Daily London
The Sydney Opera House will be flooded in white light at sundown to honour the victims of the Bondi terror attack on the national day of mourning.
Today, the national flag is flying at half mast at all federal government and NSW government buildings out of respect for the grief over the 15 people killed in the attack.
Another 14 buildings around the country, including the Bondi Pavilion, will also be lit up in white light to honour the victims.
The theme of today, chosen by the Chabad Community in Bondi, whose Hanukkah event was targeted in the attack, is “Light will win, a gathering of unity and remembrance”.
Speaking earlier today, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the Bondi Beach terror attack remained “a stain on our nation”.
“Today is an opportunity for us to remember and pay respect to the 15 lives,” Albanese said.
“A chance for us to, if we have faith, to pray. If we don’t, to hope that those who still suffer from injuries and are recovering, both physical and mental, have the opportunity to do so.”
He said today was a chance for the country to “wrap our arms” around the local Jewish community.
“Today, we share their grief. A grief with no ending, only a beginning,” he said.
National institutions in Canberra and in NSW will be illuminated as a symbol of light this evening.
And a commemorative installation, 15 Pillars of Light, will be in place in Canberra and around the country.
“The pillars will be lit up in locations around the country and will serve as a visible symbol of mourning, remembrance, and national unity,” Albanese said.
Throughout the day, candles were handed out in Martin Place to be lit tonight in windows across Sydney.
“I think it’s an opportunity to reflect on the victims, but also the contribution they made to our country,” NSW Premier Chris Minns said.
The premier visited a Jewish Care centre in Woollahra, meeting with Rabbi Mendel Kastel and his son, who witnessed the entire attack.
“He was actually there. It was a very difficult time,” Rabbi Mendel Kastel said.
“For a little while, we couldn’t find him.”
Throughout the day, the shared sentiment was that this must be a turning point.
”We need to remember those who’ve lost their lives and may their memories be a blessing,” NSW Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane said.
“The bigger mountain to climb is making sure this never, ever happens again.”
St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral in Melbourne marked the day with a multi-faith vigil.
Flags across Adelaide flew at half-mast across the city.
In Perth, a service at St George’s Cathedral offered prayers for the fallen, while this afternoon at St Mary’s in Sydney, a special mass acknowledged the 15 souls lost in December.
All Australians are encouraged to observe a minute’s silence at 7.01pm AEDT, and to leave a lit candle in their window or on their doorstep in solidarity with the Jewish community.
Albanese said this morning radio and television broadcasters would also hopefully hold that minute’s silence.
“We live in very difficult times, that is the truth,” Albanese said.
“And in a time of turbulence, I really want this nation to be a light for the world. We have an opportunity to do that.”
Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek told Today people were also urged to perform a “mitzvah”, an “act of goodness and kindness” for other Australians.
“These acts can be as simple as checking in on a neighbour, volunteering time, offering support to local businesses, or donating to those in need,” Albanese said earlier this week.
The Jewish community will also gather at the Sydney Opera House, which will be lit up in white in a gesture of solidarity and mourning.
“I’m very thankful the NSW government for giving us this opportunity to reclaim it, not just for us as a Jewish community, but obviously for the whole Australia and globally,” Rabbi Mendy Ulman said.
