Thousands gathered at vigils across Australia on Monday evening to honour the 15 people killed in a terror attack at Sydney's Bondi Beach on Sunday. The mass shooting at a Hanukkah celebration is being treated as terrorism, prompting the Australian national cabinet to tighten gun laws.
Israeli Ambassador to Australia, Amir Maimon, visited the scene to pay tribute to the victims and expressed his deep sorrow.
"The Jewish community, the Australians of Jewish faith, the Jewish community is also my community," Maimon said, emphasising the importance of recognising Jewish Australians as part of the broader nation.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the attack, stating that it was ideologically driven and motivated by Islamic State ideology.
"This is different from Port Arthur," Albanese said, referring to the 1996 massacre. "Port Arthur was random violence. This was targeted, ideologically driven hatred," he added.
During his visit to the hospital, Albanese praised Ahmed al Ahmed, a local fruit shop owner who tackled one of the attackers during the shooting. Ahmed, who was shot twice, is recovering after surgery. Albanese described his actions as an example of courage and resilience.
The attack, the deadliest gun violence in Australia in nearly three decades, occurred when hundreds gathered to celebrate the first day of Hanukkah. Forty people were taken to hospital, including two police officers. Three patients remain in critical condition.
Authorities say the gunmen, identified as 50-year-old Sajid Akram and his 24-year-old son, Naveed Akram, had travelled to the Philippines before the assault, which appeared to be inspired by Islamic State ideology. Police are investigating the attack as linked to extremist networks operating in the region.
Officials revealed that Sajid Akram had legally held a firearms licence since 2015, owning six licensed weapons.
The incident has prompted the government to reconsider gun control measures, with Albanese confirming that the issue would be examined in light of the tragedy.
This deadly assault is viewed as a wake-up call for Australia, highlighting the need for a stronger response to prevent similar attacks in the future.
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