Mourners in Australia have fallen silent in honour of the victims of the Bondi Beach attack. The memorial was part of a national day of reflection to mark a week since the shooting in which two gunmen opened fire on an event celebrating the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. A 10-year-old girl, a British-born rabbi, and a Holocaust survivor were among the 15 people killed during the attack.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was booed when he arrived at the memorial event, an expression of anger by Australia's Jewish community against his government after a rise in antisemitic attacks over the past few months. As the sun set over Sydney, a minute's silence was observed at 18:47 (07:47 GMT) - exactly one week since the first reports of gunfire at the famous beach.
Heavy security was present at the memorial, with riot squad officers and police patrol boats visible off the coast. Many Australians found this level of security unfamiliar. A large crowd gathered, wearing kippas and draped in Australian flags, listening to speeches after the silence.
In memory of the youngest victim, Matilda, bee balloons floated in the wind, and the crowd later sang 'Waltzing Matilda.' Another child, Chaya, who had faced the gunmen to protect others, urged attendees to 'be the light in that field of darkness.' The event concluded with the lighting of the menorah, symbolizing resilience and remembrance as families lit candles at home.
At the memorial, criticism of Albanese's government was palpable, amid claims of inadequate actions against rising antisemitism. The Prime Minister stated his responsibility for the tragedy, while the Premier of New South Wales received praise for acknowledging government failures. Naveed Akram, charged with multiple offenses in connection with the attack, symbolizes the ongoing struggle against hate and violence in Australia.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was booed when he arrived at the memorial event, an expression of anger by Australia's Jewish community against his government after a rise in antisemitic attacks over the past few months. As the sun set over Sydney, a minute's silence was observed at 18:47 (07:47 GMT) - exactly one week since the first reports of gunfire at the famous beach.
Heavy security was present at the memorial, with riot squad officers and police patrol boats visible off the coast. Many Australians found this level of security unfamiliar. A large crowd gathered, wearing kippas and draped in Australian flags, listening to speeches after the silence.
In memory of the youngest victim, Matilda, bee balloons floated in the wind, and the crowd later sang 'Waltzing Matilda.' Another child, Chaya, who had faced the gunmen to protect others, urged attendees to 'be the light in that field of darkness.' The event concluded with the lighting of the menorah, symbolizing resilience and remembrance as families lit candles at home.
At the memorial, criticism of Albanese's government was palpable, amid claims of inadequate actions against rising antisemitism. The Prime Minister stated his responsibility for the tragedy, while the Premier of New South Wales received praise for acknowledging government failures. Naveed Akram, charged with multiple offenses in connection with the attack, symbolizes the ongoing struggle against hate and violence in Australia.
