National Day of Mourning: Albanese apologises to Jewish community as Aus mourns victims of Bondi terror attack

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has apologised to the Australian Jewish community, declaring that an attack on Jewish Australians was an attack on the nation itself, as thousands gathered across the country to mark the National Day of Mourning for victims of the Bondi terror attack.

“We are gathered here because on the 14th of December, everything changed. And for that, I am sorry,” Mr Albanese said at the Light Will Win ceremony in Sydney.

“We cherish the promise that this country is a safe harbour. But sadly that promise was broken.

“You came to celebrate a festival of light and freedom and you were met with the violence of hatred.

“I am deeply and profoundly sorry that we could not protect your loved ones from this evil.”

Mr Albanese thanked the Jewish community for its resilience and strength in the face of tragedy.

“You have taught a grieving nation that the only way to defeat darkness is to add the light,” he said.

“Let me say this clearly: An attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on all Australians.”

He reinforced the place of Jewish Australians in the nation’s identity.

“You do not stand apart from us. You are a part of us,” he said.

“The Jewish community is at the very heart of the Australian story. You are not just accepted. You are valued. You are cherished.

“You have the right to pray, to learn and to live as proud Jews without looking over your shoulder.”

Australians came together at services nationwide to remember and honour the 15 people killed in the anti-Semitic terror attack at Bondi in December, 39 days after the tragedy shocked the nation.

At the Sydney ceremony, Bondi hero Ahmed al Ahmed lit a candle alongside a member of each bereaved family.

Mr al Ahmed received a standing ovation as he was thanked by NSW Premier Chris Minns for his courage on the day of the attack.

Surf lifesavers were also applauded, wiping away tears as the crowd thanked them for their bravery and life-saving efforts.

Heart-wrenching video tributes to the victims were played, with families sharing memories and reflections on their loved ones.

“She lights up everyone who walked past her,” the parents of 10-year-old victim Matilda said.

Footage of Matilda dancing, playing with her younger sister Summer and smiling moved many in the crowd to tears.

“I am sorry that this world was much worse than she was,” her mother said.

Mr Minns told the crowd that safety was a fundamental right.

“Everyone deserves safety,” he said.

“Its intolerable to suggest another Australian doesn’t deserve a safe space. We stand with you tonight and every night as you heal.”

Federal Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said the nation had also witnessed “extraordinary humanity” that day.

“Strangers protected strangers,” she said.

“Ordinary Australians acted with courage and selflessness. First responders, surf lifesavers and medical teams showed professionalism, care and compassion that saved lives.

“These acts do not lessen the pain, but they remind us of who we are.”

Landmarks and government buildings across the country, including in Perth, were illuminated in white on Thursday night to honour the victims, reflecting the theme chosen by the Chabad Community in Bondi: “Light will win, a gathering of unity and remembrance”.

In Perth, the day was strongly felt in the City of Stirling, home to about half of Western Australia’s Jewish population. More than 100 people gathered at a National Day of Mourning ceremony led by Mayor Mark Irwin.

“The reality on the street is our Jewish community don’t feel safe. They don’t feel safe in their communities, their homes, or when they take their kids to school,” he said.

A minute’s silence was observed, flags were lowered to half-mast and wreaths were laid by dignitaries including Perth MP Patrick Gorman, State Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas, former Jewish Community Council president Geoffrey Midalia and Western Australian Association of Jewish Ex-Service Men and Women representative Warren Austin.

St George’s Cathedral also hosted a service attended by about 200 people, including Premier Roger Cook, Governor Chris Dawson, Police Commissioner Col Blanch, Perth Lord Mayor Bruce Reynolds and Liberal MP Simon Ehrenfeld, WA’s only Jewish sitting MP.

Following the service, Mr Cook said the day was an opportunity for unity and reflection.

“Today’s National Day of Mourning is an incredible opportunity for us all just to come together as a community, come together as a State and come together as a nation, to condemn these acts of violence and to embrace opportunities for love,” he said.