Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was booed by sections of the crowd at Bondi Beach on Sunday as thousands gathered to remember the victims of last week’s deadly gun attack on a Jewish Hanukkah festival.
Australia observed a national day of reflection for the 15 people killed and dozens injured in the attack carried out by two gunmen. A minute’s silence was held at 6:47 pm, the exact time the shooting began, with television and radio networks pausing their broadcasts. Government buildings flew flags at half-mast as security was tightened nationwide.
Tens of thousands attended the Bondi memorial under heavy police presence, including snipers positioned on rooftops and police boats patrolling the water. Albanese arrived wearing a kippah and sat in the front row but was booed on arrival and again when his name was mentioned during the ceremony. He did not speak at the event.
The prime minister has faced criticism over what some say is a weak response to rising antisemitism since the start of the Gaza war. His government says it has consistently condemned antisemitism, passed laws criminalising hate speech, and expelled Iran’s ambassador earlier this year after accusing Tehran of directing two antisemitic arson attacks.
“We have lost our innocence,” said David Ossip, president of the New South Wales Jewish Board of Deputies, opening the memorial. “Like the grass here at Bondi was stained with blood, so too has our nation been stained.”
Ossip added that Hanukkah symbolised hope even in dark times, saying a single act of courage or flame of hope could light the way forward. The father of Ahmed al Ahmed, known as the “Bondi Hero” for wrestling a gun from one of the attackers, was also present.
Australians were asked to light candles at home on Sunday night, marking the eighth and final day of Hanukkah. Fourteen-year-old survivor Chaya Dadon told the crowd that the nation was growing stronger, even though growth could be painful.
Reclaiming Bondi Beach
At Bondi Beach, New South Wales Premier Chris Minns received cheers from the crowd as he said the attack was meant to intimidate and divide. “You have reclaimed Bondi Beach for us,” he said.
Earlier on Sunday, Albanese announced a review of Australia’s law enforcement and intelligence agencies. The review will examine whether police and intelligence bodies have the right powers, structures, and information-sharing systems to keep the public safe. It will be led by a former head of Australia’s spy agency and is expected to conclude by the end of April.
The attack exposed weaknesses in gun licensing checks and coordination between agencies. Albanese has announced a nationwide gun buyback, while experts warn that despite Australia’s tough gun laws, loopholes still exist.
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Authorities are treating the Bondi shooting as a terrorist attack targeting Jews and believe the gunmen were inspired by the Islamic State group. Police patrols have been increased across the country amid fears of further antisemitic violence.
The Bondi attack is the most serious in a series of antisemitic incidents across Australia since Israel launched its war in Gaza in October 2023. Albanese also condemned small anti-immigration rallies held in Sydney and Melbourne on Sunday.
Police shot dead alleged gunman Sajid Akram, 50, at the scene. His son, Naveed Akram, 24, was also shot by police and later emerged from a coma. He has been charged with 59 offences, including murder and terrorism, and remains under guard in hospital.
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