Australians are urged to light a candle and observe a minute of silence on Thursday night to honor the victims of the Bondi Beach shooting attack that took place on December 14. The attack targeted individuals celebrating the Jewish festival of Hanukkah at the iconic beach in Sydney’s eastern suburbs. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has declared Thursday as a national day of mourning for the 15 lives lost.
This marks the first time Australia is observing a national day of mourning since the passing of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022. The Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet has instructed that Australian flags be flown at half-mast at all government buildings in Australia and overseas. Additionally, governments and organizations are encouraged to illuminate buildings in remembrance of the victims.
Australians are invited to partake in a minute of silence at 7:01 p.m. local time to coincide with the commencement of the national memorial service at the Sydney Opera House. They are also encouraged to place a candle on their doorstep or window as a gesture of solidarity. Prime Minister Albanese emphasized the significance of the day as an opportunity for the nation to unite and show support for the Jewish community.
Prime Minister Albanese highlighted the importance of hate speech laws passed by the federal parliament in response to the Bondi Beach terror attack. He stated that these laws, enacted on Tuesday night, are the most robust in Australia’s history. The legislation grants the government additional authority to prohibit hate-spreading groups, impose harsher penalties on individuals advocating violence, and enhance powers to restrict visas for those with extremist ideologies.
