Bondi Beach day of reflection: Australia to remember massacre victims one week on

3 weeks ago21 Dec 9:29pm

Wrapping up today's coverage

We're going to conclude our live blog coverage for today. Thanks for joining us.

Here are the key points from today:

Today was a national day of reflection, marking one week since the Bondi Beach terror attack that claimed 15 lives.
A vigil was held at Bondi Beach, with a minute of silence observed at 6.47pm. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was met with boos as he arrived.
Among the speakers were survivors, Jewish community leaders, politicians and first-responders.
Chaya Dadon, a teen who survived the attack, called on Australians to "be the light in the field of darkness".
Australian singer David Campbell performed a poignant rendition of Waltzing Matilda to honour Matilda, the youngest victim of the attack.
Earlier, Albanese announced a review into federal intelligence and law enforcement agencies, which will be led by former ASIO chief Dennis Richardson.
ASIO director-general Mike Burgess welcomed the review but said some recent criticisms of the intelligence agency were "unfounded".
The review was criticised by some, including independent MP Allegra Spender and former treasurer Josh Frydenberg.
Anti-immigration rallies were held in Sydney and Melbourne, the former attended by former Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce. Police urged people not to go.
More Coalition MPs called for a royal commission, including Michaelia Cash, Andrew Bragg and Jonno Duniam.
NSW Health provided an update on the injured — 13 patients remain in hospital, including four who are in a critical but stable condition.

3 weeks ago21 Dec 9:08pm

Beam of light from Bondi Pavilion

A powerful beam of light is shining into the sky from the Bondi Pavilion.

Hanukkah is the Jewish festival of lights, and light in darkness has been the recurring theme throughout tonight's vigil.

Singers Menachem Feldman and Ben Goldstein have delivered an energetic rendition of I Am Australian, bringing people to their feet to dance and sing.

— Josie Harvey

3 weeks ago21 Dec 9:00pm

Heroes, first-responders invited to light the menorah

Several people have been invited onto the stage to help light the menorah, including Mohamed Fateh Al-Ahmed, father of Bondi hero Ahmed Al-Ahmed, NSW Police commissioner Mal Lanyon, and representatives of the State Emergency Service, Community Health Support, NSW Ambulance and Surf Life Saving Australia.

Several people were invited on stage to light a menorah. Source: AP / Mark Baker

— Josie Harvey

3 weeks ago21 Dec 8:46pm

Rabbi Yehoram Ulman says community is 'responding with more light'

Bondi Rabbi Yehoram Ulman says he's been with this community for nearly 40 years.

"I have shared in weddings and births, tears and laughter," he said.

He celebrated the thousands of people watching the ceremony in Bondi and around the world.

"Bondi is with us. Sydney is with us. Australia is with us, and the world is with us," he said.

"We are not retreating, we are not hiding, we are not shooting. We are responding with more light, more love and more unity."

He named each victim and shared a lesson from each of them that he encouraged people to emulate.

The last person he named was his son-in-law, Rabbi Eli Schlanger, "who treated every human being as precious, whether prisoner or prime minister, a billionaire or a beggar".

"Let us try each in our own way to see people as he did," he said.

— Josie Harvey

3 weeks ago21 Dec 8:27pm

Teenage survivor of Bondi terror attack tells Australians to 'be the light' in darkness

Chaya Dadon, a teen who survived the attack, is being interviewed on the stage. Asked why she put herself in harm's way to help others, she paused, before replying: "That's the answer."

Chaya Dadon, a Bondi shooting survivor, speaks during the vigil. Source: AP / Mark Baker

"Those people, those children, I felt so connected to them the whole time."

"Be the light in the field of darkness," she told Australians.

— Josie Harvey

3 weeks ago21 Dec 8:22pm

Waltzing Matilda sung in moving tribute to 10-year-old victim

Australian singer David Campbell is performing a poignant rendition of Waltzing Matilda to honour Matilda, the youngest victim of the attack.

A girl whose face has been painted with an image of a dolphin smiles into the camera

Matilda was the youngest victim in the attack. Source: Supplied

Members of the crowd are singing along and waving their phones in the air.

— Josie Harvey

3 weeks ago21 Dec 8:21pm

In photos: Bondi vigil

Here are some photos from Sunday's vigil.

