Australia marks one week since Bondi Beach attack with national day of reflection

Australia observed a national day of reflection on Sunday to mark one week since the Bondi Beach attack, with a nationwide minute of silence at 18:47 local time (07:47 GMT) to honor the 15 people killed when gunmen opened fire during a Hanukkah celebration at Sydney’s Bondi Beach. Among the dead were a 10-year-old girl and a 14-year-old teenager who used their courage to shield others. Investigators say one suspect, Naveed Akram, 24, has been charged with 59 offences, including 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act; his father Sajid was killed during the attack.

Security at the memorial was unusually heavy for Australia, with cordons, armed riot squad officers guarding the scene, and a police patrol boat visible off the coast. Many attendees wore kippahs or were draped in Australian flags as they listened to speeches after observing the silence. In ceremonies tied to Hanukkah, memories of the youngest victim, Matilda Bee, were honored with balloons, and the crowd later sang Waltzing Matilda in her honor. A 14-year-old girl named Chaya, who was wounded but helped others, used crutches to take the stage and urged people to be a light in times of darkness.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese arrived at the Sydney memorial amid a tense atmosphere, with a vocal segment of the crowd expressing anger toward the government over what protesters see as insufficient action to curb antisemitic attacks. Footage from the scene showed at least one individual being restrained by police after moving toward the prime minister as he arrived. The moment underscored a broader sense of frustration among parts of Australia’s Jewish community who have called for stronger measures to prevent antisemitism.

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns drew praise for his handling of the memorial, including an acknowledgement of government errors in the lead-up to the attack and his attendance at several victims’ funerals this week. He said the government’s highest duty is to protect citizens and that more could have been done to avert the tragedy. Minns urged a fuller examination of how the catastrophe unfolded and called for a royal commission to investigate matters beyond New South Wales. Across the country, candles were lit in windows as part of the national gesture of light over darkness, with communities uniting to reflect and mourn.

Investigators have charged Akram with 59 offences, including 15 counts of murder and one of terrorism. His father died during the attack. In the days after the shooting, Prime Minister Albanese announced a series of measures to crack down on hate speech and incitement to violence, and he ordered a review of police and national intelligence agencies. He also indicated that gun law reform would be pursued and that Australia would implement a gun buyback program—the largest since the Port Arthur massacre of 1996, which led to sweeping gun-control measures.

International reactions followed the killings as well. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized the Australian government, accusing it of not doing enough to stop antisemitism and of rewarding Hamas—a charge Australia has rejected. The Bondi attack has intensified a national mood of vigilance and a recognition that antisemitism has risen since the Hamas-Israel conflict began last year. In New South Wales, the memorial and the broader reflection drew a broad response from political leaders and the public alike, with calls to confront hatred and to strengthen protections for communities targeted by hate.

Ultimately, the Bondi Beach attack has left a lasting impression on Australian public life. A week of memorial services, newly announced security measures, and political debate has followed the shooting, underscoring a broader effort to protect vulnerable communities and to address antisemitism in a country with a longstanding record of gun-control policy. As the nation looks ahead, officials say the response will include continued investigations, policy reforms, and ongoing community support to prevent a recurrence.