Key Takeaways:
- A vigil was held at Bondi Pavilion to mark one week since the terror attack that killed 15 people at a Hanukah event.
- The Australian Jewish community has received an outpouring of support and condolences from across the country, with many civil society groups signing an open letter of support.
- A royal commission into the Bondi shooting will be established to complete the "jigsaw puzzle" of how the attack occurred.
- The New South Wales premier, Chris Minns, has pledged to crackdown on "hate preachers" and announced plans to ban the display of hateful symbols and give police new powers.
- Thirteen people injured during the Bondi attacks remain in hospital, with one patient in a critical condition.
Introduction to the Vigil
The Bondi Pavilion was packed with people gathered to mark one week since the terror attack that killed 15 people at a Hanukah event. The vigil was attended by hundreds of people, who came together to show their support and solidarity with the Jewish community. Lynda Ben-Menashe, president of the National Council of Jewish Women Australia, was the first to speak at the vigil, recalling her family’s history of fleeing persecution in Odesa and finding safety in Australia. She expressed her gratitude for the outpouring of love and support from the Australian community, saying that it was a testament to the decency of the Australian people.
Support for the Jewish Community
The Australian Jewish community has received an outpouring of support and condolences from across the country. Dozens of civil society groups have signed an open letter of support, offering sympathy and love to bereaved families and victims. The letter reads, "Antisemitism (anti-Jewish racism) should have no place in Australia. We should all feel and be safe in our identities – free to practice our faiths, live our cultures, celebrate with family, and be in community with one another." The support has been welcomed by community leaders, who say that it has been "touching" and that they appreciate it greatly.
Royal Commission into the Bondi Shooting
A royal commission into the Bondi shooting will be established to complete the "jigsaw puzzle" of how the attack occurred. The New South Wales premier, Chris Minns, has said that an independent inquiry is "absolutely essential" to better understand what happened and shape the state government’s response going forward. The premier has also pledged to crackdown on "hate preachers" and announced plans to ban the display of hateful symbols and give police new powers.
Response from the Premier
The premier has described the events leading up to the Bondi attacks as an "evil washing machine of hate" that linked pro-Palestine protests to the attacks. He has also flagged "enormous change" within New South Wales, saying that there’s no "[going] back to normal" after the Bondi attacks. The premier has announced that the state will move to ban the display of hateful symbols, matching national laws, and give police new powers. He has also called for a state-based royal commission, which has been backed by the prime minister, Anthony Albanese.
Current Situation
Thirteen people injured during the Bondi attacks remain in hospital, with one patient in a critical condition. The patients are receiving care in hospitals across Sydney, with three people in a critical but stable condition at St George and St Vincent’s hospitals. Another nine people are in a stable condition and receiving treatment at the Prince of Wales, Royal Prince Alfred, and Royal North Shore hospitals. The Australian and Aboriginal flags are flying at half-mast on the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and buildings are being lit in yellow as the nation stands in solidarity with the Jewish community.
National Day of Mourning
Sunday has been declared a national day of mourning to honour the victims of the Bondi terror attack. A formal public service for victims and survivors will be held at Bondi Pavilion, where thousands of flowers and tributes have been laid since the tragedy. The nation will come together to stand in solidarity with the Jewish community, with many people attending the vigil and showing their support on social media. The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, has called on Australians to light a candle at 6:47pm and hold a minute’s silence to mark the moment when the gunman in the Bondi attack opened fire.