A woman and girl watch on. Source: AP / Mark Baker

Thousands were in attendance. Source: AP / Mark Baker

People Join Vigil In Remembrance Of Bondi Shooting Victims

Mourners gathered before the vigil began. Source: Getty / Izhar Khan

A man applauds during an address. Source: AP / Mark Baker

3 weeks ago21 Dec 8:19pm

President of the ECAJ calls for royal commission

Daniel Aghion, president of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, has echoed calls for a commonwealth royal commission into the Bondi attack.

"Every level of government from the federal government down, and every sector of society, must take the necessary steps to make us all safe," he said.

"Antisemitism makes us all unsafe."

"We deserve an Australia where we are all safe. Safe to practice our faith and culture openly."

— Josie Harvey

3 weeks ago21 Dec 8:11pm

NSW Opposition leader Kellie Sloane says she witnessed 'absolute devastation' last Sunday

Kellie Sloane, leader of the NSW Opposition, has told the crowd she "witnessed the absolute devastation firsthand last Sunday".

"I stand before you as someone who saw the devastation, who arrived here last week while the shots were still being fired, who witnessed the chaos and the distress, and who saw the injured and who held the hands of those who needed their hands held," she said.

"Who saw the chaos and the terror but also saw the kindness and so many acts of bravery."

She thanked NSW Premier Chris Minns "for your compassion this week", and said she would read the names of the 15 victims in a condolence motion in parliament with him this week.

— Josie Harvey

3 weeks ago21 Dec 8:07pm

Minns says 'darkness cannot extinguish the light'

NSW Premier Chris Minns has announced his government is launching an initiative called One Mitzvah for Bondi, which aims to spread light through acts of goodness.

NSW Premier Chris Minns' address was met with applause. Source: AP / Mark Baker

He concluded his remarks by saying: "We can't cure hate with hate. And the lesson of Hanukkah is not that there is no darkness, it's that darkness cannot extinguish the light. So be the light in the world, and may the memories of those who've been lost be a blessing to all of us."

— Josie Harvey

3 weeks ago21 Dec 7:57pm

Chris Minns says 'you have reclaimed Bondi Beach'

People stood and cheered loudly as NSW Premier Chris Minns was welcomed to the stage.

"Thank you friends," he said, to extended applause.

"Friends, Bondi is beautiful tonight," he began. "And not because of its beaches, its sunset."

"It's beautiful because you, in your thousands, in your defiance and resolve, you have returned to these sands just seven days after a shocking crime, and have said to the terrorists, 'we are going nowhere.'"

He said the crime was an attempt to "marginalise and scatter, to intimidate and cause fear".

"Jews have stood up to this intimidation for thousands of years, and so tonight, thanks to the Jewish community of Australia, on this last night of Hanukkah, you have reclaimed Bondi Beach for us."

— Josie Harvey

3 weeks ago21 Dec 7:49pm

Alex Ryvchin of ECAJ remembers victims, says 'I will not hide'

Alex Ryvchin, co-CEO of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, is remembering each of the victims from the stage.

"The killers, may their names be blotted out, made their choice too," he said. "They chose to give up their own lives and liberty just so Jewish people could die."

"They chose to destroy worlds, to leave parents without a child, wives without husbands, a community without its beloved rabbi. Why? To what end? For what gain?" he asked.

"There is no why. It is of no consequence. What matters now is the choice that we make, how we choose to live, how we, together, replace the light and decency and love that the murdered cumulatively brought to this world."

He said he would not hide, despite the fear and uncertainty Australian Jews must now live with.

"So I have chosen to return to stand again on that now-sacred ground, on the first night of Chanukah next year, together with my three daughters, and kindle the light, and praise the Almighty, proudly as an Australian and a Jew, because I know that’s exactly what my friend Eli would have wanted."

— Josie Harvey

3 weeks ago21 Dec 7:32pm

Governor-general praises all those who showed 'heroism and bravery'

Governor-general Sam Mostyn has spoken. She voiced her solidarity with Jewish Australians "in a spirit of love, belonging, gratitude and unity".

"Thank you to everyone who has come tonight and come during the week, for coming back to Bondi to reclaim the peace of this place, which was ruptured with an act of terror [and] unspeakable barbarism at exactly this time, just one week ago."

A large crowd gathered for the vigil. Source: AAP / Dean Lewins

She expressed her gratitude to first responders, hospital staff, civilians and others who showed "extraordinary courage".

