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Albanese apologises to Jewish community after Bondi Beach Hanukkah attack
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has issued a formal apology to the country’s Jewish community following a mass shooting at a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney’s Bondi Beach that left 15 people dead.
Speaking on Monday, Albanese said he felt a personal responsibility for the attack, which occurred during his tenure, and expressed sorrow over the suffering experienced by both the Jewish community and the wider nation.
He pledged that his government would work continuously to protect Jewish Australians and uphold their rights to practise their faith, educate their children and participate fully in Australian society.
The shooting took place on December 14 during a family-oriented Hanukkah event attended by about 1,000 people. Police said a father and son, identified as Sajid Akram, 50, and Naveed Akram, 24, opened fire using long-barrelled firearms, killing 15 people and injuring dozens in one of the deadliest mass shootings in Australia’s history.
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Authorities said police received the first reports of gunfire at about 6:47pm local time. Court documents released on Monday allege that the suspects meticulously planned the attack over several months, including firearms training in rural parts of New South Wales and a reconnaissance visit to Bondi Beach days before the shooting.
Investigators said the pair recorded a video denouncing “Zionists” and outlining their motivations. On the day of the attack, they were seen loading long, bulky items into a car, which police allege included firearms, homemade explosive devices and Islamic State flags.
Sajid Akram was shot dead by police at the scene. His son, Naveed Akram, was wounded, later emerged from a coma and has since been charged with terrorism offences, 15 counts of murder, multiple counts of grievous bodily harm with intent to murder, and displaying symbols of a prohibited terrorist organisation. He has been remanded in custody.
Among the victims were a 10-year-old girl, a Holocaust survivor and a married couple who were killed while attempting to stop the attackers. Funerals have been held for most of the victims.
Australian authorities have since announced tighter security measures and ongoing investigations into how the suspects were able to carry out the attack, including reviews of gun licensing and prior intelligence assessments.
