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Australia Observes National Day of Reflection for Bondi Beach Terror Attack Victims

Australians are gathering today for a National Day of Reflection to honour the victims of last week's horrific attack at Bondi Beach. The country is observing a minute of silence and flying flags at half-mast as the community mourns the 15 people killed during a Hanukkah celebration. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a major review of security agencies in response to the terrorism incident. As Hanukkah concludes, the public is invited

Key Points: Australia Honours Bondi Beach Attack Victims, PM Announces Security Review | ANI

  • Australia observes National Day of Reflection for Bondi attack victims
  • Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announces review of security agencies
  • Attack investigated as terrorism targeting Jewish community
  • Suspects allegedly inspired by ISIL, one charged with murder
  • Memorial events held under heightened police security
  • Attack marks deadliest mass shooting in Australia since 1996
2 min read

Australians honour victims of Bondi Beach terror attack at Jewish festival

Australia holds a National Day of Reflection for the 15 killed in a terror attack at a Jewish festival in Sydney. PM Albanese orders a review of security agencies as the nation observes silence.

"A quiet act of remembrance with family, friends or loved ones. - Official Government Statement"

Sydney, December 21

Australia is observing a National Day of Reflection, honouring the victims of a devastating anti-semitic terror attack during a Jewish festival at Sydney's Bondi Beach last week, in which 15 people were killed and dozens wounded.

The commemorations come as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a comprehensive review into the nation's law enforcement and intelligence agencies, Al Jazeera reported.

The day of mourning began Sunday morning at the waterfront Bondi Pavilion. Indigenous leaders led a traditional smoking ceremony at the site, which has been transformed by an impromptu memorial for the 15 people killed. The victims were targeted while celebrating the Jewish festival of Hanukkah, as per Al Jazeera.

Throughout the country, flags are flying at half-mast on government buildings. A national minute of silence was scheduled for 6:47 pm (07:47 GMT), marking the exact moment the violence began on December 14.

As Sunday also marks the start of the eighth and final day of the Jewish festival Hanukkah, the festival of lights, authorities have invited the public to light a candle. The government described the gesture as "a quiet act of remembrance with family, friends or loved ones" for the victims of the attack, allegedly carried out by a father-son duo.

An evening memorial event at Bondi Beach will take place under a heavy police presence, including officers carrying long-arm firearms, police said in a statement.

The attack on December 14 was Australia's deadliest mass shooting since 1996, when an attacker killed 35 people in the state of Tasmania, as per Al Jazeera.

The authorities are investigating the shooting as an act of "terrorism" targeting Jews.

Authorities believe the attackers were inspired by ISIL (ISIS) and said the group's flags were found in the car the attackers took to Bondi.

While suspect Sajid Akram, 50, was shot dead by police at the scene, his 24-year-old son, Naveed Akram, who was also shot and emerged from a coma on Tuesday, has been charged with 59 offences, including murder and terrorism. He remains in custody in the hospital.

Some 13 of those wounded at Bondi also remained in Sydney hospitals on Sunday.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

A
Arjun K
Very sad news. It's chilling to see how extremist ideologies like ISIS can inspire violence anywhere in the world. Australia's response with a National Day of Reflection seems dignified. Hope the review of their agencies leads to better security.
R
Rohit P
The fact that it was a father-son duo is especially disturbing. What kind of hatred gets passed down like that? Solidarity with Australia and the Jewish community there.
S
Sarah B
As an Indian, we know too well the pain of terror attacks. The world needs to unite against this madness. Respect to the Indigenous leaders for leading the ceremony – a powerful symbol of unity.
V
Vikram M
A national minute of silence is a fitting tribute. It's a reminder that life is fragile. My thoughts are with those 13 still in hospital. Wishing them a speedy recovery.
K
Karthik V
While the commemorations are important, I hope the government's review is thorough and not just for show. Intelligence failures can be costly, as we've seen in many countries. Prevention is key.
M
Michael C
Attacking people during a festival of lights... the irony is cruel. Hanukkah is about hope and resilience. The attackers wanted to spread darkness, but the response with candles shows light will win.

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