Anthony Albanese has delivered an emotional apology to the loved ones of those killed in the Bondi terror attack during the National Day of Mourning on Thursday.
The prime minister joined fellow dignitaries and Jewish leaders at the memorial service in Sydney Opera House, where a minute’s silence was observed at 7:01pm to remember the 15 victims who were killed during the massacre.
Fifteen candles were mounted on pillars on the stage and lit by families of the victims.
Ahmed Al Ahmed, who bravely tackled one of the gunmen, was among those to light candles at the memorial service.
The memorial, dubbed Light Will Win, had heavy security presence, with a police sniper on the roof of one of the Opera House sails and a helicopter patrolling Sydney Harbour.
Albanese issued a personal apology and 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”.
“I am deeply and profoundly sorry that we could not protect your loved ones from this evil,” he continued.
“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.
“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.”
Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said the terror attack had shaken Australians’ sense of safety.
“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.”
Other dignitaries who were in attendance included former prime ministers John Howard and Malcolm Turnbull.
Scott Dyson and Jack Hibbert, the two police officers who were injured during the attack were also in attendance, marking their first public appearance since the shootings.
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.”
Flags were flown at half-mast throughout Australia on Thursday, and major landmarks, including the Bondi Pavillion, were lit from sunset to midnight for the day of mourning led by the Bondi Chabad.
Images: Instagram
