Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was visibly shaken as he was booed and jeered by sections of a large crowd at a memorial for the victims of the Bondi Beach attack. The sombre event, held exactly one week after the shooting, saw more than 10,000 people gather on the iconic beach to mourn the 15 lives lost.
A Tense and Emotional Memorial
The Prime Minister appeared shocked by the hostile reception as he arrived at the beachside ceremony on Saturday. The atmosphere turned particularly tense when a member of the crowd shouted 'you've got blood on your hands' directly at Mr Albanese. The booing intensified when David Ossip, President of the New South Wales Jewish Board of Deputies, acknowledged the Prime Minister's presence from the stage.
In stark contrast, Opposition leader Sussan Ley, who has vowed to reverse the government's decision to recognise a Palestinian state, was cheered by attendees. Mr Albanese was steered towards a VIP area, with his wife, Jodie Haydon, seen grasping his arm in a gesture of support.
Political Fallout and Community Anger
The Jewish community in Australia has been vocal in its criticism, arguing more could have been done to prevent the attack. Some have linked the violence to the government's move earlier this year to recognise the state of Palestine, a decision criticised by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as pouring 'fuel on the anti semitic fire'. Mr Albanese has denied these accusations.
Addressing the crowd, David Ossip stated, 'This has to be the nadir of antisemitism in our country. This has to be the moment when light starts to eclipse the darkness.' The ceremony paid tribute to the victims, aged between 10 and 87, with their images projected for the crowd. The song 'Waltzing Matilda' was sung in honour of the youngest victim, 10-year-old Matilda, whose Ukrainian parents gave her what they described as the most Australian name they knew.
Heroism, Mourning, and Government Response
The memorial also honoured acts of bravery. Ahmed al Ahmed, hailed as a hero after wrestling a weapon from one of the gunmen, sent a message of solidarity: 'The Lord is close to the broken-hearted. Today I stand with you, my brothers and sisters.' His father was invited to light a candle on a menorah for the final night of Hanukkah.
In the attack's aftermath, the government has announced a major review of police and intelligence agencies. Furthermore, a significant gun buyback scheme has been launched, described as the largest since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre. Mr Albanese revealed there are now an estimated 4 million firearms in Australia, more than at the time of Port Arthur, questioning why one of the suspects, who held a firearm licence, needed six guns while living in central Sydney.
Shooting suspect Naveed Akram, 24, has been charged with 15 counts of murder and 40 counts of causing harm with intent to murder. His father, Sajid Akram, 50, was shot dead by police at the scene. Thirteen of those wounded remain in hospital.
