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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been heckled and booed on his return to Bondi Beach for a vigil, the first time he has visited since a brief visit on Monday morning.
A National Day of Reflection is being held today to honor the victims of the terrorist attack at Bondi Beach, on a night that should have been the final night of Hanukkah.
Exactly a week after two gunmen opened fire at a Jewish festival at the iconic beach, killing 15 people, Australians were asked to light a candle at 6:47 p.m.
The Prime Minister arrived around 6:30 p.m. with his wife, Jodie, wearing black.
The couple was booed and jeered, with one man yelling out, “blood on your hands.”
As he arrived at Bondi to shouts of “shame!” Albanese made his way through the crowd with his security team and staff.
Other hecklers were heard to yell out, “You don’t represent Australia.”
He was joined by the Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, his chief of staff Tim Gartell and his security detail.
While the Prime Minister has met with families privately, his attendance follows criticism over his failure to attend any funerals.
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In contrast to the angry welcome, former prime minister John Howard received a standing ovation from some sections of the ground.
During the vigil, Albanese was roundly booed by the crowd before NSW Premier Chris Minns was given a standing ovation as it was noted he had “not missed a funeral,” unlike the Prime Minister.
Riot police descended on Bondi as thousands of Australians paused and remembered victims and survivors of the Bondi Beach mass shooting.
Snipers were stationed on the roof during the vigil to protect the community in chilling scenes rarely seen in Australia.
Governor-General Sam Mostyn praised the heroism of the surf lifesavers, the police and civilians.
“As your Governor-General, I join all Australians in rejecting antisemitism,’’ she said.
“I recommit my solidarity with Jewish Australians in a spirit of love, belonging, gratitude and unity.
“You have always been a vital part of Australia’s story of success and belonging. Thank you to everyone who has come tonight and come during the week for coming back to Bondi to reclaim the peace of this place which was ruptured with an act of terror unspeakable barbarism at exactly this time, Just one week ago.
“I believe we’re yet to fully process the extent of heroism and bravery that defined this place at this time last week. As your Governor-General, I have promised to put care, kindness and respect at the centre of everything I do.”
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Funeral Controversy
Albanese was a no-show at the funeral of 10-year-old Bondi attack victim Matilda because his office did not reach out to attend, noting her parents were upset with the government over the failure to tackle anti-Semitism.
Government sources have also confirmed to news.com.au that Albanese did not attend because he did not request to attend, a reflection of the fact his attendance might upset the family.
It’s understood Labor minister Tanya Plibersek, who was seen hugging a mourner at Matilda’s funeral, reached out to offer her condolences and accepted an invitation to attend as a mark of respect.
At a press conference on Thursday, Albanese repeatedly refused to confirm whether he requested to attend Matilda’s funeral.
“I have reached out to families,’’ Albanese said
“I have made it clear. Today I chaired the National Security Committee here. We are acting but I have met with families. I have spoken on the phone with families and I will continue to engage.”
He said that he had met with families at Bondi privately.
“I have done that. I have not just been down in Bondi on Monday morning, what is now a large memorial,’’ he said.
“Early on I met with police, members of the community. I have been to homes in Bondi. Just on Tuesday visited the home of the rabbi and met with families grieving who are going through complete trauma and I understand that. I have met with the families and have spoken to them.
“Each and every day I have met face-to-face with people who are going through the worst of grieving processes as well and I will continue to engage with them.”
Earlier on Sunday, a pro-Palestinian protester wearing keffiyeh, was heckled by locals as he visited the area in Sydney’s eastern suburbs on Sunday.
“Why are you here?” one person said to him.
“You’re not welcome,” another said.
The man told the police: ‘Why should I take this off?’
“I came here on a day of reflection to reflect.”
English (US)