Sydney Opera House memorial reclaims a national symbol after Bondi attack

Flags above the Sydney Harbour Bridge flew at half-mast last night as families of the victims, Jewish leaders and political figures gathered at the Sydney Opera House for a national memorial service marking the deaths of 15 people in the Bondi Beach antisemitic terror attack.

The theme for the night, ‘Light Will Win’, underscored a clear message that even after profound loss, decency, unity and humanity would prevail.

The ceremony, held on the first National Day of Mourning since the death of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022, formed the centrepiece of a day of remembrance observed across the country.

Speaking outside the Opera House before the service, Rabbi Yehoram Ulman of Chabad of Bondi said the grief within the community remained profound, but its resolve remained unbroken. Rabbi Ulman lost his son-in-law, Rabbi Eli Schlanger, in the attack.

“It was the most difficult time of my life. I’ve lost friends, I’ve lost members of my community, losing parents and spouses, losing a child. It is devastating,” he said.

“Our hearts are broken, but our spirit is unbroken.”

Rabbi Ulman said holding the memorial at the Opera House was about reclaiming a national symbol after violent, antisemitic scenes on the forecourt on October 9, 2023.

“We are reclaiming this Australian icon which became a venue for darkness, a venue for hate, a venue for promoting violence,” he said.

“Today we’re coming with the opposite message.”

Several of the speakers returned to the theme of “reclaiming the Opera House” and were met with thunderous applause from the audience.

As the ceremony began, the audience paused for a minute’s silence at 7:01pm, and 15 buildings across the country were illuminated as symbols of light. These included the Bondi Pavillion as NSW’s pillar. The Opera House itself was flooded in white light, joined by landmarks such as Sydney Tower, the Maritime Museum and Sydney Olympic Park.

Among those attending were the families of victims, members of the Chabad community, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, NSW Premier Chris Minns, NSW Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane, Federal Opposition Leader Sussan Ley, former prime ministers John Howard and Malcolm Turnbull, senior Jewish community figures and first responders.

The service was hosted by Sky journalist Sharri Markson and opened in prayer by Rabbi Pinchas Feldman, head of Chabad NSW. Governor-General Sam Mostyn then read Psalm 23, telling the crowd it had been personally chosen by King Charles III for the occasion.

Members of the victims’ families lit 15 candles on stage, one for each victim. Bondi hero Ahmed al-Ahmed, wearing a kippah, lit a candle on behalf of the family of Edith Brutman, who could not attend, while NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna lit a candle for the family of Adam Smyth.

Anthony Albanese delivered a formal apology on behalf of the nation, saying the promise of Australia as a safe harbour had been broken. His remarks were met with strong applause from the audience.

“You came to celebrate a Festival of Light and freedom, and you were met with the violence of hatred,” he said.

“I am deeply and profoundly sorry that we could not protect your loved ones from evil.”

Mr Albanese said Jewish Australians had been targeted because they were Jewish and described the attack as an assault on the entire country.

“An attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on all Australians,” he said.

“You have the right to pray, to learn, to live as proud Jews without looking over your shoulder.”

A deeply emotional moment followed when Bondi attack survivor Rabbi Leibel Lazaroff took the stage, just four hours after being discharged from hospital. He received a standing ovation before and after performing a melody on the grand piano accompanied by other members of the Chabad community.

The 20-year-old, who had undergone ten surgeries and spent more than 20 hours in intensive care, played the same melody he had performed moments before the shooting on December 14 and again in hospital.

Despite being wounded, Rabbi Lazaroff helped save the life of police officer Scott Dyson. Mr Dyson also attended the memorial alongside fellow officer Jack Hibbert in their first public appearance since the attack.

In a devastating moment, five sons of victims stood together to recite the Mourner’s Kaddish.

Throughout the evening, video interviews with family members were shown, offering personal reflections and deeper insight into the lives of those who were killed.

NSW Premier Chris Minns was met with a prolonged standing ovation as he spoke of the need to confront hatred wherever it appears.

“Racism, antisemitism, it’s corrosive to our community, and it’s everyone’s responsibility to stand up to it,” he said.

He praised Ahmed Al Ahmed for disarming the attacker, prompting another standing ovation, and said the Opera House was a symbol of unity rather than division.

“Just as you reclaimed Bondi Beach, you’ve taken back the Opera House tonight too,” he said.

Opposition Leader Sussan Ley reflected on the acts of courage that emerged from the violence.

“Strangers protected strangers. Ordinary Australians acted with courage and selflessness,” she said.

“These acts do not lessen the pain, but they remind us of who we are.”

14-year-old Chaya Dayon was recognised for protecting two young children during the attack and being shot in the leg. Sharri Markson invited her to stand as the audience responded emotionally with strong applause, and she enthusiastically thanked Hashem for saving her life.

Throughout the night, moving songs by performers including the Great Synagogue Choir, with songs such as Habeit, Ani Ma’amin and Kol HaOlam Kulo” had Jewish members of the audience singing along.

Towards the end of the evening, the writing of a new Torah was begun, marking a moment of continuity and renewal. Important supporters and community figures were invited onto the stage to witness the first letters being written.

The service closed with a joyous rendition of I Still Call Australia Home by Rabbi Menachem Feldman, who was joined on stage by other performers. Finally, all the singers came on stage for an enthusiastic rendition of Oseh Shalom, which saw politicians including John Howard and Sussan Ley joining hands with other dignitaries for a spontaneous hora.

As the final notes faded, the Opera House once again stood as a place of unity rather than division. For families, survivors and a shaken nation, the night was not only about mourning what was lost but also about affirming shared values of dignity, solidarity and the right of Jewish Australians to live openly and safely in their own country.

Photos by Justine Perl