‘A grieving nation’: PM’s apology as Bondi dead mourned

Farid Farid and Adelaide Lang | January 22, 2026

Anthony Albanese has delivered an emotional apology to the loved ones of those killed in the Bondi massacre, saying the grief inflicted on the Jewish community represented a cruelty beyond measure.

The prime minister on Thursday evening joined fellow dignitaries and Jewish leaders at a memorial service at Sydney Opera House, capping a national day of mourning for the 15 victims of the Bondi attack.

The event, dubbed Light Will Win, took place against a backdrop of heavy security, with a police sniper planted on the roof of one of the Opera House sails and a helicopter patrolling Sydney Harbour.

A minute’s silence was observed at 7.01pm to remember those killed.

Fifteen candles, one for each victim, were mounted on pillars on the stage and lit by families of the victims.

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

Mr 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,” Mr Albanese said.

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

Mr 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 up-ended the sense of safety Australians enjoyed.

“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 gunmen.

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 gunmen opened fire on a Jewish festival at Bondi Beach on December 14.

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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