It was a sombre morning inside St Paul’s Cathedral in Melbourne, where hundreds of mourners gathered to remember the 15 victims killed in the Bondi terror attack. The attack, which occurred on December 14, the first night of Hanukkah, was a stark reminder of the lingering threat of antisemitism.
A reverend stood solemnly at the front of the cathedral, reading the names and ages of the victims. As he paused before uttering “Matilda, 10,” the crowd collectively held its breath, encapsulating the grief that has gripped the nation. This day of mourning has been marked by a resounding message: light will triumph over darkness.
National Day of Mourning: A Unified Response
Across Sydney, flags flew at half-mast on the Harbour Bridge, a sight mirrored at landmarks nationwide. At Bondi Pavilion, the atmosphere was one of quiet respect. Mourners visited a small memorial, leaving pebbles, flowers, and messages of hope and solidarity.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns emphasized the importance of reflection, urging the nation not to simply return to normalcy. “It’s crucial to learn from this horrible crime,” he stated, encouraging acts of kindness, or “mitzvahs,” as a way to honor the victims.
“I think in some ways the most productive thing you can do is take the message from the Chabad community that was so affected by these killings and do a mitzvah,” Mr Minns said.
He also highlighted the significance of recent legislative reforms on hate speech and gun control, which aim to prevent such tragedies from recurring. “We need to do everything we can to confront hate preachers and those that spread vile antisemitism and racism,” Minns asserted.
Community Solidarity and Government Response
Rabbi Yosef Eichenblatt, present during the Chanukah by the Sea massacre, expressed gratitude for the widespread support. “When evil and prejudice rear their heads, the whole of Australia says no,” he remarked, reflecting on the nation’s collective resilience.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese addressed the nation from outside Parliament House in Canberra before attending an evening ceremony at the Sydney Opera House. He spoke of Bondi not just as a beach, but as a symbol of Australia’s welcoming nature.
“When we look to Bondi, we don’t just see a beach, we see it as part of our promise to the world. It’s a welcoming embrace,” he said.
In various parts of the country, similar gatherings took place, each underscoring themes of unity and healing. In Coffs Harbour, a multi-faith group planted an olive tree, symbolizing peace and reconciliation. Jewish community leader Larry Langman closed the ceremony with a traditional Mourner’s Kaddish.
Reflections from Across the Nation
In Brisbane, the Holocaust Museum opened its doors to the public, with director Jason Steinberg noting the profound impact of community support. “Every flower, every hug, every tear has been so meaningful,” he shared, highlighting the solidarity shown towards the Jewish community.
Meanwhile, in Tasmania, a gathering on Hobart’s eastern shore saw Reverend Chris Bowditch from the Lindisfarne Anglican Church urging people to express their grief and solidarity. “What a tragedy — what a disaster. And in the face of it all, what can we say?” he pondered.
“There is little to say really, but we can cry out, we can cry out to God, express our distress, our sadness and our grief.”
In Perth, Archbishop Kay Goldsworthy reminded attendees at St George’s Cathedral that the day was about confronting the darkness of the Bondi shooting and affirming that it will not have the final word.
Looking Forward: A Commitment to Unity
South Australia also participated in the National Day of Mourning, with Premier Peter Malinauskas emphasizing the need for unity beyond faith and ethnicity. “To see some people lose their lives in the name of just getting together with other people from their cultural and faith community is not consistent with who we are as a country,” he said.
The day concluded with a shared commitment to ensuring such tragedies never occur again. As Australia reflects on this somber occasion, the nation stands united in its resolve to combat hatred and promote peace.
