In a poignant moment of reflection, Australia held a moment of silence to honor the 15 lives lost in the tragic Bondi massacre.
As the sun set over Sydney Harbour, a crowd gathered for a minute of silence at 7:01 PM ADST. Following this, the Sydney Opera House hosted speeches from key figures, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Opposition Leader Sussan Ley, NSW Premier Chris Minns, and leaders from the Jewish community.
Security was a top priority, evidenced by a NSW Police sniper stationed atop one of the Opera House’s iconic ‘shells’ to ensure the safety of attendees.
Under the guidance of Bondi Chabad, the national day of mourning embraced the theme “Light Will Win: A Gathering of Unity and Remembrance,” aiming to foster a sense of togetherness and healing.
This devastating attack, which occurred on December 14, claimed 15 lives and left 41 others injured in an antisemitic act of terror at Bondi Beach.
In response, Australians are encouraged to unite by performing a mitzvah, whether through acts of kindness or gestures of compassion.
This can include giving to others, helping the sick, offering hospitality or providing kindness to animals.
A commemorative installation, 15 Pillars of Light, was erected throughout Australian cities.
A NSW Police sniper is seen on the roof of the Opera House as an event was held to remember the victims of the Bondi terror attack
Rabbi Yehoram Ulman addresses the media in front of the Sydney Opera House on Thursday
Relatives of some of the 15 victims of the Bondi attack stand next to candles with their loved ones’ names
A crowd gathered on the Opera House steps before speeches were heard inside the building
Mr Albanese encouraged all Australians to participate in their own way by leaving a candle on their window ledge or doorstep.
‘This is a place where nothing should break except for the waves. But a lot broke that night,’ Mr Albanese said of Bondi.
‘For darkness to descend on that (Hanukkah celebration) is something that is a stain on our nation.’
Flags are being flown at half-mast throughout the country and major institutions will be illuminated when the sun sets.
Dignitaries including the Victorian governor attended a multi-faith vigil at St Paul’s Cathedral in Melbourne, her immediate predecessor and four past and present premiers.
They lit candles and paid tribute to the Bondi victims alongside Jewish, Islamic, Hindu, Buddhist, Christian and Sikh leaders.
‘By our coming together in unity to remember the fallen, by our prayers and our lighting of candles, we come to remind ourselves of this truth: that light will win,’ Anglican Dean of Melbourne Andreas Loewe told the assembled crowd.
The faith leaders share common values and are united in their determination to overcome anti-Semitism, hate speech, and terror, Rabbi Ralph Genende said.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and wife Jodie Haydon attend the event inside the Sydney Opera House
Governor-General of Australia, Sam Mostyn, speaks during the ‘Light Will Win: A Gathering of Unity and Remembrance’ event
One hero of the many at Bondi, Ahmed Al Ahmed, lights a candle for victim Sofia Gurman
An Australian flag at half mast on Bondi Beach on Thursday
A tribute to the victims of the Bondi Beach massacre during the National Day of Mourning is held at Melbourne Park during the Australian Open grand slam
‘We belong to different faith traditions and share a common grief,’ he said.
‘Together we seek to build a society where all people can work together in cherishing, not disfiguring, our common humanity.’
The significance of Oseh Shalom, a short Hebrew prayer for peace, being sung in an Anglican cathedral was not lost on attendees.
‘I find that just an extraordinarily moving thing,’ Executive Council of Australian Jewry president Daniel Aghion told reporters outside.
‘It shows what this country can be – and indeed is.’
Jewish state MP David Southwick, meanwhile, warned the inter-faith gathering could not be seen as ‘we’ve done our job’ and the hard work must continue.
