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The upcoming event scheduled for Thursday is themed “Light will Win, a Gathering of Unity and Remembrance.”
Amid a national tragedy that claimed 15 lives, Australians are being urged to come together in a moment of reflection.
Alex Ryvchin, representing the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, emphasized, “This day holds significant importance for us, but it’s equally crucial for the broader Australian community to pause and consider the losses we have endured as a nation—in terms of our lifestyle, quality of life, and the harmony we once took for granted.”
At 7:01 p.m. on Thursday, citizens across the country are encouraged to observe a minute of silence.
Government buildings will mark the occasion by lowering their flags to half-mast.
Australians are also being asked to light a candle on doorsteps or windows.
A national commemorative installation called 15 Pillars of Light will project beacons at locations around the country.
Ryvchin said: “There’s a very important concept in Jewish culture and tradition of finding the good in every dark situation and ensuring that no matter how bleak the day that we fill the world with light to overcome that.”
All Australians are all being encouraged to undertake what Jewish people call a Mitzvah – an act of kindness and compassion, such as checking in on a neighbour, volunteering or spending time with family and friends.
The day of mourning has been planned by both the Commonwealth and NSW governments.
Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty said: “It’s so important that we stop and remember what happened at Bondi late last year, it was a terrible terrible tragedy.”
This will be the first national day of mourning since the death of Queen Elizabeth in 2022.