Australia held a national day of reflection on December 21, 2025, to honour the victims of a mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney that occurred a week earlier during a Hanukkah festival. The attack, which took place on December 14, was treated by authorities as an act of terrorism targeting the Jewish community; 15 people were killed and dozens more were wounded. One of the alleged gunmen was killed by police at the scene, and the other has been charged with multiple offences, including murder and terrorism-related counts. 

Tens of thousands of people gathered at Bondi Beach under heightened security, including police patrols and surveillance, for the remembrance event. Mourners observed moments of silence and candle-lighting to mark the anniversary of the shooting, and vigils were also held nationwide on beaches and in communities to honour the victims. Flags were flown at half-mast on government buildings, and broadcasters paused for a moment of silence at the time the attack began. 

Australia’s prime minister, Anthony Albanese, attended the memorial but was met with audible disapproval from sections of the crowd amid public frustration over the government’s response to rising antisemitism and concerns about security and intelligence failures. Other political leaders received a warmer reception from attendees. The federal and state governments said they would review law enforcement and intelligence coordination, strengthen hate-crime legislation, and pursue reforms to gun licensing and related laws. 

The victims of the shooting ranged in age from children to elderly adults and included community leaders, Holocaust survivors, and civilians who were attending or nearby the Chanukah event. Scrutiny of the tragic incident has prompted national debate about antisemitism, public safety measures, and community resilience across Australia.

Sources: CNN, BBC News, Reuters