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Thousands gathered at Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach Sunday evening to commemorate the victims of Australia’s worst mass shooting in nearly three decades, an attack that killed 15 people at a Jewish Hannukah celebration just one week prior. The solemn vigil drew more than 10,000 mourners under heightened security as the nation continues to grapple with the aftermath of the tragedy.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese attended alongside former prime ministers John Howard and Scott Morrison, as well as Governor-General Sam Mostyn, who represented King Charles III. The political atmosphere remained tense, with Albanese receiving boos from the crowd while opposition leader Sussan Ley was cheered – reflecting divisions over Australia’s stance on Palestinian statehood.
“This has to be the nadir of antisemitism in our country,” New South Wales Jewish Board of Deputies President David Ossip told the assembled mourners. “This has to be the moment when light starts to eclipse the darkness.”
The attack has prompted sharp criticism from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who directly criticized Albanese, claiming “your call for a Palestinian state pours fuel on the antisemitic fire.” Netanyahu has consistently linked global antisemitism to criticism of Israel’s military operations in Gaza and calls for Palestinian statehood.
During the ceremony, images of the victims, ranging in age from 10 to 87, were projected for the crowd. “Waltzing Matilda” was sung in tribute to the youngest victim, whose Ukrainian parents chose what they considered the most Australian name for their daughter born in Australia.
Ahmed al Ahmed, widely regarded as a hero for wrestling a shotgun away from one of the gunmen despite being shot himself, sent a message from his hospital bed: “The Lord is close to the broken-hearted. Today I stand with you, my brothers and sisters.” His father, Mohamed Fateh al Ahmed, lit a candle on a menorah to mark the final night of Hannukah.
The commemoration extended beyond Bondi Beach as Australians nationwide observed a minute of silence at 6:47 p.m., marking the moment the attack began. Television and radio networks across the country also fell silent in solidarity. The federal and New South Wales governments declared Sunday a national Day of Reflection.
Earlier in the day, Indigenous leaders conducted a traditional smoking ceremony at the Bondi Pavilion, where an impromptu memorial has grown throughout the week with flowers and messages. Governor-General Mostyn joined hundreds of women and girls dressed in white to lay flowers at the memorial, an event organized by the National Council of Jewish Women.
Mostyn delivered a message from King Charles III, stating that he and Queen Camilla were “appalled and saddened by the most dreadful antisemitic attack on Jewish people at the Hannukah celebration on Bondi Beach.”
Security remained tight throughout the event, with police armed with rifles patrolling the area. This enhanced response followed criticism that first responders to the attack had been equipped only with pistols against assailants carrying shotguns and rifles. Two police officers were critically wounded in the attack.
One suspect, 24-year-old Naveed Akram, has been charged with 15 counts of murder and 40 counts of causing harm with intent to murder. His father, Sajid Akram, 50, was killed by police during the attack. Sajid Akram legally owned six guns, including the weapons used in the massacre.
The Health Department reported that 13 victims remained hospitalized in Sydney on Sunday. Flags flew at half-staff on the Sydney Harbor Bridge and government buildings, which were illuminated in yellow as a show of solidarity with the Jewish community.
Alex Ryvchin, co-chief of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, expressed that victims’ families felt “tragically, unforgivably let down” by government failures to combat the rise in antisemitism since the Israel-Hamas conflict escalated in 2023.
The attack has prompted swift political action. An emergency meeting of federal and state leaders has already committed to strengthening Australia’s gun laws, including limiting the number of firearms an individual can own. The New South Wales parliament will convene Monday to debate new hate speech and gun legislation in response to the tragedy.
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14 Comments
This attack is a tragic reminder that we must remain vigilant in the fight against antisemitism and all forms of hatred. My thoughts are with the victims and their families during this difficult time.
While the political tensions are understandable, I hope the leaders involved can find a way to come together and send a clear message that antisemitism and hatred will not be tolerated. This is a time for unity, not division.
I agree. This is a moment that calls for leadership and moral courage. Politicians should put aside their differences and focus on the shared values of tolerance, compassion, and respect for all.
This attack is a stark reminder of the ongoing threat of antisemitism worldwide. We must remain vigilant and continue working to educate, promote interfaith dialogue, and root out hate wherever it exists.
While the political tensions are understandable, I hope the leaders involved can find a way to set aside their differences and work together to address the root causes of antisemitism and prevent such tragedies in the future.
The large turnout at the vigil is a testament to the resilience and compassion of the Australian people. It’s crucial that we continue to support the Jewish community and work together to build a more just and inclusive society.
The vigil at Bondi Beach was a powerful display of solidarity. It’s heartening to see the Australian people come together to mourn the victims and stand up against this senseless act of violence.
The political tensions surrounding this incident are concerning. While debates over foreign policy are valid, they should not distract from the need for unity and compassion in this time of grief. I hope leaders on all sides can find a way to move forward constructively.
Well said. Politicizing this tragedy is counterproductive. The focus should be on supporting the victims and their loved ones, and reaffirming our shared commitment to tolerance and mutual understanding.
This attack is a devastating blow, but the large turnout at the vigil shows that the Australian people are united in their commitment to standing up against antisemitism and all forms of hatred. We must continue to work together to build a more just and equitable world.
The large turnout at Bondi Beach shows the solidarity and resilience of the Australian people in the face of such hatred. It’s crucial that we come together to support the Jewish community and stand up against all forms of discrimination.
I agree. This attack has sparked important conversations about combating antisemitism and promoting interfaith understanding. We must remain vigilant and continue these efforts to ensure such tragedies never happen again.
The vigil at Bondi Beach was a powerful and moving display of solidarity. It’s a reminder that, even in the face of such tragedy, the human spirit can overcome hatred and find strength in community.
This is a tragic and senseless attack. My heart goes out to the victims and their families. Antisemitism has no place in our society and must be condemned in the strongest possible terms.