A Sydney commentator has been criticized for accusing Westfield Bondi Junction of “virtue signalling” by holding a day of reflection to commemorate those killed in last weekend’s stabbing.
Five female shoppers and a security guard were killed by Joel Cauchi, 40, during his stabbing on Saturday before being shot dead by a police officer.
The mall was closed for four days before reopening on Thursday so people could visit and pay their respects to the dead and injured, and stores were given the option to resume business from Friday.
Westfield operator Scentre Group chief executive Elliott Rusanow said the day of reflection was aimed at helping people feel comfortable returning to the site.
But conservative commentator Kobie Thatcher criticized the move as sparking “virtue signaling” and said those affected by the tragedy “have had days to mourn.”
“Bondi Junction will reopen its doors tomorrow for a ‘Community Reflection Day’,” Thatcher wrote in a social media post.
‘There is no retail. What kind of nonsense is this?
‘Surely the last few days when the shopping center was closed and people left flowers were enough time to reflect.
“Let businesses reopen.”
Conservative commentator Kobie Thatcher (pictured) criticized Westfields’ day of community reflection as “virtue signalling” in a social media post.
The post received a lot of backlash, with former Sydney mayor Lucy Turnbull saying it had nothing to do with wokeness.
‘No. He is respectful and empathetic,” Turnbull stated.
Another called on Thatcher to “have some compassion” for those affected.
‘You weren’t there. “You were not directly affected by what happened,” they said.
“Let those who were there decide what is the best method to deal with the trauma they faced that day.”
Other commentators also defended the day of reflection.
‘Is this about allowing businesses to reopen or forcing workers to return to the site of a massacre when they are still concerned about their health and well-being?’
“So, Kobie, business is more important than the loss of innocent human life and some time to mourn them.”
‘I have no idea my grandson was there and missed it by 5 minutes because he has difficulty feeling safe. A relative was locked up there. Imagine how those who were there feel.”
“Imagine being angry because the murder of people bothers you in your shopping.”
“Nice touch to let families grieve before reopening to the public and have people come back like nothing happened.”
“She’s embarrassing.”
“Apparently, empathy and human emotions have been awakened these days.”
‘He has never “woken up” to pay tribute to innocent people who lost their lives unjustly. It’s basic human decency.
Retailers will not have to pay rent from Saturday, April 13 to Friday, April 19, the Scentre Group has confirmed.
Australians were quick to react to her take on the day of reflection, with many advocating for the safety of retail staff at Bondi Junction (pictured, a woman leaves flowers at the memorial).
Stores can resume operations on Friday, and shoppers can expect an increased police and security presence.
Mental Health counseling and support services will also be available.
A candlelight vigil will be held on nearby Bondi Beach on Sunday night, with a minute’s silence to honor the victims.
WhatsNew2Day Australia has contacted Thatcher for comment.