People are encouraged to place a candle in their windows on Thursday night to honour the victims of the Bondi attack. Photo: File
Flags will fly at half mast at institutions around Canberra on Thursday (22 January) to mark a National Day of Mourning to honour the victims of the Bondi shootings, as well as all those affected by the terrorist attack.
All organisations are encouraged to fly their flags at half mast, and members of the community are being asked to place a candle in their windows if they wish to participate.
A minute’s silence will also be held across the nation in the evening.
Two ISIS-inspired gunmen killed 15 people celebrating the first day of Hanukkah at Bondi Beach on 14 December. Many more were injured.
Federal Parliament has this week passed gun reform and hate speech laws drafted as a result of the killings, but not before much political wrangling between parties that even saw a split in the Coalition.
Anthony Albanese has called for the nation to come together to mourn the tragedy.
“Australia was born out of an instinct to unify,” the Prime Minister said on Wednesday (21 January).
“That’s what we did 125 years ago when the federation came together. We need to come together and tomorrow will be another day in which I want to see national unity.
“The Day of Mourning will be an opportunity for all Australians to stand with those who are grieving, those who lost loved ones, family members and members of the Bondi Chabad community, but others as well.
“There will be formal events which take place tomorrow, but there are also opportunities for every Australian to participate, by putting a candle in a windowsill or at the front of your house, by flags flying at half-mast, by recognising the installations and the lighting that will occur as well.”
The theme the Chabad Community in Bondi has chosen for the day is ‘Light will win, a gathering of unity and remembrance’.
Mr Albanese and NSW Premier Chris Minns have jointly described that as a “message of hope and unity to guide and inspire Australians, as we move forward”.
In recognition of the National Day of Mourning, flags will be flown at half-mast at all Commonwealth buildings around Australia, as well as NSW Government buildings. ACT Government buildings are expected to do the same.
National institutions in Canberra and NSW will be illuminated on the evening of Thursday, 22 January.
“We encourage organisations around Australia to participate in flying their flags at half-mast and to light up buildings,” the PM and Premier said in a statement.
“At 7:01 pm AEDT on Thursday, we invite all Australians to join us in observing a minute of silence to remember the 15 innocent people whose lives and futures were cruelly stolen on 14 December 2025.
“As we come together in our chosen ways on Thursday, we will pause to remember and reaffirm our national determination for light to triumph over darkness.”
Following a request by the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, a national commemorative installation titled ’15 Pillars of Light’ will also be lit up on Thursday evening.
The 15 Pillars of Light will be held in Canberra and across Australia, with each pillar serving as a visible symbol of mourning, remembrance and national solidarity.
It is also a time for Australians of all faiths and backgrounds to come together, share a meal, spend time with family and friends, and, individually or together, undertake Mitzvahs for Bondi.
In Jewish tradition, a Mitzvah is an act of kindness, compassion and a moral responsibility.
“Practical action to help others, through everyday acts of kindness that together create a powerful wave of goodwill,” Mr Albanese said.
“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.
“As a symbol of remembrance, mourning and solidarity with the Jewish community, you may wish to leave a candle on your doorstep or window.”
