Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a National Day of Mourning on January 22 to commemorate the Bondi Terror Attack.
In a post on his social media accounts, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wrote:
“Australia will hold a National Day of Mourning on Thursday 22 January 2026 to honour the victims of the antisemitic Bondi terrorist attack.”
At 6.4opm AEDT, on Sunday, 14 December 2025, emergency services received reports of two men with guns firing at crowds.
The men appeared to be aiming at those gathered for Chanukah by the Sea, an event organised by the Chabad of Bondi in Bondi Beach Park. 14 December is the first day of Chanukah, also called Hanukkah, the eight-day Jewish festival of lights.
The assailants killed 15 people and also injured over forty others. You can read the victims’ families’ statements here.
In a press conference on Tuesday, 13 January, the Prime Minister shared that the request came from Sydney Rabbi Yehoam Ulman. He is the spiritual leader of the Chabad community.
According to the Prime Minister, the theme of the day will be: “Light will Win – a Gathering of Unity and Remembrance.”
Furthermore, PM Anthony Albanese said that all flags in Commonwealth buildings will be flown at half-mast. Also, national institutions in NSW and ACT will be lit up “as a symbol of light”.
Additionally, a commemorative art installation, ’15 Pillars of Light’, will be held in Canberra and across Australia. The pillars will be a symbol of “mourning, remembrance, and national solidarity.”
How to observe the National Day of Mourning
22 January is not a public holiday. Businesses may decide to close as a mark of respect; however, others may continue operating as normal. If you are unsure, check with the business.
However, a minute of silence will be held at 19.01 AEDT on 22 January. Many will light a candle on their doorsteps or windows. You can also leave a message of condolence in the Bondi Beach condolence book.
The government has also encouraged the general public to observe the day of mourning by performing a Mitzvah (an act of kindness or compassion).
The 15 suggested Mitzvahs are:
- Give to others – donate to organisations in the service of others.
- Uplift the sick – visit someone who is unwell and offer support.
- Help those who have helped you – perform one small task to help your parent or older relative.
- Open your home – offer hospitality to someone you may not have thought to.
- Travel with care – help those needing transport, treat the roads and drivers with respect.
- Prioritise family – spend the first hour of your evening dedicated to your family, screen-free.
- Gratitude first – begin your day with thanks for the good things surrounding you.
- Act with intent – reflect with a moment of silence to seek guidance and clarity before beginning a task.
- Kindness to animals – ensure your pets are fed and cared for before you sit down to enjoy your own meal.
- Work with integrity – give the time you committed to the tasks you committed to.
- Warmth and positivity – greet people with a smile and take time to speak to others.
- Cherish your partner and friend – remind those you love every day how grateful you are for all they do for you.
- Prayer for healing – say a prayer for the complete physical and spiritual recovery for the victims of the Bondi massacre.
- Teach children – read children stories that show them all the good in the world.
- Legacy of life – empower the next generation to carry forward not with loss but with hope.
The Chabad of Bondi will also be hosting a Bondi Beach Attack Memorial Event on 22 January at 7 pm AEDT. This is an invitation-only event. However, you can stream it online on their YouTube channel.
