Daily London
A touching moment of unity has been captured at the memorial site at Bondi Beach, after a young man began singing The Seekers’ 1995 hit “I am Australian”.
As hundreds of people gathered to lay flowers and pay their respects to the 15 people killed in Sunday’s terrorist attack, a young man began singing the all too familiar lyrics.
“I am, you are, we are Australian,” he sang.
As he continued, more and more voices joined in until the diverse crowd of grieving Sydneysiders was singing along with him.
A video of the moment shared on social media was accompanied by a caption saying there was “not a dry eye in the crowd”.
Matthew replied to the video and identified himself as the young man who was singing.
He said it had been a tough few days for him since the terrorist attack and that he was quite nervous to sing, but wanted to do something that showed the Jewish community they deserve to be safe in Australia.
“But it was wonderful to see everyone so kind and so supportive,” he said.
“I wanted to do just something small to show that we as a city, and as a person with a disability myself, that the disability community supports the Bondi Beach, and Australian Jewish community, and that they’re welcome here, and deserve to be safe, just like everyone of all backgrounds and faith,” he said.
Australia is mourning the nine-minute attack at the country’s most popular beach, which left 15 people, more than 40 injured and countless lives changed forever.
A pile of flowers, candles and messages are growing at the memorial site outside Bondi Pavillon.
The families of the victims and political figures like Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, NSW Premier Chris Minns and Opposition Leader Sussan Ley have attended to pay tribute.
