Bondi vigil marred by heckling as Albanese attends memorial for Hanukkah attack victims

A mass shooting at Bondi Beach during Hanukkah celebrations last Sunday left 15 people dead and dozens injured, with authorities saying the attack was carried out by an alleged gunman, Naveed Akram, and his father, Sajid Akram. Police said the shooting began to be reported around 6:47 p.m. local time, triggering an immediatel nationwide vigil plan and an outpouring of support for the Jewish community. By the time mourners gathered a week later, about 15,000 people had converged near Bondi Pavilion for a memorial service that featured candles, flowers, and prayers in Hebrew and English as the city marked the moment police began receiving reports of the shooting. The attack also prompted renewed debates about security and communal resilience in Australia as officials outlined plans for a National Day of Mourning in the new year.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese attended the Bondi Beach memorial with a large security detail and his wife, Jodie, at his side. He arrived to a booing crowd, a scene repeated as he was officially welcomed at the site. A man sprinted toward Albanese and shouted “blood on your hands” before being restrained and removed by police; no arrest was reported in connection with the incident. Albanese and other attendees faced a mixture of support and protest as the vigil proceeded, underscoring the tensions that can accompany public memorials in divided times.

The vigil drew an array of political figures and community leaders. NSW Premier Chris Minns was greeted with applause, contrasting with the reception for Albanese. Former prime minister John Howard received a warmer welcome, as did Governor General Sam Mostyn and Federal Opposition Leader Sussan Ley. Kellie Sloane, the NSW Opposition Leader, was also acknowledged by organizers and attendees for her rapid response to the attack the night it unfolded. The crowd paused for a minute of silence at 6:47 p.m., observed as a way to honor the victims and reflect on the impact of the week’s events. The moment of quiet followed a series of musical performances, including a rendition of Waltzing Matilda by David Campbell and a tribute montage of the victims.

David Ossip, president of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, thanked attendees for standing in solidarity with the community and acknowledged the presence of political leaders by name. Albanese’s name drew boos from portions of the crowd during the welcome, while Minns received a standing ovation. The atmosphere at Bondi contrasted with the warmth shown to other leaders, illustrating the emotional complexity of public memorials where national politics intersect with local grief.

The Australian Jewish Association had warned in the days leading up to the vigil that Albanese might not receive a friendly reception. It posted materials suggesting the community was divided about how to respond to the prime minister’s appearance, noting a debate between booing and turning away. The association’s commentary and video of security measures, including snipers observed at the site, underscored concerns about safety and the optics of national leaders appearing at memorials in high-profile settings. Community leaders and mourners alike described a sense of continuity in the vigil, emphasizing resilience even as emotions ran high.

The service also honored the 15 victims by name: 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. In the crowd, prayers were read aloud in both Hebrew and English as families and friends gathered to celebrate the lives of those lost and to support those still recovering in hospital. A moving segment featured families and survivors holding vigils and dancing to a performance that honored the victims, with a sense of shared grief that crossed political lines.

Observers and participants described the night as a stark reminder of the fragility of safety in public spaces and the ongoing healing process for communities confronted with sudden, devastating violence. NSW and federal authorities reaffirmed commitments to security and to supporting victims’ families, while signaling ongoing collaboration with the Jewish community to hold events that both remember those killed and provide space for mourning and recovery in the weeks and months ahead.

In remarks linked to the broader national response, Albanese said the National Day of Reflection would be observed on the final day of Chanukah, a moment intended to bring light, faith, and resilience to the community in the wake of tragedy. He also announced that the Commonwealth and state governments would work closely with the Jewish community to plan a National Day of Mourning to be held in the New Year, aiming to give families time to lay their loved ones to rest and to support those continuing to recover. As the crowd dispersed, the shared sentiment remained clear: communities can honor victims, stand together against violence, and preserve the memory of those who were lost while continuing to seek a safer future for all Australians.