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Emotional moment as thousands gather at Bondi Beach

The victims are being remembered tonight at a beachside vigil, with thousands gathering to reflect and a minute's silence at 6.47pm (AEDT).

A candle was lit by Michelle Goldman, chief executive of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, to start the poignant minute's silence exactly one week after the first gunshots rang out.

READ MORE: Bondi tributes to be cleared as Australia marks one week since tragedy

After the silence, the national anthem was performed by Australian Jewish musician Ben Adler.

As the sun set over the iconic beach, musicians performed an evocative piece of music. A montage of images showed the flowers left at the scene alongside tributes to the victims.

All 15 names of the innocent killed in the attack were listed on the screens at the vigil.

People in the crowd stood and listened to prayers, some in Hebrew and some in English.

NSW Jewish Board of Deputies president David Ossip thanked the crowd for being there "in solidarity with the NSW Jewish community".

As he welcomed political leaders by name, there were some boos from the crowd for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

For NSW Premier Chris Minns there was a standing ovation as Ossip highlighted that he had not missed a single funeral for the victims.

There was also similar applause for NSW Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane, who Ossip said had gone to Bondi Beach on the night of the attacks to help victims.

"That is bravery, that is courage," he said.

He said the families "of those who were so cruelly murdered at this place" were also present.

"Your courage and your resilience inspire us, and we are sending our love and our prayers to you at this time."

The crowd again stood and applauded for the father of Ahmed al Ahmed, the hero who disarmed one of the gunmen.

"Ahmed has asked me to pass on the following message to us all: 'the Lord is close to the broken hearted. Today I stand with you, my brothers and sisters'," he said.

Ossip said more needed to be done, and there was loud cheering as he said "it cannot be disputed that we need a royal commission, which goes beyond NSW, to get to the bottom of how this catastrophe took place".

"We feared and suspected that this moment was coming."

In a more just world, "we wouldn't be gathered here this evening", he said.

"We'd be at home with our loved ones having a barbecue or a swim, talking about the Ashes or out and about enjoying a summer's evening at a time of year which so many of us treasure, which is traditionally characterised by joy.

"In a more just world, small children wouldn't have had to say goodbye to their parents this week, wives had to say goodbye to their husbands or the parents of 10-year-old Matilda to their beloved daughter."

Governor-General Sam Mostyn, King Charles III's representative in Australia, said she joined all Australians in "rejecting antisemitism".

"You have always been a vital part of Australia's story of success and belonging," she said.

She thanked those involved in responding to the attack, from surf lifesavers and lifeguards to hospital staff and civilians.

She thanked them for returning to the place "which was ruptured with an act of terror, unspeakable barbarism, at exactly this time".

"We will always remember the names of the loved ones who died here, and those who fought with courage to save lives," she said.

Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky said he was there to bring a message millions of Jewish people around the world: "We are here with you, we stand with you, we cry with you, we ache with you, and we bless you with comfort, with strength, with faith and with resilience," he said.

"One week ago, terror came to this place. Monsters, indoctrinated with hatred, taught not to build but to destroy," he said.

He said there were 50,000 people in the crowd.

He paid tribute to his friend Rabbi Eli Schlanger, who was killed in the attack, and said the memorial would be Schlanger's "dream".

"Thousands of Jews standing together as one, thousands of non-Jews showing up standing shoulder to shoulder."

Day of high emotion

It has already been a day of high emotion, with flags flying at half mast and a banner flown over Bondi showing love for the Jewish community.

Thousands gathered dressed in white for an event this afternoon outside Bondi Pavillion, organised by the National Council of Jewish Women.

The all-faiths event saw multiple figures from both sides of politics attend.

Governor-General Sam Mostyn said political affiliations did not matter on such a day.

"I'm speaking to you not only as your governor-general, but also as a mother, as a friend, as a woman," she said.

"We're here in white, in the spirit of light, we must take that forward."

Independent MP Monique Ryan and Shadow Communications Minister Melissa McIntosh were also in attendance.

READ MORE: Teen girl takes bullet while shielding two toddlers in Bondi attack

The women who gathered laid flowers at the memorial on Bondi Beach.

Inflatable balloons of bees were also seen, in memory of Matilda, the 10-year-old girl who was killed in the shooting who was affectionately known as "Bee".

Friends and families of other victims also returned to Bondi to pay tribute to those who died.

