Albanese heckled at Bondi vigil as Australia marks Day of Reflection

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was booed and heckled as he arrived at Bondi Beach for a memorial service linked to a nationwide Day of Reflection honoring victims of last week’s Hanukkah attack. A man charged toward Albanese shouting “blood on your hands” before being restrained by police and escorted from the scene; no arrests were reported. Albanese arrived with security and his wife, Jodie, at his side, after his name and presence sparked a heated reception among some attendees.

An estimated 15,000 people gathered near Bondi Pavilion for the memorial, which preceded a vigil planned for 6:47 p.m. local time—the exact moment police first received reports of the shooting last Sunday. The attack, carried out during a Jewish festival marking the first night of Hanukkah, left 15 people dead and dozens injured; 13 remain in hospital. The gunman, Naveed Akram and his father, Sajid Akram, are suspected in the alleged terror attack.

As the nation reflected, Albanese called on Australians to observe a minute of silence at 6:47 p.m. on Sunday, while state and federal leaders joined the memorial in Bondi. The event drew a clear contrast in reception: New South Wales Premier Chris Minns received a standing ovation, while Albanese faced boos when he entered and during an official welcome. Several other political figures were greeted more warmly, including former prime minister John Howard, Governor General Sam Mostyn, and Federal Opposition Leader Sussan Ley. The NSW Jewish Board of Deputies highlighted the mixed responses ahead of the vigil, noting a debate within the community about how to respond to the prime minister’s appearance.

In a city-wide moment of commemoration, attendees participated in prayers read in Hebrew and English, and a moving performance of Waltzing Matilda by David Campbell accompanied a montage honoring the 15 victims: Boris and Sofia Gurman, Rabbi Eli Schlanger, Edith Brutman, Adam Smyth, Boris Tetleroyd, Marika Pogany, 10-year-old Matilda, Peter Meagher, Dan Elkayam, Reuven Morrison, Tibor Weitzen, Alexander Kleytman, Rabbi Yaakov Levitan, and Tania Tretiak. A large crowd laid flowers at the memorial, and a procession of songs and reflections underscored the solemn tone of the gathering.

David Ossip, president of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, thanked attendees “in solidarity with the NSW Jewish community” and named several political leaders in attendance. He noted that Albanese’s appearance had elicited a varied response, while Minns was warmly received, illustrating the broader spectrum of public sentiment during the vigil. Ossip also emphasized the community’s ongoing need for support as it copes with the loss and the trauma of the attack.

The vigil featured special musical elements and a minute of silence observed across networks, including live broadcasts by television and radio. Albanese characterized that minute as “sixty seconds carved out from the noise of daily life, dedicated to 15 Australians who should be with us today.” He also signaled that the Commonwealth and state governments would collaborate with the Jewish community on plans for a National Day of Mourning to be held in the New Year, allowing families to grieve and recover.

Beyond Bondi, the attack’s repercussions reverberated through political and religious communities as the nation prepared to honor the victims and support those affected by the tragedies. With 13 of the wounded still hospitalized and families seeking closure, officials emphasized a measured approach to remembrance and public safety, while acknowledging the pain and resilience of the communities touched by the incident.