Australia observed a national day of reflection on Sunday to honour the 15 victims killed and dozens wounded in a terrorist attack one week ago at Sydney's iconic Bondi Beach during a Hanukkah celebration.

Flags flew at half-mast on government buildings, and a nationwide minute of silence was held at 6:47 pm local time – the exact moment the shooting began on December 14. Authorities encouraged Australians to light candles in the evening, coinciding with the eighth and final day of Hanukkah, as a "quiet act of remembrance" for the victims of the attack carried out by a father-and-son duo.

A memorial vigil at Bondi Beach proceeded under heavy security, with armed police officers patrolling the area to ensure safety amid heightened tensions.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced an independent review of Australia's law enforcement and intelligence agencies, to be led by a former head of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO). The inquiry will examine whether agencies have adequate powers, structures, and information-sharing protocols to protect the public, with findings due by the end of April 2026.

The attack, declared a terrorist incident motivated by Islamic State ideology, has highlighted vulnerabilities in gun licensing and inter-agency coordination. Albanese also confirmed a national gun buyback program to address loopholes in Australia's strict firearms laws, while vowing to strengthen hate speech legislation amid criticism over rising antisemitism since the Israel-Gaza war began in 2023.

The Bondi shooting is the deadliest antisemitic incident in a series that has included synagogue arsons and vandalism. Police found Islamic State flags in the attackers' vehicle.

Albanese condemned small anti-immigration rallies in Sydney and Melbourne held on Sunday, calling them divisive in the wake of the tragedy. Attendance was low, with only about 50 people reported at the Sydney event.

The New South Wales government plans to introduce legislation banning symbols of designated terrorist organizations, including Islamic State, Hamas, and Hezbollah.

The alleged attackers were identified as Sajid Akram, who was killed by police at the scene, and his son Naveed Akram, who survived police gunfire, emerged from a coma, and faces multiple charges, including murder and terrorism offences. He remains in hospital custody.

Source: Reuters