This included members of the Randwick Rugby Club, who lost one of their members Peter Meagher.

READ MORE: NSW Premier announces new hate laws

"He was a huge part of our club and we don't want to talk much today," club president Brian O'Sullivan said.

"We've just come here to pay respects to all the victims and to lay down a couple of special memories for us."

A light plane was flown over the beach this afternoon with a banner bearing a message of support.

"From Aus for our Jewish Community", the message read, with a red heart.

Tonight, another powerful display of solidarity will take place at Bondi.

'A moment of pause'

At 6.47pm AEDT, exactly one week since the first shots rang out, people across the country and at Bondi are being urged to light a candle and observe a minute's silence.

TV and radio networks are also being asked to participate in the minute's silence.

"Sixty seconds carved out from the noise of daily life, dedicated to 15 Australians who should be with us today," Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.

"It will be a moment of pause to reflect and affirm that hatred and violence will never define us as Australians."

READ MORE: 'Pour petrol on the fire': Frydenberg's warning to Victorian premier

Dr Monique Ryan MP stands by Sam Mostyn The Governor- General of Australia  at a women from all backgrounds, gathering at  Bondi Beach and mark one week since the Chanukah terror attack and honour the victims.

READ MORE: 'People are burying their dead': Premier's strong message over planned protests

All flags on NSW and Australian government buildings are being flown at half-mast in a mark of respect for the lives lost and to commemorate the shared grief.

Aight display, which will beam a ray of light into the sky from Bondi Pavilion.

The NSW government said it will support Jewish leaders to deliver a community memorial too.

The prime minister will be among those mourners at the beach.

"The National Day of Reflection will be observed on the final day of Chanukah, a time traditionally associated with light, faith and resilience, making the loss felt by the Jewish community even more profound," Albanese said.

"The Commonwealth and state government will also work closely with the Jewish community on arrangements for a National Day of Mourning to be held in the New Year.

READ MORE: Anthony Albanese orders review into law enforcement and intelligence agencies

A message of support was flown over Bondi Beach today.

"This will allow families the time and space to lay their loved ones to rest and to support those still recovering."

There will also be a strong police presence at the beach.

NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon confirmed some police would be carrying long-arm guns.

"You will see more officers than usual," he said.

"While our priority is keeping the community safe, it is equally about helping people feel safe as they come together to grieve."

Campbell Parade will be closed in both directions between Queen Elizabeth Drive and Ramsgate Avenue until about 10pm.

Condolence messages and tributes banners are displayed at Bondi Beach on December 21, 2025 in Sydney, Australia. Life slowly returned to normal at Bondi Beach, with people from all walks of life still paying respects and tributes as raw grief and funerals gave way to quiet commemorations. Police say at least 16 people, including one suspected gunman, were killed and more than 40 others injured when two attackers opened fire near a Hanukkah celebration.SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 21: General view of the memorial at Bondi Pavilion on December 21, 2025 in Sydney, Australia. Life slowly returned to normal at Bondi Beach, with people from all walks of life still paying respects and tributes as raw grief and funerals gave way to quiet commemorations. Police say at least 16 people, including one suspected gunman, were killed and more than 40 others injured when two attackers opened fire near a Hanukkah celebration at the world-famous Bondi Beach, i

There will be multiple community vigils held across the country at 6.47pm, including a candle-lighting ceremony at Parliament House in Canberra.

A total of 13 patients are still in hospital, including four in a critical but stable condition.

If you have been impacted by the terror attack in Bondi, there is support available.

To contact Lifeline Australia, call 13 11 14 or text 0477 13 11 14.

For people under 25 years old, you can contact Kids Helpline at 1800 55 1800.

Both of these are available on a 24/7 basis.

If you wish to donate blood, you can find your nearest donor centre here.

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Hundreds join ‘Australia first’ rally despite calls to stop

Hundreds of people defied calls not to join an "Australia first" rally in Sydney a week after the Bondi terror attack killed 15 people.

On what was declared a day of mourning with a minute's silence planned for 6.47pm, protesters gathered in Surry Hills.

Former Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce, who recently switched to One Nation spoke to the crowd, who displayed Australian flags as well as some Israeli ones.

READ MORE: PM orders review into law enforcement and intelligence agencies

One Nation's Barnaby Joyce speaks at a Put Australia First rally at Prince Alfred Park in Surry Hills.

