Australians are encouraged to perform a mitzvah (an act of kindness and compassion) and leave a lit candle on their front doorsteps or windowsills.
A memorial service will be held at the Sydney Opera House tonight, with a national minute of silence at 7.01pm (AEDT).
Bondi
On 14 December 2025, two gunmen opened fire at a Jewish community event at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, killing 15 innocent people and injuring many more.
Hundreds had gathered to celebrate the start of the Jewish festival of Chanukah.
The mass shooting was declared a terrorist attack, and a Royal Commission into antisemitism has since been called.
Day of Mourning
In Australia, a National Day of Mourning is declared by the Government to honour and remember significant loss of life, typically involving Australian citizens or events of profound national impact.
On these days, flags are flown at half-mast on all government buildings.
Australians are often encouraged to observe a minute’s silence at a designated time.
These are relatively rare occasions, reserved for circumstances of exceptional tragedy or loss, such as:
- Following the terrorist attacks in Bali in 2002, which killed 88 Australians.
- After the Black Saturday bushfires, which claimed 173 lives in 2009.
- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese last declared a National Day of Mourning on 15 April 2024, following the stabbing attack at Westfield in Bondi Junction.
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Today
The theme for the National Day of Mourning is ‘Light will win, a gathering of unity and remembrance.’
Throughout the day, flags will be flown at half-mast across government buildings around Australia.
Jewish leaders have encouraged Australians to perform a mitzvah, such as supporting a friend, donating to a charity or helping someone in need.
The NSW Government said: “When these acts [of kindness] are carried out collectively, they strengthen the community and bring light in moments of darkness.”
The Federal Government asked Australians to light a candle and leave it on their doorstep or windowsill as “a symbol of remembrance, mourning and solidarity with the Jewish community.”
Tonight
A memorial service will be held at the Opera House tonight to honour the victims of the terror attack.
Jewish leaders, the victims’ families, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Opposition Leader Sussan Ley, and NSW Premier Chris Minns, will be in attendance.
A minute of silence will be held at 7.01pm (AEDT).
The service has been set up by the Bondi Chabad, the organiser of the Chanukah event that was the target of the attack.
NSW Health’s dedicated mental health line is available 24/7 on 1800 011 511
Lifeline 13 11 14
