Bondi Beach Transformed from Hanukkah Celebration to Memorial after Siege
Bondi Beach in Sydney, once the site of a joyous Hanukkah celebration with families enjoying activities like hot dogs, rock climbing, and candy floss, has been transformed into a memorial following a deadly siege. Israeli and Australian flags flew together as a symbol of solidarity.
Eyewitness Muadhi Slaven described the chaos of fleeing amid loud bangs during the attack, in which his friend Eli Schlanger, a London-born rabbi and father of five, was killed. Near the site of Schlanger's death, a poster bore his words about fighting antisemitism and emphasized the importance of making Jewish identity visible.
The attack is seen as part of a broader rise in antisemitic attacks, underscoring the need to protect Jewish communities. The memorial included songs, prayers, and silent tributes as people from diverse backgrounds gathered to pay their respects.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese indicated he plans to discuss expanding gun restrictions in response to the mass shooting. Australia already has strict gun laws, and mass shootings are rare in the country.
