Prime Minister booed and advised ‘blood in your palms’ at Bondi Beach day of mourning
The national day of mourning marked a week since two gunmen targeted a Jewish festival, killing 15 people and sending shockwaves across Australia and globally
Thousands of mourners have gathered under tight police security at Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach.
They came together for a national day of mourning to mark a week since two gunmen targeting a Jewish festival killed 15 people.
The horrific attack has galvanised Australian governments into action on countering antisemitism and tightening already strict national gun controls.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his predecessors John Howard and Scott Morrison were among the dignitaries at the commemoration that drew more than 10,000 people.
Governor-General Sam Mostyn, who represents Australia’s head of state King Charles III, also attended.
The day of reflection came as PM Anthony Albanese launched an intelligence review after the attack, after police said the attackers were inspired by “Islamic State ideology”.
He said: “The Isis-inspired atrocity last Sunday reinforces the rapidly changing security environment in our nation.
“Our security agencies must be in the best position to respond.”
A minute’s silence was observed at 6.47pm (7:47am GMT) – the time when the attack began.
But Albanese was met with a chorus of boos and jeers, with one member of the crowd shouting, “blood on your hands”.
The Jewish community in Australia has said more could have been done to prevent the attack from happening.
They have accused Albanese of siding with the Palestinians after recognising the state of Palestine earlier this year.
Ms Mostyn also addressed a vigil held earlier in Bondi, hosted by the National Council of Jewish Women Australia, where attendees wore white to symbolise peace.
She said: “The entire Jewish community, whether it’s here in Bondi or across our nation, you are part of the belonging story and the success of this country.”
The intelligence review, due by April 2026, will focus on ensuring authorities were equipped to tackle extremism.
Suspected gunman Naveed Akram, 24, has been charged with 59 offences, including 15 counts of murder and one of committing a terrorist act.
His father Sajid was killed during the attack.
