The Emmy Monash community came together on 22 January for a moving National Day of Mourning commemoration, honouring the fifteen lives lost in the December Bondi Beach terror attack. Held in an atmosphere of reflection and unity, the event brought together residents, families, volunteers and staff to share in collective grief, comfort and hope.
A central moment of the ceremony was the candle‑lighting tribute.
Fifteen representatives—including residents, family members, volunteers and staff—each lit a candle in memory of one of the victims. Carefully chosen to reflect meaningful connections through heritage, experience or community roles, the candle lighters symbolised the individuality of each life lost and the shared resilience of those left to remember them.
We were honoured to be joined by Rabbi Yaakov Glasman AM of St Kilda Shule, whose heartfelt prayers offered strength and reassurance, and by Chavi Israel-Block, a survivor of the attack, who shared a courageous and deeply moving reflection.
Performances by Nethaniel Camilleri and Mendy Winner added warmth, bringing a sense of togetherness through song.
As the candles continued to glow, the message resonated clearly throughout the room: we remembered, we honoured, and together, we reaffirmed that light will win.