblings gathered at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, to commemorate the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem—Hanukkah—two gunmen opened fire on the crowd. Fifteen people died, and many more were injured. The father-and-son gunmen were reportedly ISIS-inspired extremists bent on killing Jews. Tragically, this incident follows a wider trend of rising antisemitism around the world.

Our hearts break for all who are trying to make sense of this massacre. We denounce all violence, especially violence rooted in religion. The world feels like a tinderbox of polarization and extremism. We cannot endure more hatred expressed at gunpoint. Hatred does not end hatred; only love can do that.

Lest we succumb to the temptation to paint all Muslims with the same brush, we honour the heroism that brought one of the gunmen to his knees. A Syrian-born Australian ran toward danger and saved countless lives. He himself was injured, fully aware that his own life might end. We yearn for a world where such heroism is not necessary, and we give thanks to God for people like Ahmed al-Ahmed, who put the well-being of others before their own.

Christians, Jews, and Muslims are family. It is a dysfunctional family, but family nonetheless. In truth, all of humanity is family. There is baggage and there is history, and our religious texts often complicate efforts to be our most loving selves. Interpreting either the Bible (both Testaments) or the Qur’an as a call to violence can be done—but the opposite is also true. These texts can be read as beautiful, poetic calls to peace.

This is a choice we make, both as individuals and as communities. If a religion or community suggests that violence is the only path to truth, then it is time for a new religion or a new community. Peace is possible—but only if we choose it, every time.

For our Jewish siblings, we pray for peace and security. Know that you are beloved children of G-d.