Australia Commemorates Victims of Bondi Beach Shooting

Mourners across Australia came together on Sunday to remember the victims of the Bondi Beach shooting, which took place a week earlier during a celebration of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. The attack, carried out by two gunmen, resulted in the deaths of 15 individuals, including a 10-year-old girl, a British-born rabbi, and a Holocaust survivor.

The memorial service was part of a national day of reflection, and attendees observed a minute's silence at 18:47 local time (07:47 GMT), marking the exact time gunfire erupted at the iconic beach. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese faced a hostile reception, with some members of the Jewish community expressing their anger towards his government in the wake of rising antisemitic incidents in recent months.

As the sun set over Sydney, a large crowd, many wearing kippas or draped in Australian flags, gathered at Bondi Beach. The event featured speeches and symbolic gestures, including the release of bee balloons in memory of the youngest victim, Matilda, affectionately known as "Matilda Bee". The crowd later sang 'Waltzing Matilda', the song after which she was named.

Among those attending was Chaya, a 14-year-old who was injured while attempting to protect children during the attack. Using crutches, she inspired the crowd with her words: "If you guys get inspired by one thing, one thing on all this, be the light in that field of darkness."

The ceremony concluded with the lighting of a menorah, a ritual that the community was unable to perform during last week's events. This moment was part of a broader national gesture, with many homes throughout Australia displaying candles in solidarity.

Prime Minister Albanese’s entrance to the memorial was met with shouts of "Blood on your hands," reflecting the frustration felt by many in attendance. He appeared taken aback by the reaction, while his wife, Jodie Haydon, offered him support. Tensions escalated as police intervened with at least one person being tackled after approaching the prime minister.

The Jewish community had expressed that while the attack was shocking, it was not unexpected given the increase in antisemitism following the conflict in the Middle East that began on 7 October 2023. Many in the community believe that more could have been done to prevent the tragedy at Bondi Beach.

In response to the criticisms, Prime Minister Albanese acknowledged his responsibility, stating, "I accept my responsibility for the part in that as prime minister of Australia." The prime minister has faced accusations of favouring Palestinian perspectives over Israeli support, a sentiment exacerbated by his government’s recognition of Palestine earlier this year.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded to the shooting by condemning Albanese’s administration for failing to curb the rise of antisemitism in Australia. In contrast, Chris Minns, the Premier of New South Wales, received praise during the memorial for his prompt acknowledgment of government failures leading up to the attack. He attended several victims' funerals, while Albanese was reportedly not invited to some.

"We grieve with you, and with humility, I acknowledge that the government's highest duty is to protect its citizens. And we did not do that one week ago," Minns stated.

The event highlighted a pressing issue of antisemitic hate within the Australian community. David Ossip, president of the New South Wales Jewish Board of Deputies, called for a Royal Commission to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack.

Naveed Akram, the suspected gunman, has been charged with 59 offences, including 15 counts of murder and one of committing a terrorist act. His father, Sajid, was also killed during the incident.

Following the attack, Prime Minister Albanese announced several measures aimed at combatting hate speech and incitement to violence, as well as a review of police and national intelligence protocols. He referred to the shooting as an "ISIS-inspired atrocity," signalling the need for heightened security measures in Australia.

Additionally, the government plans to reform gun laws and has introduced a buyback scheme, the most extensive since the Port Arthur massacre in 1996, which had prompted significant changes in Australia’s gun control policies.