Prime Minister Anthony Albanese extended a heartfelt apology to the families of those lost in the Bondi massacre, acknowledging the profound sorrow that has gripped the Jewish community and describing it as an unimaginable cruelty.

On Thursday evening, the Prime Minister was accompanied by dignitaries and Jewish community leaders at a commemorative service held at Sydney Opera House. This gathering marked the culmination of a national day of mourning for the 15 individuals who perished in the Bondi tragedy.

Entitled “Light Will Win,” the service was conducted under tight security measures, including a police sniper positioned atop one of the Opera House sails and a helicopter monitoring the area over Sydney Harbour.

At precisely 7:01 PM, attendees observed a minute of silence to honor the memory of the victims.

To pay tribute, fifteen candles, representing each victim, were placed on stage pillars and lit by the victims’ family members.

Crowds gathered at the Bondi Beach Pavilion on Thursday to pay respects during a national day of mourning. Source: AAP / Sarah Wilson

Sporting a sling from injuries he sustained in the attack, Syrian Australian Ahmed Al Ahmed — who valiantly stripped one of the gunmen of his rifle — also lit a candle.

Albanese described the Bondi massacre as an “atrocity perpetrated in the heart of this city, in a place that dwells in the very heart of our identity”.

He issued a personal apology to the loved ones of the Bondi victims, drawing a round of applause from those in the crowd.

“I am deeply and profoundly sorry that we could not protect your loved ones from this evil,” Albanese said.

Security with rifles were positioned on the sails of the Sydney Opera House. Source: AAP / Rick Rycroft/AP

“Let me say this clearly: an attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on all Australians.”

Albanese said “a grieving nation” was still reeling from the attack and its weight was felt most by Jewish Australians.

“For that weight to be felt like this, by a community that has carried such a burden of suffering across generations, is a cruelty beyond measure,” he said.

Opposition Leader Sussan Ley spoke of how the terror attack upended the sense of safety Australians enjoyed.

Bondi hero Ahmed Al Ahmed (second left) lit a candle during the ceremony. Source: AAP / Rick Rycroft/AP

“A night that should have been filled with joy and hope was instead marked by darkness and hate,” she said.

“Many never imagined such a thing could happen here in Australia.”

Dignitaries in attendance included former prime ministers John Howard and Malcolm Turnbull.

Four sons, whose fathers were killed, dressed in traditional Jewish garb and recited a mourner’s prayer as a cantor sung a hymn for the victims.

Also in attendance were injured constables Scott Dyson and Jack Hibbert, in their first public appearance since the shootings where they confronted the alleged gunmen.

Shooting victim Rabbi Leibel Lazaroff, from the US state of Texas, played the piano in one of several musical performances during the memorial. Source: AP / Rick Rycroft/AP

NSW Premier Chris Minns paid tribute to the strength and resilience of the Jewish community.

“Just as you reclaimed Bondi Beach, you’ve taken back the Opera House tonight too,” he said.

“This is what our Opera House is for.

“Not as a place of hate [with] loud speakers and racism on its steps, with flares and hateful symbols, but a location of peace and unity.”

Fifteen people, including 10-year-old Matilda, were killed when two alleged gunmen opened fire on a Jewish festival at Bondi Beach on 14 December.

Flags were flown at half-mast throughout Australia on Thursday and major landmarks, including the Bondi Pavilion, were illuminated from sundown to midnight for the day of mourning led by the Bondi Chabad.

Australians were encouraged to come together through a mitzvah, an act of kindness or compassion.

This could include giving to others, helping the sick, offering hospitality or providing kindness to animals.

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