A national day of mourning was observed on Thursday, January 11, 2024, in Australia for the victims of the tragic Bondi mass shooting that occurred on December 14, 2023. During the attack, two gunmen opened fire, killing 15 people, including ten-year-old Matilda, who was celebrating Hanukkah at Bondi Beach. The day of remembrance highlighted the resilience of the Australian community as they come together to support the grieving families.
Rabbi Yehoram Ulman of Chabad Bondi, who lost his son-in-law, Rabbi Eli Schlanger, and many congregation members in the attack, expressed his heartbreak at the loss. Speaking to reporters, he described this period as the most challenging time in his life. “I’ve lost friends. I’ve lost a dear son-in-law. I’ve seen members of my community losing parents, spouses. I’ve seen parents losing a child, and it is devastating,” he stated.
At the Sydney Opera House, the site of the memorial service, Rabbi Ulman delivered an inspiring message amidst a heavy police presence, including helicopters patrolling the harbour and snipers positioned on the roof. “We are reclaiming this Australian icon, which became a venue for darkness, a venue for hate, a venue for promoting violence,” he declared, emphasizing the community’s determination to overcome the tragedy.
Messages of Defiance and Unity
Rabbi Ulman referenced the protests that occurred following the attack by Hamas on Israel in 2023, where demonstrators lit flares, burned Israeli flags, and shouted anti-Semitic remarks. “Today we’re coming with the opposite message, and that’s what really should be because Australian people deserve better,” he asserted.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese attended the memorial, delivering a heartfelt apology that resonated with attendees, who responded with a thunderous round of applause. He embraced Rabbi Ulman, demonstrating solidarity with the Jewish community. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns also spoke, warning detractors of Australia’s freedoms that “Australia is not the country for you.” His words were met with cheers from the crowd.
During the memorial, a tribute was paid to Syrian-Australian Ahmed al-Ahmed, who bravely confronted one of the shooters and wrested the rifle from him. His courageous actions earned him a standing ovation from the thousands in attendance.
In a poignant moment, 14-year-old survivor Chaya Dadon, who saved several children during the shooting, remarked, “The nation has stood up,” highlighting the support Jewish-Australians have received in the aftermath of the attack.
Refusing to Live in Fear
Rabbi Ulman concluded his address by invoking Judaic teachings, emphasizing that the community would not allow the tragedy to silence their cultural and religious identities. “I hope that Australia is moving in the right direction, but we can’t live in fear,” he said, reinforcing the need for unity and resilience in the face of adversity.
The national day of mourning marked a significant occasion as it was the first of its kind in Australia since the death of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022. As the nation reflects on the tragedy, the call for solidarity and healing resonates across communities, highlighting the enduring spirit of the Australian people.
