Sydney is continuing to mourn the victims of the Bondi Beach terror attack as funerals are held across the city and political leaders debate the response to the violence.
The youngest victim, 10-year-old Matilda, was laid to rest on Thursday, one of 15 people killed in Sunday’s shooting.
Hundreds also gathered to farewell Rabbi Eli Schlanger at the Chabad Synagogue in Bondi, while Rabbi Yaakov Levitan was honoured later the same day at Magnolia Chapel in Sydney’s north. NSW Premier Chris Minns attended both funerals.
At an interfaith vigil at St Mary’s Cathedral, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the nation was united in grief, stating: “We grieve for everyone denied their future – and we grieve with everyone who would have shared in their happiness.”
He added, “No matter which faith we worship or whether we have no faith at all, we stand with Jewish Australians.”
Former treasurer Josh Frydenberg described the attack as a “failure of leadership” and renewed calls for stronger action on antisemitism, including a royal commission.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers rejected the proposal, saying authorities must remain focused on the investigation.
Police have praised Detective Senior Constable Cesar Barraza, who shot dead attacker Sajid Akram and wounded his son Naveed during a confrontation at Bondi Beach, describing his actions as heroic.
Naveed Akram has been charged with 59 offences, including 15 counts of murder and committing a terrorist act.
Premier Minns has confirmed NSW parliament will be recalled before Christmas to fast-track urgent firearms legislation as the state responds to one of the deadliest attacks in its history.
