Crowds are gathering in Bondi ahead of this evening’s vigil to mark a national day of reflection honouring the 15 victims of last week’s terror attack.
This morning, women dressed in white gathered on Bondi Beach to lay flowers at the pavilion. Organised by the National Council of Jewish Women Australia and its NSW arm, organisers said the act was about symbolising the Jewish teaching that “every single life is a whole world”.
People gather at Bondi Beach to mark one week since the Hanukkah terrorist attack and to honour the victims. Jessica Hromas
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has invited people across Australia to light a candle tonight at 6:47pm – exactly one week since the attack unfolded and the last day of Hanukkah – as an act of remembrance, and is planning to attend the Bondi vigil tonight.
A Stand in Solidarity with Bondi gathering on Manly Beach is also planned for this evening, with hundreds expected to take part in a police-patrolled event.
Local removalist and organiser Paul Casper says a healing ceremony by Indigenous elders and a performance by a 50-strong local choir will be part of the event for the community, with candles lit as a show of respect.
“It just really hit me about what had happened, and I thought it would be good to get the community involved – a chance to come down, stand together and show support,” Casper said.