Prime Minister Anthony Albanese faced a tense reception while attending the Bondi Beach memorial on Friday, ahead of a nationwide vigil marking a week since the tragic mass shooting.
As he arrived alongside his wife Jodie and a tight security detail, a man ran toward him shouting, “blood on your hands.”
Police quickly intervened, stopping the man after he jumped from a brick wall and ordering him to leave.
No arrests were made, but the moment highlighted the raw emotions present at the scene.
Thousands Gather to Honour Victims of Hanukkah Shooting
An estimated 15,000 people had already gathered near Bondi Pavilion before the vigil, scheduled for 6.47pm—the exact time police first received reports of the attack last Sunday.
The shooting, allegedly carried out by Naveed Akram and his father Sajid Akram, occurred during a Jewish festival celebrating the first night of Hanukkah.
Fifteen innocent people were killed, and dozens more were hospitalized, with 13 still in critical care.
Albanese called on Australians to observe a minute’s silence at 6.47pm in memory of the victims.
Despite the nationwide gesture, his appearance at Bondi was met with boos from parts of the crowd.
Security Measures and Community Reactions
Snipers were stationed to monitor the vigil, underscoring the authorities’ concern for public safety.
The Australian Jewish Association shared footage of the snipers and questioned the Prime Minister’s presence, writing, “Anthony Albanese—what have you done to Australia?”
Earlier, the association had warned Albanese that his reception at the memorial might be cold, noting an ongoing debate in the Jewish community about whether to boo him or turn their backs.
Candle Lighting and Moment of Silence
The vigil began with Michelle Goldman, chief executive of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, lighting the first candle and leading the minute’s silence.
The silence was followed by Australian Jewish musician Ben Adler performing the national anthem, accompanied by a montage honoring the 15 victims and the thousands of flowers left at the massacre site.
The victims remembered included Boris and Sofia Gurman, Rabbi Eli Schlanger, Edith Brutman, Adam Smyth, Boris Tetleroyd, Marika Pogany, 10-year-old Matilda, Peter Meagher, Dan Elkayam, Reuven Morrison, Tibor Weitzen, Alexander Kleytman, Rabbi Yaakov Levitan, and Tania Tretiak.
Leaders Receive Mixed Reactions from Crowd
NSW Jewish Board of Deputies president David Ossip thanked attendees for showing solidarity.
He welcomed several political figures, noting a stark contrast in reception: while NSW Premier Chris Minns received a standing ovation for attending every funeral of the victims, Albanese’s name drew boos.
NSW Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane was warmly received for rushing to the scene on the night of the attack.
Former Prime Minister John Howard, Governor General Sam Mostyn, and Federal Opposition Leader Sussan Ley also received respectful acknowledgment from the crowd.
National Reflection and Future Mourning Plans
Television and radio broadcasters paused to observe the minute’s silence alongside the public.
Albanese described it as “sixty seconds carved out from the noise of daily life, dedicated to 15 Australians who should be with us today.”
He emphasized the significance of observing the National Day of Reflection during the final day of Chanukah, a period symbolizing light, faith, and resilience, making the tragedy felt even more deeply within the Jewish community.
Looking ahead, Albanese confirmed that the Commonwealth and state governments would work closely with the Jewish community to organize a National Day of Mourning in the New Year.
This initiative aims to give families the time and space to grieve and support those still recovering from the attack.
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