National Day of Reflection for Bondi Attack Victims\n\nAustralia has observed a minute's silence in remembrance of the victims of the Bondi beach attack. This national day of reflection marked one week since the incident in which two gunmen opened fire at an event celebrating the Jewish festival of Hannukah. Fifteen individuals were killed during the attack, including a 10-year-old girl, a British-born rabbi, and a Holocaust survivor.\n\n## Memorial Event Details\n\nOn Sunday evening, a minute's silence was observed at 18:47 (07:47 GMT) in Sydney, exactly one week after initial reports of gunfire at Bondi Beach. The memorial event featured significant security measures, including armed riot squad officers in cordoned-off areas and a police patrol boat offshore. For many Australians, this level of security represents an increased presence.\n\nAttendees, some wearing kippas or draped in Australian flags, gathered to hear speeches after the silence. Balloons shaped like bees were present, referencing the nickname 'Matilda Bee' of the youngest victim, Matilda. The crowd later sang 'Waltzing Matilda', the song after which she was named. Attendees also chanted the name of 14-year-old Chaya, who was injured after reportedly intervening to protect children. She addressed the assembly, encouraging bravery and kindness.\n\nThe ceremony concluded with the lighting of the menorah, an act not completed by attendees at last week's Hannukah gathering.\n\n## Political Reception and Community Response\n\nPrime Minister Anthony Albanese received boos upon his arrival at the memorial event. This reaction from Australia's Jewish community occurred following a reported rise in antisemitic attacks in recent months. Upon Prime Minister Albanese's arrival, an individual in the crowd made a verbal accusation, and police apprehended at least one individual who moved towards the prime minister.\n\nMembers of the Australian Jewish community have linked the attack to a perceived increase in antisemitic incidents following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel and subsequent Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip. A perspective held by many is that greater preventative measures could have been implemented prior to the Sydney attack.\n\nPrime Minister Albanese acknowledged the criticism, stating, "I accept my responsibility for the part in that as prime minister of Australia."\n\nAlbanese has faced accusations of prioritizing support for Palestinians over Israel, a sentiment that reportedly intensified after Australia's move to recognize the state of Palestine earlier this year. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Albanese and leaders of other countries that recognized a Palestinian state of rewarding Hamas. Following the Bondi beach attack, Netanyahu stated Albanese's government "did nothing to stop the spread of antisemitism in Australia."\n\nIn contrast, New South Wales Premier Chris Minns received positive reception at the Sydney memorial service. This was partly attributed to his timely acknowledgment of government errors preceding the attack. Minns attended several victim funerals, while Prime Minister Albanese was not invited to some. Minns stated at the event, "We are deeply sorry. We grieve with you, and with humility, I acknowledge that the government's highest duty is to protect its citizens. And we did not do that one week ago." Minns also stated the shooting "highlighted a deep vein of antisemitic hate in our community", adding, "This must be confronted."\n\nDavid Ossip, president of the New South Wales Jewish Board of Deputies, called for a "Royal Commission which goes beyond New South Wales, to get to the bottom of how this catastrophe took place", a statement which received cheers.