- Australia has ordered a comprehensive review of police and intelligence agencies to assess whether they possess adequate powers, coordination mechanisms and information-sharing frameworks to protect public safety
- The government is also expected to strengthen anti-hate speech measures and introduce a gun buyback program in the wake of the tragedy.
Australia observed a National Day of Reflection on Sunday, one week after a deadly antisemitic terror attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach claimed the lives of 15 people and left dozens injured.
In a statement, the office of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the Day of Reflection is held to honor the victims of what it described as a “horrific terrorist attack”.
Australians were invited to light a candle at 6:47 p.m., marking the exact time the attack occurred one week earlier, and to observe a minute of silence as a gesture of remembrance.
Australian flags at federal buildings and New South Wales state government offices were flown at half-mast, while mourners gathered at Bondi Beach, forming what local Australian media described as a circle of peace.
The Day of Reflection coincided with the final day of Hanukkah. Rabbi Eli Feldman told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) that Australians were welcome to join the Jewish community at Bondi Beach in observing the occasion, emphasizing that “light will always overcome darkness.”
The attack occurred last Sunday during the first day of Hanukkah, when worshippers were targeted in a mass shooting.
Authorities allege that a father and son, Sajid A. (50) and Naveed A. (24), carried out the attack, which investigators believe was inspired by Islamic State ideology.
Sajid A. was killed in a shootout with police at the scene, while Naveed A. survived with injuries and now faces 59 criminal charges.
Investigators say the suspects had traveled to Mindanao in the southern Philippines, a known stronghold of Islamic State-linked activity, shortly before the attack.
The Bondi Beach shooting is being described as the worst terrorist attack in Australia’s history and the deadliest mass shooting in the country since 1996. The incident has sparked renewed concern over rising antisemitism and prompted criticism that authorities failed to act decisively enough to prevent the attack.
Prime Minister Albanese has ordered a comprehensive review of Australia’s police and intelligence agencies to assess whether they possess adequate powers, coordination mechanisms and information-sharing frameworks to protect public safety.
The government is also expected to strengthen anti-hate speech measures and introduce a gun buyback program in the wake of the tragedy.
