Australia paused on Sunday for a national day of reflection to honor the victims of the mass shooting that struck a Hanukkah celebration at Sydney’s Bondi Beach one week earlier. The attack, the deadliest the country has seen in nearly three decades, is being investigated as an act of terrorism targeting the Jewish community.
Authorities increased security across the nation as concerns over rising antisemitic violence continue to grow. Flags on federal and New South Wales government buildings flew at half mast, and the country observed a minute of silence at 6:47 p.m. local time.
Officials encouraged Australians to light a candle on Sunday evening as a quiet tribute to the 15 people killed and the many others wounded. The attack was allegedly carried out by a father and son.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese urged the public to join the candlelight gesture, saying it would honor the victims and show support for grieving families. Facing criticism from opponents who argue his government has not done enough to address rising antisemitism since the start of the war in Gaza, Albanese has pledged to strengthen hate crime laws.
The New South Wales government announced plans to introduce legislation that would prohibit the display of symbols and flags associated with terrorist organizations, including groups such as Al Qaeda, Al Shabab, Boko Haram, Hamas, Hezbollah and Daesh.
Bondi Beach saw a return to normalcy on Saturday as about one thousand surf lifesavers resumed patrols after suspending operations in the immediate aftermath of the shooting. The day before, members of Australia’s Jewish community gathered on the sand for prayers, while hundreds of swimmers and surfers formed a large circle in the water to honor the victims.
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