NSW Premier Chris Minns Apologizes at Emotional Bondi Vigil

SYDNEY:  Tens of thousands of mourners reclaimed the sands of Bondi Beach on Sunday evening to mark one week since a horrific terror attack claimed 15 innocent lives. The vigil, held on the final night of Hanukkah, was marked by a searing apology from NSW Premier Chris Minns and intense hostility directed toward Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

In a speech that drew a standing ovation, Premier Chris Minns took the stage wearing a kippah to address the crowd of an estimated 50,000. “The government’s highest duty is to protect the citizens, and we did not do that one week ago,” Minns said. “That reality weighs on me heavily. We must accept that responsibility.”

The father of 10-year-old victim Matilda lights the final candle of the menorah.

His apology comes as NSW Jewish Board of Deputies President David Ossip issued a formal demand for a federal Royal Commission. Cheering erupted as Ossip stated, “It cannot be disputed that we need a Royal Commission… to get to the bottom of how this catastrophe took place.”

While the Premier was praised for his consistent support, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese faced sustained boos from the crowd upon his arrival and whenever his name was mentioned by speakers. The reaction follows growing community anger regarding the federal government’s perceived handling of rising antisemitism and security protocols leading up to the December 14 massacre.

The crowd stood in celebration of Ahmed al-Ahmed, the Syrian-born fruit shop owner who disarmed one of the gunmen. Though Ahmed remains in the hospital recovering from gunshot wounds, his father attended in his honor. “Ahmed has asked me to pass on the message: the Lord is close to the broken-hearted,” Ossip shared on his behalf.