SYDNEY — Tens of thousands of people gathered at Bondi Beach on Sunday for a national day of reflection to honour the victims of a deadly antisemitic gun attack that targeted a seaside Jewish Hanukkah festival a week earlier.
A minute of silence was observed at 6:47 p.m., the exact time the attack began, to remember the 15 people killed and dozens wounded. Television and radio networks across Australia paused broadcasts to mark the moment, while flags on government buildings were flown at half-staff. Security at the memorial was tight, with a heavy police presence that included snipers on rooftops and patrol boats in nearby waters.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese attended the memorial alongside other national and state leaders but was met with boos from sections of the crowd upon his arrival and again when his name was mentioned during the program. Albanese, who wore a kippah while seated in the front row, was not scheduled to speak.
The prime minister has faced criticism from some community leaders and opposition figures who say his centre-left government has not done enough to curb a rise in antisemitism since the outbreak of the war in Gaza. The government has said it has consistently denounced antisemitism over the past two years, passed legislation criminalising hate speech, and expelled the Iranian ambassador earlier this year after accusing Tehran of directing two antisemitic arson attacks.
Opening the memorial, New South Wales Jewish Board of Deputies president David Ossip reflected on the national impact of the attack.
“We have lost our innocence. Last week took our innocence,” Ossip said. “Like the grass here at Bondi was stained with blood, so, too, has our nation been stained. We have landed up in a dark place. But friends, Hanukkah teaches us that light can illuminate even the bleakest of places. A single act of courage, a single flame of hope, can give us direction and point the path forward.”
Also in attendance was the father of Ahmed al Ahmed, who has been hailed as the “Bondi Hero” for wrestling a gun away from one of the attackers during the assault.
Fourteen-year-old survivor Chaya Dadon told the crowd that the nation would endure despite the tragedy. “We are getting stronger as a nation. We are growing. Sometimes growing hurts. Life is going to move on and why not make the best of it,” she said.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns, who was cheered by attendees, said the attack was intended to intimidate and divide the community. “You have reclaimed Bondi Beach for us,” Minns said.
Earlier on Sunday, Albanese announced a review of Australia’s law enforcement and intelligence agencies, to be led by a former head of the country’s spy agency. The review will examine whether federal police and intelligence bodies have the appropriate powers, structures, processes and information-sharing arrangements to keep Australians safe. It is due to conclude by the end of April.
Authorities have said the attack exposed gaps in gun licence assessments and inter-agency information sharing. Albanese has announced a nationwide gun buyback, while gun safety experts warn that Australia’s gun laws, though among the world’s toughest, still contain loopholes.
Investigators are treating the shooting as an act of terrorism targeting Jews. Police say patrols have been increased nationwide to prevent further antisemitic violence, and authorities believe the two gunmen were inspired by the militant Sunni Muslim group Islamic State.
“The ISIS-inspired atrocity last Sunday reinforces the rapidly changing security environment in our nation. Our security agencies must be in the best position to respond,” Albanese said in a statement.
The Bondi Beach attack was the deadliest in a series of antisemitic incidents across Australia since Israel launched its military campaign in October 2023 following an attack by Hamas. These incidents have included attacks on synagogues, buildings and vehicles.
Albanese also condemned anti-immigration rallies held in Sydney and Melbourne on Sunday. Police estimated about 200 people attended the Sydney protest.
Police said alleged gunman Sajid Akram, 50, was shot dead at the scene. His son, Naveed Akram, 24, who was also shot by police and emerged from a coma earlier this week, has been charged with 59 offences, including murder and terrorism. He remains in custody in hospital.
Authorities urged Australians to light a candle at home on Sunday night, marking the eighth and final day of Hanukkah, in solidarity with the victims and their families.
