The day will recognise all those who were affected in the shooting that allegedly targeted Jews attending a Chanukah celebration near the beach on December 14, the nation’s worst mass shooting for 30 years.
The theme “light will win” follows words from many Jewish leaders after the attack, bringing hope to their community.
Rabbi Ulman has remained a symbol of hope for the Jewish community and despite grieving his own family member who was killed in the attack, gave a touching speech that received thousands of views online.
“We are not retreating, we are not hiding and we are not shrinking,” he said at a memorial in December 2025.
“We are responding with more light, more love and more unity.
“We owe this to the 15 precious souls we lost,
“Darkness does not get the final word. Light will win.”
The national day of mourning announcement comes days after the Prime Minister announced a Commonwealth royal commission on anti-Semitism and social cohesion.
“What we’ve done is listen, and we’ve concluded that where we have landed today is an appropriate way forward for national unity,” Albanese said last Thursday.
On Monday, Albanese said Parliament would be recalled on Monday and Tuesday next week for condolences for Bondi and to pass a new hate speech and gun laws Bill.
One of the alleged gunmen Sajid Akram was shot dead on the day. His son Naveed is in custody and facing multiple charges.
Sign up to Herald Premium Editor’s Picks, delivered straight to your inbox every Friday. Editor-in-Chief Murray Kirkness picks the week’s best features, interviews and investigations. Sign up for Herald Premium here.
