Bondi, collective grief and nation-making via mourning

Today the national flag is flown at half-mast. In memory of the 15 people killed in Bondi in December last year, a ceremony will be held at Bondi Chabad at 19:00 local time, and a candle will be lit for each victim of the terrorist attack by their families. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and New South Wales Premier Chris Minns will speak at the ceremony, which will be broadcast on Sky News and YouTube.

In addition to the service, various national institutions in Canberra and New South Wales will be illuminated as a symbol of light, and the government has produced a detailed office guide encouraging people to “come together, share meals and spend time with family and friends of all faiths and backgrounds, leave a candle on your doorstep or in your window as a symbol of remembrance, mourning and solidarity with the Jewish community, and leave a candle on your doorstep or in your window as a symbol of solidarity with the Jewish community.” One or more of 15…