Australia will hold a National Day of Mourning on Thursday, 22 January 2026, to honour the 15 people killed in the antisemitic terrorist attack at Bondi Beach last month and to stand in solidarity with the Jewish community.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the day during a press conference on Tuesday, saying the request had come from Rabbi Yehoram Allman, the spiritual leader of the Chabad community in Bondi, who lost family members in the attack.
The day will be observed under the theme “Light will win”, with Mr Albanese describing it as a national gathering of unity and remembrance. He praised Rabbi Allman’s leadership in the aftermath of the tragedy, calling it extraordinary given the personal loss suffered by his community.
Flags will be flown at half-mast on all Commonwealth buildings across the country on January 22, with further details of commemorative events to be announced later this week.
The announcement follows an earlier Day of Reflection held on Sunday, 21 December, jointly declared by the Federal and NSW governments. That day coincided with the final full day of Chanukah, a period traditionally associated with light, faith and resilience, deepening the sense of loss felt by the Jewish community and the nation.
As part of the December observance, flags on Australian and NSW government buildings were lowered to half-mast, Australians were invited to light candles at 6.47pm — one week after the attack — and a minute’s silence was observed nationwide.
The NSW Government also illuminated buildings in yellow, projected beams of light into the sky from Bondi Pavilion, supported a community memorial led by Jewish leaders, and worked with broadcasters to pause programming for the national moment of silence. A dedicated fundraising appeal was established in partnership with Rotary to support victims and their families.
The National Day of Mourning in January will allow families further time to lay their loved ones to rest and for communities still recovering to come together in remembrance and resolve.
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