Australians are gearing up for a unique and meaningful day of mourning and remembrance, blending Jewish tradition with national unity. On Thursday, the country will pause to honor the victims of the Bondi terror attack, with a special focus on the Jewish concept of 'Mitzvah'.
But here's where it gets controversial... While the day is about mourning and remembrance, some are questioning the extent to which it should be politicized. And this is the part most people miss... The event is not just about paying tribute to the victims; it's also an opportunity to foster unity and kindness across different faiths and backgrounds.
The concept of Mitzvah, which means 'commandment' or 'good deed', is at the heart of this national day. It's a chance for Australians to come together and perform acts of kindness, just as the Jewish community has traditionally done. The idea is to spread goodwill and support, and to show that even in the face of tragedy, compassion can prevail.
Carole Schlessinger, CEO and co-founder of Kids Giving Back, has been leading the charge with her 'One Mitzvah for Bondi' program. Since the attack, she's been organizing weekly events where families can come together to prepare meals for vulnerable communities. On Thursday, she'll be hosting two special events, emphasizing the power of kindness and community.
"We truly believe that enabling kids and families to do these mitzvahs is deeply empowering," she said. "It gives young people a sense of agency, purpose, and hope, especially at times like these."
The president of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, Daniel Aghion, will also be participating in the day's events. He'll be spending the day at a synagogue, practicing a mitzvah and reflecting on the beauty of this Jewish tradition. Aghion believes that the overwhelming support for mitzvahs after the Bondi attack has brought Australians together, fostering a sense of inclusion and unity.
"The antidote to exclusion is inclusion," he said. "One of the beautiful things that can come out of such a terrible event is a way to bring Australians together."
The day will culminate in an official national memorial service at the Sydney Opera House, organized by the Chabad of Bondi. The event, titled "Light Will Win, a Gathering of Unity and Remembrance," will feature speeches from the prime minister, Anthony Albanese, the opposition leader, Sussan Ley, and the premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns. It will also include tribute videos, musical performances, and a national minute of silence.
But not everyone is on board with the idea. Some are questioning the politicization of the day, while others are concerned about the potential for division. The NSW Jewish Board of Deputies CEO, Michele Goldman, welcomed the day of mourning as a "moment for Australians to pause and reflect on the 15 lives lost in the terror attack on the first night of Hanukah."
"We encourage every Australian to undertake a mitzvah," they said. "Whether it's checking on a neighbor, volunteering, or supporting a local business, as a way to honor the victims through acts of kindness."
In Victoria, multifaith leaders will gather for a vigil at St Paul's Anglican Cathedral in Melbourne, marking the day with a public gathering and livestream. Victoria's premier, Jacinta Allan, sees the vigil as an opportunity to "stand with the Jewish community and reaffirm who we are."
This national day of mourning is a powerful reminder of the resilience and unity that can emerge in the face of tragedy. It's a chance for Australians to come together, to practice kindness, and to remember the victims of the Bondi terror attack. But it's also a day that invites debate and discussion, as Australians grapple with the question of how best to honor the past and build a better future.
