Australia marks Bondi Beach attack anniversary with national day of reflection

A minute of silence was observed across Australia on Sunday to honor the victims of the Bondi Beach attack, exactly a week after gunmen opened fire at a Hanukkah celebration on Sydney's famed shoreline. The national day of reflection coincided with heavy security at memorial events in Sydney and at ceremonies around the country.

Fifteen people were killed in the attack, including a 10-year-old girl known as Matilda, nicknamed "Matilda Bee," a British-born rabbi and a Holocaust survivor. Two gunmen opened fire at Bondi Beach during the Hanukkah gathering. The assailants fled the scene; police later detained a suspect who is charged with 59 offences, including 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act. The suspect, Naveed Akram, 24, is reported to have been aided by his father, Sajid, who was killed during the attack.

Security was among the most visible elements of the memorial. Reports described riot squad officers with faces covered guarding cordoned-off areas, and a police patrol boat patrolling the coast near Bondi Beach. Large crowds included many wearing kippahs or draped in Australian flags; at sunset, the crowd sang Waltzing Matilda, a nod to the 10-year-old victim.

During the ceremony, young speakers shared poignant moments. A 14-year-old girl named Chaya, who was shot in the leg, appeared on stage using crutches and told the crowd, "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 the menorah, something Hannukah attendees could not do last week.

Political reactions were mixed. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was booed as he arrived at the memorial, a moment punctuated when a member of the crowd shouted "Blood on your hands." His wife, Jodie Haydon, gripped his arm in support as police moved to manage the crowd; at least one person was tackled by officers. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns drew praise for his handling of the event, telling mourners that the government erred but that they would confront the failings: "We are deeply sorry. 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."

Analysts and community leaders linked the attack to a broader rise in antisemitic incidents since early October, when the Hamas-Israel conflict intensified. Albanese announced measures to crack down on hate speech and incitement and ordered a review of police and national intelligence agencies. He also signaled gun-law reforms and a national buyback scheme—the largest in Australia since the Port Arthur massacre of 1996, which spurred sweeping gun-control laws.

Across the country, candles glowed in windows as part of a national "light over darkness" display, a gesture of solidarity with the victims and the Jewish community. The attack has prompted calls for accountability and enhanced security, with some Jewish leaders urging a Royal Commission to examine both the circumstances surrounding the attack and the broader rise in antisemitism.

Investigations in New South Wales and federal authorities continue as prosecutors pursue charges against Naveed Akram, 24, who faces 59 counts, including 15 counts of murder and one for a terrorist act. His father, Sajid Akram, was killed in the attack. In the days since, leaders have pressed for reforms and improved coordination between police, intelligence agencies and community groups to prevent a recurrence of such violence.