Thousands of Australians are set to perform acts of kindness on Thursday to honor victims of last month’s Bondi terror attack. The Jewish tradition of mitzvah, meaning charitable acts, has inspired this national day of mourning. Carole Schlessinger, CEO of Kids Giving Back, will host two events where families prepare meals for those in need. She said, “We truly believe that enabling kids and families to do these mitzvahs, these acts of kindness, is deeply empowering.” Daniel Aghion, President of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, called mitzvah a “beautiful Jewish tradition” and praised the united Australian response. “The antidote to exclusion is inclusion,” he said. “With very simple steps and acts of kindness, we can go towards making [Australia] a better place.” An official memorial service will be held at Sydney Opera House in the evening, organized by Chabad of Bondi with government support. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, opposition leader Sussan Ley, and NSW Premier Chris Minns will speak at this invitation-only event. Survivors, families, first responders, and community leaders are guests. The Opera House and other national buildings will be lit up for the event, which starts at 7pm AEDT. It includes a national minute of silence, prayers, candle lighting by families, musical performances, and tribute videos. Rabbi Yossi Friedman said a shorter candle lighting service will also take place at Bondi Pavilion before the main event. Michele Goldman, CEO of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, urged all Australians to perform a mitzvah to honor the 15 lives lost. Victoria will hold a public multifaith vigil at St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral in Melbourne at 11.15am, streamed online, where Premier Jacinta Allan said it’s “a moment to stand with the Jewish community.” This is Australia’s first national day of mourning since Queen Elizabeth II’s death in 2022.