Bondi attack prompts national day of mourning marked by acts of kindness

Australia observed a national day of mourning for the 15 victims of the 14 December Bondi attack, with memorials, wreaths and community acts of kindness such as children cooking meals.

Australia observed a national day of mourning to mark the 14 December Bondi attack that killed 15 people. The prime minister described the event as an opportunity to "wrap our arms around" the Jewish community, noting victims were targeted for being Jewish-Australians. The New South Wales One Mitzvah for Bondi initiative encouraged Australians to do a good deed, and communities responded with memorials and acts of kindness. Events included local vigils, wreath-laying at the Bondi memorial and community meal preparations. Key details: - The attack on 14 December resulted in 15 deaths, and officials said victims were targeted because they were Jewish-Australians. - The One Mitzvah for Bondi campaign registered about 2,500 acts of kindness, with many more uncounted according to the state government. - In Sydney, children cooked around 350 meals at a Kids Giving Back event and fresh wreaths were laid near the Bondi memorial stones. - A national memorial service was planned at the Sydney Opera House and vigils were held in Melbourne; flags in Victoria were flown at half-mast and landmarks were to be lit in white. Summary: The commemorations brought community members, faith leaders and officials together to remember the 15 people who were killed and to show support for the Jewish community. Undetermined at this time.