Australia will pause on Sunday, 21 December, as the Federal and NSW Governments declare a Day of Reflection to honour the victims of the horrific terrorist attack at Bondi Beach and to stand in solidarity with the Jewish community.
The Day of Reflection falls on the final full day of Chanukah, a period traditionally associated with light, faith and resilience, deepening the sense of loss felt by Jewish Australians. Governments say the timing underscores a shared national grief and a collective stand against hatred and violence.
As a mark of respect, flags on Australian and NSW Government buildings will be flown at half-mast throughout the day. Australians are also being invited to light a candle at 6.47pm—one week after the attack—and observe a minute’s silence with family and friends.
Public tributes will form a key part of the day. Buildings across NSW will be illuminated in yellow, while a beam of light will shine into the sky from the Bondi Pavilion. Television and radio networks will be asked to pause for a minute’s silence at 6.47pm, and a shareable candle image will be made available on the NSW Government website to allow people to show their support online.
The NSW Government will also support Jewish leaders to deliver a community memorial event, while work continues with the Commonwealth on arrangements for a National Day of Mourning to be held in the New Year, allowing families time to lay their loved ones to rest and support those still recovering.
A dedicated fundraising appeal has also been launched in partnership with Rotary. The Unite for Bondi: Bondi Terror Attack Appeal will provide support to survivors and families of those who lost their lives, with donations accepted via rawcs.org.au.
Support services for those impacted by the attack are available through nsw.gov.au/bondibeachattack.
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