Australia to unite for national day of mourning to honour victims killed in Bondi Beach terror attack
Australia will declare a national day of mourning on Thursday for those killed in last year’s terror attack on Bondi Beach.
A minute’s silence in the evening will be accompanied by the illumination of large buildings across the country as “symbols of light”.
The national day was announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Saturday, with the theme ‘Light will win, a gathering of unity and remembrance’, chosen by the Chabad Community in Bondi.
“This will be an opportunity for us as a nation to pay respect to the people who lost their lives,” Mr Albanese said.
Here’s what you need to know about how you can respect the Bondi victims.
Events were planned for the national day of mourning
Major buildings in NSW and Canberra will shine with lights to commemorate the attack and show unity has defeated division.
A memorial installation of 15 pillars of light across the country will “serve as a visible symbol of mourning, remembrance and national solidarity,” according to the federal government.
Flags will be flown at half-mast on all federal and NSW government buildings and establishments as a sign of national respect.
All other organizations and jurisdictions are encouraged to do the same.
The national commemoration ceremony, organized by the Chabad of Bondi, will take place at 7pm and will be broadcast live on the organization’s YouTube channel and Sky News.
The prime minister and NSW premier Chris Minns will speak at the event.
In Melbourne, leaders from many different faiths will gather for a special memorial service at St Paul’s Cathedral.
How can you join in commemorating Bondi?
The Prime Minister is calling on all Australians to observe a national moment of silence to honor the 15 victims at 7.01pm (AEDT) on Thursday.
Major TV and radio networks will pause their broadcasts to lead the nation in this moment of reflection.
Families across the country are invited to place a candle on their doorstep or window as a “symbol of light” and a gesture of national solidarity with the Jewish community.
To promote unity, Australians are encouraged to perform one of the 15 suggested Mitvahs.
Mitzvah is an act of kindness, compassion, and moral responsibility.
These include sharing meals with family, friends, or neighbors, checking in on the sick or unwell, donating to charity, or simply greeting others with warmth and positivity.
A personal tribute or message of support can also be left on Bondi Beach’s official online condolence book.
This digital memorial will allow people from all over the country to share their pain and stand with the families of the martyrs.
The day of mourning will not be a public holiday, and Australia will be honored by Queen Elizabeth II. It is the first time a national day of mourning has been observed since Elizabeth’s death in 2022.
