In a poignant display of unity, Australians from all walks of life came together on a national day of mourning to honour the victims of last month’s devastating terror attack in Bondi. Under the banner of the “One Mitzvah for Bondi” initiative, citizens were encouraged to perform acts of kindness and goodwill to commemorate the 15 lives tragically lost.
Across the country, heartwarming scenes unfolded as communities rallied to support one another. In Sydney’s Paddington, children gathered at the Kids Giving Back event to prepare meals for those in need, embodying the spirit of tikkun olam – the Jewish concept of repairing the world. “It’s giving people hope and agency when everything feels so dark,” said Carole Schlesinger, the co-founder and CEO of the non-denominational charity.
Meanwhile, in Bondi, fresh wreaths of flowers were laid at the pavilion, just metres from the site of the attack, as mourners paid their respects. The Chabad community chose the theme “light will win” for the day, with Rabbi Yehoram Ulman declaring, “We don’t fight darkness by shouting. We fight darkness by turning on the lights.”
Vigils were also held in other parts of the country, including Melbourne, where hundreds gathered at St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral. The Anglican Archbishop of Melbourne, Dr Ric Thorpe, spoke of standing “side by side with members of the Jewish community” and condemning “anti-Semitism, hate crime, persecution and violence.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasised the importance of the day, stating that it was “an opportunity for us as a nation to wrap our arms around the Jewish community” as they mourned the loss of their fellow Australians. Alex Ryvchin, the co-chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, echoed these sentiments, saying the day was about supporting the “devastated families and thousands more dealing with physical and mental trauma that won’t soon heal.”
Across the nation, Australians heeded the call to action, with over 2,500 acts of kindness registered through the “One Mitzvah for Bondi” website. From community paddles to beach cleanups, the outpouring of compassion and solidarity was a testament to the resilience and unity of the Australian spirit in the face of tragedy.
