Australia holds moment of silence for Bondi Beach attack victims
The memorial coincided with a national day of reflection. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese faced boos upon arrival, reflecting frustration within Australia’s Jewish community over a recent rise in antisemitic attacks. Heavy security was in place, including armed riot officers and a police patrol boat off Bondi Beach.
Crowds, many wearing kippas or Australian flags, gathered for speeches after the silence. Bee balloons were released in memory of the youngest victim, Matilda, and attendees sang Waltzing Matilda. Chaya, a 14-year-old who protected children during the shooting, spoke to the crowd, urging courage and kindness. The ceremony concluded with the lighting of the menorah, which had been disrupted during the attack.
The memorial extended nationwide, with homes displaying candles in a gesture of “light over darkness.” Some attendees confronted the Prime Minister, shouting accusations, while the New South Wales Premier, Chris Minns, received praise for his leadership and swift acknowledgment of government shortcomings before the attack.
The attack has been linked to a rise in antisemitism in Australia since the October 2023 conflict in Gaza. Albanese acknowledged his responsibility as prime minister and announced a review of police and intelligence agencies. Measures to reform gun laws and implement a large-scale gun buyback scheme, the largest since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, were also introduced.
Naveed Akram, 24, faces 59 charges, including 15 counts of murder and one of committing a terrorist act. His father, Sajid Akram, was killed during the attack. The Jewish community called for a Royal Commission to investigate the incident and address systemic failures in security and hate prevention.
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