Australia observed a national day of reflection on Sunday to honour the victims of a deadly gun attack at a Hanukkah gathering on Sydney’s Bondi Beach one week earlier.
During the commemoration, the country remembered 15 people who were killed and dozens injured, as flags flew at half-staff and a minute of silence marked the exact moment the attack began.
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Meanwhile, television and radio broadcasts paused nationwide, while security was significantly tightened at Bondi Beach, where tens of thousands gathered under heavy police deployment on land and sea.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese attended the memorial but faced boos from parts of the crowd upon arrival, reflecting public anger over concerns about rising antisemitism and government responses.
As the ceremony continued, community leaders delivered emotional speeches, stressing national grief while urging unity, resilience, and hope inspired by the message of Hanukkah.
The presence of victims’ families and the father of a man hailed as a hero underscored the tragedy’s deep impact, as Australia reflected on loss while calling for healing and collective resolve.