He insisted it wasn't a rally but a "meeting".

"I want the Australian people to stand up and to carry the torch on and to fight," he told the crowd.

"Make sure action happens and to make sure the people who want to do us harm are sent back to wherever they came from."

NSW Premier Chris Minns, who is pushing for parliament to grant "extraordinary powers" to the state government to restrict protests in the wake of terrorist attacks, warned earlier today that it was not the time to stage a rally.

"Don't do it. Don't go ahead with it," Minns told Today.

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People participate in an anti-immigration, 'Put Australia First,' rally at Prince Alfred Park, Sydney.

READ MORE: How Australians are marking seven days since 15 people were killed in Bondi

"Right now, people are burying their dead. They're coming together as a community.

"The Jewish community are coming together to mourn the loss of so many people in their family."

Minns said it was important to avoid escalating tensions of an already "undeniably combustible situation".

Police were monitoring the rally in Sydney.

Police said a Form 1 was submitted on Wednesday to get permission for the protest however, it was rejected.

They warned anybody who joined risked being charged.

"Without this authorisation, the event is not legally protected as an authorised assembly and individuals who choose to attend may be liable for obstruction and unlawful assembly offences," police said in a statement.

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NSW Premier Chris Minns

"The NSW Police Force recognises that this is not a time for public gatherings that may heighten tension or create additional risks to community safety.

"Operation Shelter will coordinate a significant policing response to any large-scale public gatherings at this time.

Minns is expected to recall NSW parliament next week to introduce the new protest laws and gun reforms.

The premier said earlier this week that the laws would see the police allowed to "declare a specific area where the public assemblies are restricted for a period of time" following a terrorism designation.

"That might be any part of the state or all over the state. No public assemblies in a designated area will be able to be authorised, including by a court," he told reporters.

"These are obviously extraordinary powers – not seen before in any jurisdiction in the country."

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PM orders review into law enforcement and intelligence agencies

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a review will be conducted into the country's intelligence and federal law enforcement agencies in the wake of the Bondi shooting.

The report will be led by former intelligence chief Dennis Richardson, and will examine multiple aspects of how Australia's security agencies are equipped to respond to acts of terror.

"The ISIS-inspired atrocity last Sunday reinforces the rapidly changing security environment in our nation. Our security agencies must be in the best position to respond," the prime minister said in a statement this morning.

READ MORE: 'People are burying their dead': Premier's strong message over planned protests

The PM's own department, as well as cabinet, will undertake a wide-ranging examination of several agencies, including the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Australia's Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO).

"[The report] will examine whether federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies have the right powers, structures, processes and sharing arrangements in place to keep Australians safe in the wake of the horrific antisemitic Bondi Beach terrorist attack," Albanese said.

The report will be provided to the government in April next year, and will also be made available to the public.

Albanese has stopped short of ordering a Royal Commission into how intelligence services and federal agencies acted before the shooting, which left 15 people dead.

READ MORE: Aussies in one state to face public transport fare hike within days

Nationals leader David Littleproud addresses the media at a doorstop interview at Parliament House in Canberra on Wednesday 26 November 2025. fedpol Photo: Alex Ellinghausen

His stance has been criticised by the leader of the Nationals, David Littleproud, claiming Albanese was afraid of the "truth" being revealed.

"There's no reason why we shouldn't have a federal Royal Commission," he said on Today.

"There has been a litany of failures here for two and a half years. The warning signs were there from the 8th of October, 2023.

"We should look ourselves in the eye. We should look at the failings of decisions made at a political level, at intelligence levels."

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SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 21: General view of the memorial at Bondi Pavilion on December 21, 2025 in Sydney, Australia. Life slowly returned to normal at Bondi Beach, with people from all walks of life still paying respects and tributes as raw grief and funerals gave way to quiet commemorations. Police say at least 16 people, including one suspected gunman, were killed and more than 40 others injured when two attackers opened fire near a Hanukkah celebration at the world-famous Bondi Beach, i

A National Day of Reflection has been declared a week on from the shooting, with people across the country and at Bondiurged to observe a minute of silence at 6.47pm AEDT.

Australians are also being encouraged to light a candle in solidarity with the victims and the Jewish community.

There will be a vigil held at Bondi Beach tonight.

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