Today Australia marks a National Day of Mourning for the victims of the Bondi Beach terrorist attack.
Australians are invited to observe one minute of silence at 19:01 AEDT to honour those impacted by the terrorist attack and take part in acts of kindness.
People are also encouraged to spend time with family and friends of all faiths and backgrounds, and leave a candle on their doorstep or window as a sign of solidarity with the Jewish community.
Australians can undertake any of the 15 suggested Mitzvah, or act of kindness, as chosen from the list below:
- Give to others – donate to organisations in service of others.
- Uplift the sick – visit someone who is unwell and offer support.
- Help those who have helped you – perform one small task to help your parent or older relative.
- Open your home – offer hospitality to someone you may not have thought to.
- Travel with care – help those needing transport, treat the roads and drivers with respect.
- Prioritise family – spend the first hour of your evening dedicated to your family, screen-free.
- Gratitude first – begin your day with thanks for the good things surrounding you.
- Act with intent – reflect with a moment of silence to seek guidance and clarity before beginning a task.
- Kindness to animals – ensure your pets are fed and cared for before you sit down to enjoy your own meal.
- Work with integrity – give the time you committed to the tasks you committed to.
- Warmth and positivity – greet people with a smile and take time to speak to others.
- Cherish your partner and friend – remind those you love every day how grateful you are for all they do for you.
- Prayer for healing – say a prayer for the complete physical and spiritual recovery for the victims of the Bondi massacre.
- Teach children – read children stories that show them all the good in the world.
- Legacy of life – empower the next generation to carry forward not with loss but with hope.
The theme chosen by the Chabad Community in Bondi is: “Light will win, a gathering and unity and remembrance”.
“The terrorist attack was anything but random. It was antisemitic. Jewish Australians were targeted because they were Jewish,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Thursday.
“Today we stand in solidarity with their families. And to affirm the shared values of unity, compassion, and resilience that define Australia.
“Today we share their grief. A grief with no ending, only a beginning.”
To mark the day, national institutions in Canberra and across New South Wales will be illuminated as a symbol of light during the evening. The national flag will fly at half-mast at all federal New South Wales government buildings.
There will also be a commemorative installation called 15 Pillars of Light, held in Canberra and throughout Australia. Each pillar is a symbol of mourning, remembrance and solidarity.