Bondi terror attack updates: Australia observes day of mourning one week after the shooting
Key eventsShow key events onlyPlease enable JavaScript to access this featureAustralians are encouraged to light a candle at 6:47 PM this evening and observe a minute of silence to commemorate the moment the shooter in the Bondi attack opened fire. In a social media post, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed that this moment serves as an opportunity for Australians to unite with the Jewish community.
At 6:47 PM, you can light a candle in your window to honor the victims of the antisemitic terrorist attack in Bondi and support those who are mourning.
Standing together to affirm that hatred and violence will never define our identity.
ShareTom McIlroyPrime Minister Anthony Albanese is reconvening the national security committee of cabinet again this morning, marking the eighth time the group has convened since the Bondi shootings a week ago. Albanese is expected to join mourners at Bondi Beach for a memorial service honoring the 15 individuals who lost their lives, themed around unity. Sunday has been designated as a national day of reflection to pay tribute to the victims and provide Australians an opportunity to stand in solidarity with the Jewish community. A national day of mourning is planned for 2026, with a permanent memorial site anticipated to be established in the future. Yesterday, the PM mentioned he expected tonight’s memorial events in Bondi to be “a very significant occasion for our nation.”ShareMinns reflects on the haunting thought that measures might have been taken to prevent the attack, which keeps him awake at night.
It’s something I think about late into the night and worry over. I hold responsibility for it. Undoubtedly, I do. I was overseeing the state over the past two years amid a rise in anti-Semitism within our community.
This is why the Premier asserts that a Royal Commission is required to “ensure it doesn’t happen again.”ShareThe Premier indicated that authorities are unable to halt an anti-immigration rally scheduled for Sunday in Sydney, but any gathering will be met with a “significant police presence”.
What I would say is that this is the last thing we need right now, an attack on immigrants or immigrant communities. The Jewish community is laying their loved ones to rest and deserves the opportunity to do so in a respectful and peaceful manner. We cannot tackle this enormous issue with more hatred.
Minns suggested that those feeling anger or concern might honor the request of the Rabbi who was slain during the Bondi attack, who recommended performing a “good deed for someone you’ve never met” instead of succumbing to a “spiral of hate.”
If you want to do something constructive, donate blood, support a charity, or engage in any positive action.
ShareUpdated at 21.45 GMTNew South Wales Premier Chris Minns has also committed to combating radical terrorism, anti-Semitism, and racism “wherever it emerges” following the Bondi attacks. The Premier made these remarks during an interview with ABC news, having previously stated on Channel 7 that extremist ideology acts as an “evil washing machine of hate with various elements mixed in”.Nevertheless, the Premier noted his belief that there exists a slippery slope where slogans and online posts transition into vandalism and arson directed at Jewish places of worship.
I believe anti-Semitism starts with slogans and develops online, then it’s a Twitter post and anti-Semitic behavior manifests in the streets, including graffiti on synagogues, and ultimately we witnessed a synagogue incinerated and arson escalates into violent acts within our community. This represents an escalation, and I believe that, in many instances, when we see violent imagery and hateful chants at the steps of the Opera House or in our parks, it unleashes forces that the organizers of protests are unable to control.
Regardless of the motives behind those protests and genuine grievances or concerns regarding events abroad, my responsibilities lie in Sydney today.
The premier’s reference to the Opera House protest pertained to events on 10 October 2023. Two days post the Hamas attack, pro-Palestine activists rallied from Sydney Town Hall to the Opera House, which had been illuminated in white and blue to show solidarity with Israel following the October 7 attacks by Hamas. A widely circulated video from the protest included allegations that the protesters were chanting “Gas the Jews,” although the NSW police later asserted that an independent expert had reviewed audio and visual materials and concluded that the phrase used was “Where’s the Jews?”. The phrase “Fuck the Jews” was also heard.ShareUpdated at 22.01 GMTMinns indicated “substantial changes” for New South Wales, asserting that there’s no “[going] back to normal” following the Bondi attacks.
We’ve announced the initial set of changes in NSW regarding hate speech, protests, gun laws, terrorist slogans, and chants. But this marks just the beginning. I want to clarify that in five, six, or ten weeks, we cannot simply turn the page on this and act as if it didn’t occur and that everyone returns to normalcy.
Minns reiterated his commitment to combat “hate preachers” within New South Wales, stating his government will focus on “those that foster hatred in our community and instill hate in the hearts of young people”.
We must deliver a constant and long-term message that we will not tolerate this. And it’s not the country that most of us in Australia recognize.
ShareA Royal Commission investigating the circumstances surrounding the Bondi attacks will piece together the “jigsaw” and provide Australians the answers they seek in the aftermath of the attacks, according to New South Wales Premier Chris Minns. Speaking on Channel 7 Sunrise on Sunday morning, the Premier emphasized that an independent inquiry is “absolutely essential” to better comprehend what occurred and to inform his state government’s responses in the future.
I possess fragments of the jigsaw puzzle. We understand some aspects of why this transpired on Sunday, but until we have the complete overview, I’m unable to convey that to the citizens of NSW.
The Premier indicated that he could not provide a timeline for when it would take place as he still needs to engage with leaders from the Jewish community. Minns added that the specifics of any Royal Commission must be established in conjunction with the federal government to guarantee it possesses the necessary authority.
We must ensure the terms of reference are precise. And I can tell you this morning I have not yet drafted them, and I won’t begin drafting until I’ve discussed with the leaders of the Jewish community who have been laying their loved ones to rest this week.
ShareThirteen people still being treated in hospitalThirteen individuals injured during the Bondi attacks are still in the hospital receiving treatment, according to a NSW Health update at 7:30 this morning. In their latest update, New South Wales health officials report the patients are being cared for in hospitals throughout Sydney, with one individual in critical condition at St Vincent’s hospital. Three others are in critical but stable condition at St George and St Vincent’s hospitals. Nine additional individuals are in stable condition and receiving care at the Prince of Wales, Royal Prince Alfred, and Royal North Shore hospitals.ShareUpdated at 21.28 GMTGood morning and welcome to the live blogOne week has passed since 15 individuals lost their lives in a terrorist attack during a Hanukah event at Bondi Beach, and Australians will honor the 15 lives lost in a national day of mourning. Flags will be flown at half-mast and buildings will shine in yellow as the country stands united with the Jewish community on Sunday ahead of a formal, public service for victims and survivors. Lights will illuminate the sky above Bondi Pavilion, where countless tributes and flowers have been placed since the tragic event. The NSW parliament will convene this coming week to deliberate on legislation in response to the Bondi attack, Chris Minns has announced – we’ll provide all the updates regarding his statement yesterday that the state will take steps to ban the display of hateful symbols, aligning with national regulations, while granting police additional powers. Moreover, Anthony Albanese has supported his call for a state-based royal commission – more details on that soon. I’m Royce Kurmelovs, and I’ll be guiding the blog throughout the day. With that, let’s begin …Share
Published: 2025-12-20 21:53:00
source: www.theguardian.com