"We're here, no doubt, to mourn those who lost their lives and those whose lives have been forever changed," she said. "But we're also here to honour and thank everybody who has responded to this moment."

"I believe we're yet to fully process the extent of heroism and bravery that defined this place at this time last week."

— Josie Harvey

3 weeks ago21 Dec 7:19pm

Message from Bondi hero Ahmed Al-Ahmed shared, Minns applauded

The president of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, David Ossip, is addressing the crowd.

He greeted the officials in attendance, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition leader Sussan Ley. Some in the crowd booed when Albanese's name was mentioned, while Ley received a cheer.

David Ossip, president of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, delivered the opening address at the vigil. Source: AP / Mark Baker/

He also welcomed Chris Minns, noting the NSW premier had "not missed a funeral, a synagogue service or an opportunity to be with the Jewish community this week".

It received extended applause.

Ossip also celebrated Ahmed Al-Ahmed, the hero bystander who was wounded after he disarmed one of the gunmen, and shared a message from the Syrian-born man, who is still in hospital after undergoing multiple surgeries.

"The lord is close to the broken-hearted. Today, I stand with you, my brothers and sisters," was the message.

Al-Ahmed received a standing ovation.

Ossip also called for "a royal commission which goes beyond NSW to get to the bottom of how this catastrophe took place", drawing cheers from the crowd.

— Josie Harvey

3 weeks ago21 Dec 6:59pm

Albanese booed on arrival

Anthony Albanese was reportedly booed by some attendees when he arrived in Bondi for the ceremony.

He has faced backlash from many members of the Jewish community this week. They've accused him of doing too little to combat antisemitism in Australia, and taking too long to implement measures recommended by his antisemitism envoy.

Nathaniel Buzz, one of the people in the crowd who booed Albanese’s arrival, told the Guardian he did so because he believes the prime minister "cares more about Islamophobia than antisemitism".

Former prime minister John Howard received a warmer reception from the crowd, according to the Guardian and Sydney Morning Herald.

Anthony Albanese arriving at an event in a crowd.

Anthony Albanese was one of many officials who attended the ceremony. Source: AAP / Dean Lewins

Australia's former Prime Minister John Howard, center, arrives at Bondi Beach before a ceremony to mark the National Day of Reflection

Former prime minister John Howard was also in attendance. Source: AP / Mark Baker

— Josie Harvey

3 weeks ago21 Dec 6:47pm

It's 6.47. Australia is pausing to honour the victims of the Bondi terror attack.

It's 6.47pm, exactly one week since the Bondi Beach shootings.

People across Australia are marking a minute of silence to remember the 15 people who were killed in the attack and to stand in solidarity with the Jewish community.

Today is the last day of Hanukkah, and a national day of reflection one week on from the violence that targeted a celebration marking the first day of the Jewish festival.

Flags are flying at half mast, radio and TV stations are pausing for a minute's silence, and people have been invited to light a candle as a quiet act of remembrance.

These are their names.

Adam Smyth
Matilda
Peter Meagher
Dan Elkayam
Rabbi Eli Schlanger
Marika Pogany
Alexander Kleytman
Reuven Morrison
Rabbi Yaakov Levitan
Boris and Sofia Gurman
Edith Brutman
Tibor Weitzen
Boris Tetleroyd
Tania Tretiak

The country is observing a minute of silence to honour the 15 victims of the attack.

— Josie Harvey

3 weeks ago21 Dec 6:41pm

Politicians in attendance for vigil

Politicians, including federal Opposition leader Sussan Ley, Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and Social Service Minister Tanya Plibersek, have arrived at Bondi Beach for the vigil.

Others in attendance include NSW Opposition leader Kellie Sloane, NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe and Sydney MP Alex Greenwich.

Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek arrives for a memorial for the victims of last Sunday's terror attack. Source: Getty / Izhar Khan

People arrive for the memorial at Bondi Beach. Source: Getty / Izhar Khan

— Miles Proust

3 weeks ago21 Dec 6:31pm

Heavy police presence in Bondi as crowds flock to vigil

There's a strong security presence in Bondi tonight, as crowds gather for a vigil.

Police snipers can be seen atop a building overlooking the area.

NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said earlier there would be a heightened police presence, but that "does not reflect a heightened security alert".

"Tonight is about standing with the community, safeguarding the space for a respectful vigil, and ensuring everyone feels supported during this incredibly difficult time," he said.

The ceremony begins shortly at 6.45pm, with a minute of silence to be held at 6.47pm.

Thousands of people are expected to gather for a ceremony one week after the terrorist attack. Source: AAP / Mark Baker/AP

A police sniper looks through binoculars from atop a building.

Police could be seen on top of buildings, on foot and on horseback in Bondi as mourners gathered. Source: AAP / Dean Lewins

— Josie Harvey

3 weeks ago21 Dec 5:55pm

Victims commemorated at multifaith vigils

Multicultural and multifaith communities have come together in solidarity with the Jewish community at St Peter's Church hall in East Melbourne.

Victoria's minister for multicultural affairs, Ingrid Stitt, attended the event, hosted by the Victorian Multicultural Commission.

"Our hearts go out to the victims, their families and our Australian Jewish community — today we stand united in our grief, but also against hate, division and all acts of terror and antisemitism," she said.

Multifaith gatherings have also been held in Brisbane and Perth.

— Josie Harvey

3 weeks ago21 Dec 5:37pm

Australians asked to observe minute of silence at 6.47pm

Australians have been urged to light a candle and pause for a minute of silence at 6.47pm tonight.

The shooting took place about an hour from now, one week ago.

"For our Jewish community, the pain is deep. For people across the country, the shock is still raw," Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said earlier today.

"I encourage all Australians to pause with us in honour of the lives lost, and in support of the families in mourning."

— Josie Harvey

Thousands gather at Bondi vigil; PM orders security agency review as calls for royal commission grow — as it happened

Thousands of mourners gathered at Bondi Beach for a vigil, marking one week since a terror attack killed 15 people.

Wrapping up today's coverage

Beam of light from Bondi Pavilion

Heroes, first-responders invited to light the menorah

Rabbi Yehoram Ulman says community is 'responding with more light'

Teenage survivor of Bondi terror attack tells Australians to 'be the light' in darkness

Waltzing Matilda sung in moving tribute to 10-year-old victim

In photos: Bondi vigil

President of the ECAJ calls for royal commission

NSW Opposition leader Kellie Sloane says she witnessed 'absolute devastation' last Sunday

Minns says 'darkness cannot extinguish the light'

Chris Minns says 'you have reclaimed Bondi Beach'

Alex Ryvchin of ECAJ remembers victims, says 'I will not hide'

Governor-general praises all those who showed 'heroism and bravery'

Message from Bondi hero Ahmed Al-Ahmed shared, Minns applauded

Albanese booed on arrival

It's 6.47. Australia is pausing to honour the victims of the Bondi terror attack.

Politicians in attendance for vigil

Heavy police presence in Bondi as crowds flock to vigil

Victims commemorated at multifaith vigils

Australians asked to observe minute of silence at 6.47pm

previous

1of3

next

Thousands gather at Bondi vigil; PM orders security agency review as calls for royal commission grow — as it happened

Thousands of mourners gathered at Bondi Beach for a vigil, marking one week since a terror attack killed 15 people.

Wrapping up today's coverage

Beam of light from Bondi Pavilion

Heroes, first-responders invited to light the menorah

Rabbi Yehoram Ulman says community is 'responding with more light'

Teenage survivor of Bondi terror attack tells Australians to 'be the light' in darkness

Waltzing Matilda sung in moving tribute to 10-year-old victim

In photos: Bondi vigil

President of the ECAJ calls for royal commission

NSW Opposition leader Kellie Sloane says she witnessed 'absolute devastation' last Sunday

Minns says 'darkness cannot extinguish the light'

Chris Minns says 'you have reclaimed Bondi Beach'

Alex Ryvchin of ECAJ remembers victims, says 'I will not hide'

Governor-general praises all those who showed 'heroism and bravery'

Message from Bondi hero Ahmed Al-Ahmed shared, Minns applauded

Albanese booed on arrival

It's 6.47. Australia is pausing to honour the victims of the Bondi terror attack.

Politicians in attendance for vigil

Heavy police presence in Bondi as crowds flock to vigil

Victims commemorated at multifaith vigils

Australians asked to observe minute of silence at 6.47pm

previous

1of3

next

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