Bondi terror attack is ‘a stain on our nation’, PM says
The deadly terror attack on a crowd celebrating Hanukkah at Bondi Beach was an attack on the Australian way of life, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says.
Anthony Albanese was booed at a vigil for victims of the Bondi Beach terrorist attack. (Dean Lewins/AAP PHOTOS)
Two gunmen killed 15 people, including 10-year-old Matilda, when they opened fire on the crowd gathered near Australia’s most famous beach on December 14.
Today marks a national day of mourning for those killed in the attack, marking the first such occasion since the death of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022.
Flags are being flown at half-mast throughout the nation and major institutions will be illuminated when the sun sets.
Mr Albanese encouraged all Australians to participate in their own way by leaving a candle on their window ledge or doorstep, with a minute’s silence scheduled for 7.01pm Sydney time.
“This is a place where nothing should break except for the waves. But a lot broke that night,” Mr Albanese said of Bondi.
Led by the Bondi Chabad, the theme for the sombre day of national mourning is Light Will Win: A Gathering of Unity and Remembrance.
Echoing the message, Mr Albanese urged Australians to continue to show their support for the Jewish community as they have done since the terror attack.
“At the worst of times, we saw once again the best of the Australian character,” he said.
Mr Albanese and other national leaders will attend a national memorial service at the Sydney Opera House on Thursday evening.
A commemorative installation, 15 Pillars of Light, will also be erected throughout Australian cities.
In Melbourne, which also has a significant Jewish community, a multi-faith vigil at St Paul’s Cathedral was attended by dignitaries including the Victorian governor, her immediate predecessor and four past and present premiers.
On his way in, Philip Zajac expressed optimism the day could be a stepping stone to bringing the country back together.
“This is not just a Jewish event,” the Jewish Community Council of Victoria president said.
“What happened on the 14th of December is an affront to the whole of Australia.”
Australians are being asked to come together through a mitzvah, an act of kindness or compassion.
This can include giving to others, helping the sick, offering hospitality or providing kindness to animals.
NSW Premier Chris Minns conceded on Nine’s Today Show his government had made a “major mistake” and there were lessons to be learned after the Bondi massacre.
But the resilience of the Jewish community in the face of such adversity has been an inspiration to the rest of the country.
To the Jewish community, I want to say, thank you,” Mr Minns said in a statement.
“You could have shattered into a million pieces, instead your strength has helped unite the nation.”
The sombre day of mourning comes as the community is still grappling with the aftermath of the terror attack.
“It’s not individuals who have lost members of their families,” NSW Jewish Board of Deputies chief executive Michelle Goldman told the ABC.
“All Australians have lost something – something has been shattered. And innocence has been taken away from Australia.”
Wentworth MP Allegra Spender, whose electorate is the Bondi area, criticised the federal government discussions in parliament over hate speech and gun reform laws this week.
“I’ve heard this time and time again from people in my community that they don’t want this to be political,” she told ABC Radio.
