From the Office of the CEO
As many of you may be aware, the Australian Government has announced that Thursday, 22 January 2026 will be observed as a National Day of Mourning to honour the victims and all those impacted by the tragic terrorist attack at Bondi Beach on 14 December 2025.
This act of unspeakable terror just before Christmas claimed the lives of 15 innocent people and injured many others, leaving an indelible mark on us all as one of the most heartbreaking events in recent Australian history.
The official theme chosen by the Bondi Chabad community, “Light will win, a gathering of unity and remembrance,” encourages all Australians to pause, reflect, and stand together in solidarity and compassion. As part of the day’s observance, flags will be flown at half-mast across Australia, and we are all invited to observe a minute of silence at 7:01pm as a mark of respect for those whose lives were cruelly taken. People are also encouraged to leave candles on doorsteps or windows and to join in acts of kindness – mitzvahs – to honour the victims. Our aged care Group will lower our flags, display candles in windows and doorways, and observe one of the 15 suggested Mitzvahs as suggested by the Prime Minister’s office. For further
information about the ‘One Mitzvah for Bondi’ initiative, please visit here.
At Hall & Prior, our organisation’s mission is rooted in inclusion, compassion, and respect for the dignity of every person, regardless of faith, culture or creed. This solemn day is an opportunity for all of us to reflect on those values, to acknowledge the profound grief suffered by Australia’s Jewish community and others affected by this tragedy, and to express support not only for those immediately touched by loss, but for all whose lives have been shaken by such senseless violence.
For some of our staff and members of the Hall & Prior family – particularly those connected with our Vaucluse Aged Care Home, which is close to Bondi Beach – this attack was not distant news but something that felt very close to home. Others may also know people impacted or will carry their own reflections on the significance of this event for our wider community. In recognising this National Day of Mourning together, we honour both the victims and the broader ideals of unity and mutual respect that define who we are as an organisation and as Australians. For any of our staff who would like extra support, please utilise our EAP service should the need arise.
I therefore respectfully ask that we hold space collectively and individually tomorrow, in whatever way is meaningful and respectful, whether in silence, prayer, reflection, or through acts of kindness that reaffirm our shared humanity. At 7.01pm in NSW & ACT (4.01pm in WA), I will stand with my staff for a minute’s silence to remember the 15 lives lost and the countless others who have been affected by the actions of terrorists on a summer evening on Bondi Beach.
I encourage us all to stand with those who mourn, to light a candle to spread light in these often dark times, and to let the message of compassion and solidarity guide our actions in the weeks and months ahead.
Thank you for the care, empathy and integrity you bring to our community every day.
Graeme Prior AM
Chief Executive Officer