The solemn mood at a national day of reflection in Sydney turned hostile as Australia's Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, arrived at a vigil for the victims of last week's deadly terror attack.
A Chilly Reception for the Prime Minister
On Sunday 21st December 2025, thousands gathered on the hills overlooking Bondi Beach to mark one week since two gunmen killed 15 people at a Jewish festival. The memorial, intended as a day of quiet remembrance, soured dramatically when Mr Albanese's name was announced from the stage. The crowd responded with loud boos and shouts of "shame" and "you're not welcome here".
This reception stood in stark contrast to the cheers and standing ovation given to New South Wales Premier Chris Minns. Attendees praised Premier Minns for his visible leadership, noting he had not missed "a funeral, synagogue service, or an opportunity to be with the Jewish community this week". The anger directed at the federal Prime Minister stemmed from a widespread perception that his centre-left government has not done enough to tackle a surge in antisemitic attacks in Australia since the start of the Israel-Gaza war.
Review Announced Amid National Grief
Earlier on the day of the vigil, Prime Minister Albanese had announced a major review of the nation's police and intelligence agencies. The probe, led by a former chief of Australia's spy agency, will investigate whether federal bodies have the "right powers, structures, processes and sharing arrangements" to keep citizens safe. The review is due to conclude by the end of April 2026.
This move follows revelations that the attack exposed significant gaps in gun-license assessments and information-sharing between agencies. Authorities believe the gunmen were inspired by the Islamic State (ISIS), with ISIS flags found in their vehicle. In response, the New South Wales government has committed to banning the display of symbols and flags of proscribed terrorist organisations, including ISIS, Hamas, and Hezbollah.
A Community in Mourning Seeks Answers
The vigil itself was a powerful display of solidarity and grief. As the summer heat faded, a minute's silence was held at 6:47pm local time, with the usual din of Bondi falling to a profound stillness. People hugged, sat quietly, and shed tears for a community left raw and shaken.
The attack, which authorities have labelled an ISIS-inspired atrocity, has shocked a nation with some of the world's toughest gun laws. One alleged gunman, 50-year-old Sajid Akram, was shot dead at the scene. His 24-year-old son, Naveed Akram, who emerged from a coma on Tuesday, has been charged with 59 offences, including murder and terrorism-related acts.
In the wake of the tragedy, Mr Albanese has also announced a nationwide gun buyback scheme and vowed to strengthen hate speech laws. However, for many in the grieving Jewish community and beyond, these actions follow a week of intense criticism and a visceral display of public discontent at Bondi Beach.
