A multifaith vigil to commemorate those who lost their lives in the Bondi Beach terrorist attack will be held at 11.15am on Thursday, 22 January at St Paul’s Cathedral.
The Victorian State Vigil (the Vigil) is part of the National Day of Mourning for the victims of the Bondi terrorist attack – a day for all Australians to come together to grieve, remember, and stand against antisemitism and hate.
Victorians, along with the rest of the nation, are invited to come together, share a meal and spend time with family and friends of all faiths and backgrounds. You can also leave a candle on your doorstep or window as a symbol of remembrance, mourning and solidarity with the Jewish community.
In a gathering of unity and remembrance, political and multifaith leaders from across Victoria will come together, including from the Jewish, Christian and Muslim communities to honour the victims and all those impacted by the attack.
The Vigil will be an opportunity for Victorians to pause, to remember, and light a candle in honour of those who lost their lives – and to encourage peace and an end to hatred.
The Dean said:
We will come together to give voice to our distress and sorrow, to mourn those murdered, and to support the wounded, bereaved and traumatised. We stand side by side with members of the Jewish community here in Melbourne and throughout Australia, and with countless people the world over who, like us, condemn anti-Semitism, hate crime, persecution and violence.
Doors open at 10.15am. The vigil will conclude at 12pm.
All are welcome. For the comfort of those gathered, we ask that attendees refrain from displaying national flags or political symbols of any kind.
A Prayer for Australia written by Rabbi Ralph Genende OAM, AIJAC Interfaith Liaison and Senior Rabbi of the Australian Defence Force
Bless, O God, our country of Australia, and all its people:
Let us have dreams in this land of long dreams,
let the hot winds from the desert fire our imagination,
let the red soil of the plains keep us rooted to the things that matter,
let the waters of our rivers, lakes and oceans flow into our hearts,
giving us depth and understanding.
Let us remember the original inhabitants of this land,
their dreams and lingering song-lines,
and acknowledge their losses and endurance;
let us celebrate the many different faces and faiths of our nation,
respect the dignity of our differences,
and honour the commonality of our humanity.
May we stand strong and mighty as our mountains,
and be as gentle as our places of quite beauty;
may your spirit vitalise this great land,
enter the hearts of our leaders and protectors,
and guide them with wisdom and integrity.
Protect the members of the Australian Defence Force,
our Emergency Services and Police Force,
in all their endeavours at home and overseas.
Let our compassion be
like the encompassing coastlines of our singular continent:
May peace move steadily and surely
across this ancient and enduring land,
bringing hope and joy to all of its inhabitants. Amen.
Quick links:
Victorian Government release: Click Here
Order of Service (this may be used freely, with attribution): Click Here
Livestream: