Australians are commemorating the 15 victims of a terror attack on a Jewish festival in Sydney from a week ago. Mourners gathered silently in a circle at Bondi Beach as flags fly at half-mast. The New South Wales premier is calling for an investigation into the events.
At Bondi Beach in Sydney, the site of the attack from a week ago, people gathered this morning for a silent memorial. Two attackers had opened fire on a crowd during the Jewish Hanukkah festival on December 14, killing 15 people. Flags across the country are at half-mast, and at 6:47 p.m. local time—the moment of the first shots—the government called for a minute of silence and lighting candles. This day is designated as a national 'Day of Remembrance'.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns advocated for establishing an inquiry commission. In an interview with ABC, he stated: 'It is the government's duty to protect its citizens. That did not happen last Sunday.' He demanded a thorough investigation of the events before and on December 14, along with drawing consequences. There are also calls for such a commission at the federal level.
In response to the attack, linked to the Islamic State (IS), a bill is set to be introduced in the New South Wales parliament on Monday. It would ban IS flags, other hate-filled symbols, and slogans like 'Globalize the Intifada,' referring to Palestinian uprisings against Israel. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese admitted shortcomings in combating antisemitism and announced stricter laws against hate preachers. Additionally, the government plans to tighten gun laws and confiscate hundreds of thousands of firearms.
