Sydney

Australia on Sunday observed a National Day of Reflection to honour those killed in a brutal anti-Semitic terror attack that took place during a Jewish festival at Sydney’s Bondi Beach last week, leaving 15 people dead and several others injured.

The nationwide observance followed Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s announcement of a wide-ranging review of Australia’s law enforcement and intelligence framework in the wake of the attack, according to reports by Al Jazeera.

Commemorations began in the morning at the Bondi Pavilion along the waterfront, where Indigenous elders led a traditional smoking ceremony. The location has since become a site of remembrance, with flowers, candles and tributes marking the loss of life. The victims were targeted while celebrating Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of lights.

As a mark of respect, flags were flown at half-mast on government buildings across the country. A national minute of silence was scheduled for 6:47 pm local time, coinciding with the exact moment the shooting began on December 14.

With Sunday also marking the eighth and final day of Hanukkah, authorities urged citizens to light a candle in memory of those killed. The government described the act as a quiet and personal gesture of solidarity, encouraging families and communities to reflect together.

An evening memorial ceremony was planned at Bondi Beach under heightened security arrangements. Police confirmed that a strong presence would be maintained, including armed officers, to ensure public safety during the event.

The December 14 attack is being described as Australia’s deadliest mass shooting since 1996, when 35 people were killed in Port Arthur, Tasmania. Investigators are treating the incident as a terrorist attack specifically targeting the Jewish community.

Authorities believe the assailants were influenced by the Islamic State group (ISIL), with flags linked to the organisation reportedly recovered from the vehicle used in the attack.

One of the suspects, 50-year-old Sajid Akram, was fatally shot by police at the scene. His son, Naveed Akram, 24, who was critically injured and later emerged from a coma, has been charged with 59 offences, including murder and terrorism-related crimes. He remains under police custody while receiving treatment in hospital.

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Officials said that as of Sunday, 13 of the injured victims were still undergoing medical care in Sydney hospitals.