Albanese Announces Day Of Mourning For Bondi Victims
Image: AAP Image/Lukas Coch
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a day of mourning for the 15 victims of the Bondi Beach terror attacks in December.
Scheduled for 22 January, Albanese said the decision had been made following consultation with Sydney rabbi Yehoram Ulman, a spiritual leader of the Chabad of Bondi.
“This will have a theme of ‘light will win’, a gathering of unity and remembrance, which has been determined by the rabbi,” he said.
“Flags will be flown at half-mast in all Commonwealth buildings around Australia, and further details will be announced at the end of this week.”
Ulman’s son-in-law, rabbi Eli Schlanger, was killed in the attack.
Further details for the day are set to be announced at the end of the week, with the Prime Minister announcing that “flags will be flown at half mast in all Commonwealth buildings around Australia”.
State and federal governments work to further social cohesion
On Thursday, Albanese announced the establishment of a federal royal commission into antisemitism and social cohesion following weeks of sustained pressure from the victims’ families and communities. Former High Court justice Virginia Bell has been asked to lead the inquiry, with a report due before 14 December, 2026.
Tackling four key areas, the commission will examine the key drivers of antisemitism in Australia, make recommendations to enforcement, border, immigration and security; as well as examine the circumstances around the Bondi terror attack, and make recommendations to strengthen social cohesion.
NSW Premier Chris Minns last month indicated his intent to hold a state-based investigation, and is keeping the option open despite the announcement of a federal royal commission.
“We will continue to work closely with the Jewish community on matters arising from the Bondi terrorist attack and remain open to further inquiries that focus on NSW Government responses,” he said on Friday.
“Our priority remains unchanged: supporting victims and their families, keeping the community safe, and ensuring everything possible is done to prevent an attack like this from ever happening again.”
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