Australia falls silent as nation pays tribute to terror attack victims

Silence has fallen across Australia in a powerful moment of mourning for the victims of the Bondi terror attack and a show of solidarity with the Jewish community.

A national day of mourning culminates tonight with a service at the Sydney Opera House, echoed with light at 14 other buildings around the country.

Light Will Win – A Gathering of Unity and Remembrance was set to include the lighting of 15 candles to remember those slain at the Hanukkah by the Sea festival on December 14 and addresses by members of the Jewish community and political leaders.

Bondi Beach terror attack

The Sydney Opera House was flooded in white light to honour the victims after the national flag flew at half-mast at all federal government and NSW government buildings out of respect for the grief over the 15 people killed in the attack.

Constable Scott Dyson and probationary Constable Jack Hibbert made their first public appearance after being injured responding to the attack.

Bondi hero Ahmed Al Ahmed and NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna joined representatives from each of the families who lost loved ones to light a candle on stage.

Another 14 buildings around the country, including the Bondi Pavilion, will also be lit up in white light to honour the victims.

The theme of today, chosen by the Chabad Community in Bondi, whose Hanukkah event was targeted in the attack, is "Light will win, a gathering of unity and remembrance".

Chabad NSW head Rabbi Pinchus Feldman called on those listening to recognise the dignity of every human behind and find strength in Noah's seven laws that underpin Judaism.

"In deep mourning, yet with a steadfast spirit, we pray for the triumph of light over darkness," he said.

"As the prophet Isaiah,proclaimed, the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.

"May he who makes peace in the heavens, the almighty God, bring peace to Australia, to Israel and to all of humanity."

Four sons who lost their fathers in the attack — Nossen Schlanger, son of Rabbi Eli Schlanger; Shlomo Levitan, son of Reb Yaakov Levitan; Yaakov Tetleroyd, son of Boris Tetleroyd; Tzvi Kleytman, son of Alex Kleytman; and Zev Weitzen, son of Tibor Weitzen — recited the Mourner's Kaddish.

Throughout the evening, more than a dozen moving tribute videos were played, sharing intimate and touching details of the lives lived before they were cruelly snatched away on December 14.

Ya'akov Tetleroyd, still lying in his hospital bed, remembered his father, Boris, a smiling man who everybody loved, the man who taught him to ride a bike and who would randomly burst into song.

"I was always just amazed how he was able to fix everything," Ya'akov said.

"Whatever was going on in my life. He was able to find a solution for it."

Speaking earlier today, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the Bondi Beach terror attack remained "a stain on our nation".

"Today is an opportunity for us to remember and pay respect to the 15 lives," Albanese said.

"A chance for us to, if we have faith, to pray. If we don't, to hope that those who still suffer from injuries and are recovering, both physical and mental, have the opportunity to do so."

He said today was a chance for the country to "wrap our arms" around the local Jewish community.

"Today, we share their grief. A grief with no ending, only a beginning," he said.

National institutions in Canberra and in NSW were illuminated as a symbol of light this evening, a commemorative installation, 15 Pillars of Light, was in place in Canberra and around the country.

"The pillars will be lit up in locations around the country and will serve as a visible symbol of mourning, remembrance, and national unity," Albanese said.

Throughout the day, candles were handed out in Martin Place to be lit tonight in windows across Sydney.

"I think it's an opportunity to reflect on the victims, but also the contribution they made to our country," NSW Premier Chris Minns said.

The premier visited a Jewish Care centre in Woollahra, meeting with Rabbi Mendel Kastel and his son, who witnessed the entire attack.

Candles were being handed out in Martin Place today.

"He was actually there. It was a very difficult time," Rabbi Mendel Kastel said.

"For a little while, we couldn't find him."

Throughout the day, the shared sentiment was that this must be a turning point.

"We need to remember those who've lost their lives and may their memories be a blessing," NSW Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane said.

"The bigger mountain to climb is making sure this never, ever happens again."

St Paul's Anglican Cathedral in Melbourne marked the day with a multi-faith vigil.

Flags across Adelaide flew at half-mast across the city.

In Perth, a service at St George's Cathedral offered prayers for the fallen, while this afternoon at St Mary's in Sydney, a special mass acknowledged the 15 souls lost in December.

All Australians are encouraged to observe a minute's silence at 7.01pm AEDT, and to leave a lit candle in their window or on their doorstep in solidarity with the Jewish community.

Albanese said this morning radio and television broadcasters would also hopefully hold that minute's silence.

"We live in very difficult times, that is the truth," Albanese said.

"And in a time of turbulence, I really want this nation to be a light for the world. We have an opportunity to do that."

Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek told Today people were also urged to perform a "mitzvah", an "act of goodness and kindness" for other Australians.

"These acts can be as simple as checking in on a neighbour, volunteering time, offering support to local businesses, or donating to those in need," Albanese said earlier this week.

An invitation-only memorial event, organised by Chabad of Bondi, is live-streamed from 7pm AEDT on the organisation's YouTube channel.

The Jewish community will also gather at the Sydney Opera House, which will be lit up in white in a gesture of solidarity and mourning.

"I'm very thankful the NSW government for giving us this opportunity to reclaim it, not just for us as a Jewish community, but obviously for the whole Australia and globally," Rabbi Mendy Ulman said.

For more information, visit the federal government's information page about the day of mourning.