Australia Observes National Day of Reflection for Bondi Victims

Australia has marked Sunday as a national Day of Reflection to honour the victims of the Bondi Beach shooting, one week after the attack on a Jewish festival that killed 15 people. Across the country, Australians lit candles and observed moments of silence to remember those who lost their lives.

The federal and New South Wales governments announced the day of remembrance, noting it was the country’s deadliest mass shooting since 1996. At Bondi Pavilion, Indigenous leaders held a traditional smoking ceremony, while a growing memorial of flowers and messages covered the site. The memorial is scheduled to be cleared on Monday.

Community and religious leaders said large crowds were expected to gather at Bondi to show solidarity with the Jewish community. They emphasised that the attack was not only against Jews but against shared Australian values, stressing that hatred and violence have no place in the country.

The shooting occurred during a Hanukkah celebration. Authorities said 13 injured people remained hospitalised, including the alleged gunman, who was wounded by police and later charged with multiple counts of murder and attempted murder. His father was killed at the scene.

Flags were lowered to half-staff, government buildings were lit in yellow, and broadcasters paused for a minute of silence. Jewish leaders also invited the wider public to join in marking the final day of Hanukkah, symbolising unity and resilience.