Australia Commemorates Bondi Beach Attack Victims with Day of Reflection

In a heartfelt response to the tragic Bondi Beach terrorist attack, the Australian government has declared December 21 as a Day of Reflection. This initiative aims to honor the 15 victims and express solidarity with the Jewish community. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced plans for a national day of mourning in the New Year, allowing families to grieve and support those affected. The Day of Reflection will coincide with the last full day of Chanukah, emphasizing themes of light and resilience. Australians are encouraged to participate in remembrance activities, including lighting candles and observing a minute of silence. The accused, Naveed Akram, faces multiple charges related to the attack, which left a profound impact on the nation.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 19, 2025, 14:53 IST

A National Day of Mourning Announced

The Australian government has designated December 21 as a "day of reflection" to pay tribute to the victims of the tragic terrorist attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney, while also standing in solidarity with the Jewish community.

The attack, which occurred on Sunday, resulted in the deaths of 15 individuals and left 41 others injured. One of the suspected assailants, Sajid Akram, was killed, while his son, Naveed Akram, sustained injuries during a confrontation with law enforcement.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that both the Commonwealth and state governments will collaborate with the Jewish community to organize a national day of mourning in the upcoming New Year. This initiative aims to provide families of the victims with the necessary time and space to grieve and support those still recovering.

In a joint statement, PM Albanese and New South Wales Premier Chris Minns remarked, "The Day of Reflection will coincide with the last full day of Chanukah, a period symbolizing light, faith, and resilience, which makes the sorrow experienced by the Jewish community even more significant. All Australians share in their grief. On Sunday, flags at Australian and NSW Government buildings will be flown at half-mast to honor the lives lost and the collective mourning across the nation."

The leaders have encouraged Australians to light a candle at 6:47 PM local time, marking one week since the attack, as a quiet remembrance with family and friends. They also called for a minute of silence.

"The Day will feature various reflective activities: buildings will be illuminated in yellow for the evening, light will shine from Bondi Pavilion, and the NSW Government will assist Jewish leaders in hosting a community memorial event. Television and radio stations will be requested to pause for a minute of silence at 6:47 PM, and a shareable candle image will be circulated on social media to show support for Jewish Australians," the statement added.

On Thursday, Naveed Akram was charged with 59 offenses related to the Bondi Beach incident by the NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team, which includes NSW Police, AFP, ASIO, and the NSW Crime Commission.

The charges encompass 15 counts of murder, committing a terrorist act, 40 counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to kill, discharging a firearm with the intent to inflict serious injury, displaying symbols of a prohibited terrorist organization, and possessing explosives with the intent to cause harm, as reported by a news outlet.

Currently hospitalized, Akram appeared in court virtually due to his health condition and remains under police custody.

Investigators claim that when officers arrived at the scene, they found Naveed and Sajid Akram using rifles to shoot at individuals after being called to Bondi Beach shortly after 6:40 PM local time on Sunday. Several officers exchanged gunfire with the suspects, resulting in the deaths of two officers. The nine-minute assault concluded with Sajid Akram being shot dead and Naveed Akram injured.