Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has declared the nation's Jewish community "completely unbreakable" in the wake of a deadly mass shooting at a seaside Hanukkah celebration in Sydney. The attack, which left 15 people dead and dozens wounded, is being treated as an act of terrorism targeting Jews.
National Response and Pledges for Reform
Speaking after a memorial service at Sydney's Great Synagogue on Friday night, Albanese described the event as one of "unity, resilience, comfort, faith and love." His remarks come amid criticism that his centre-left government has not done enough to address a surge in antisemitism since the Israel-Hamas war began. In response, the Prime Minister has vowed to strengthen national hate crime laws.
The state government of New South Wales has also pledged a series of reforms. On Saturday, it promised to introduce a bill on Monday to ban the public display of symbols and flags from designated terrorist organizations. The list includes Hamas, Hezbollah, Islamic State, al-Qaeda, Al Shabaab, and Boko Haram.
"The displaying of these symbols can only be done by someone who's either deranged or has an intention to insult and intimidate and scare," stated New South Wales Attorney General Michael Daley at a Sydney press conference. He confirmed that 15 of those injured in the attack remained hospitalized.
Community Mourning and Investigation Details
The shooting occurred last Sunday at Bondi Beach, marking Australia's worst mass shooting in nearly three decades. On Saturday, approximately 1,000 surf lifesavers in their iconic red and yellow uniforms returned to duty at the beach, pausing for a two-minute silence to honour the victims.
Peter Agnew, President of Surf Life Saving Australia, said the tribute was "out of respect to the Jewish community and also to support each other this morning." The day prior, hundreds of swimmers and surfers formed a large circle in the water off Bondi Beach in a separate act of remembrance.
Authorities allege the attack was carried out by a father and son. The alleged gunman, 50-year-old Sajid Akram, was shot and killed by police at the scene. His 24-year-old son, Naveed Akram, who was also shot by police and recently emerged from a coma, faces 59 charges including murder and terrorism-related offences. He remains in police custody under hospital guard.
Terrorism Motive and Ongoing Security
Investigators believe the pair was inspired by the militant Sunni Muslim group Islamic State. Flags associated with the group were allegedly discovered in the vehicle they used to travel to Bondi Beach. In response to the attack, authorities across Australia have increased patrols and policing to prevent further antisemitic violence.
The nation will observe a national day of reflection on Sunday to honour the victims. The attack has prompted a significant reassessment of hate speech and gun control legislation, with both federal and state governments committing to swift action to address community safety concerns.
