CANBERRA: The Australian government on Friday declared December 21 as a "day of reflection" to honour the victims of the terrorist attack at Sydney's Bondi Beach and express solidarity with the Jewish community.
As many as 15 people died, and 41 others were injured in the attack on Sunday. One of the alleged gunmen, Sajid Akram, was killed while another gunman, his son, Naveed Akram, was injured during a shootout with police.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also announced that the Commonwealth and state governments will work closely with the Jewish community on arrangements for a national day of mourning to be held in the New Year. He noted that this will allow families of the victims the time and space to lay their loved ones to rest and support those who are still recovering.
In a statement, PM Albanese and New South Wales Premier Chris Minns said: "The Day of Reflection will be observed on the final full day of Chanukah, a time traditionally associated with light, faith and resilience, making the loss felt by the Jewish community even more profound. All Australians share in their grief. On Sunday, flags on Australian and NSW Government buildings will be flown at half-mast as a mark of respect for the lives lost and the grief shared across the country."
The two leaders have asked people in Australia to light a candle at 6.47 p.m. (local time), one week since the attack unfolded, as a quiet act of remembrance with family, friends or loved ones. They also urged Australians to observe a minute of silence.
"The Day will include a number of ways to help the state reflect: Buildings will light up yellow for the evening. Light will beam into the sky from Bondi Pavilion. The NSW Government will support Jewish leaders to deliver a community memorial event. Television and radio networks will be asked to pause for a minute’s silence at 6.47 p.m. A shareable candle image will be used on social media to pledge support for Jewish Australians," the statement said.
On Thursday, Naveed Akram was charged with 59 offences for the Bondi Beach attack by the NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team, comprised of NSW Police, AFP, ASIO and the NSW Crime Commission.
The offences include 15 counts of murder, committing a terrorist act, 40 counts of causing wounding/grievous bodily harm to a person with intent to kill, discharging a firearm with intention to cause grievous bodily harm, causing public display of a prohibited terrorist org symbol and keeping an explosive in/near a building with a goal to cause harm, 9 News reported.
Akram, who is currently undergoing treatment in the hospital, faced the court virtually. He is not well enough to be shifted to prison and will continue to remain in hospital under police custody.
Investigators will allege that officers arrived at the site of the incident to find Naveed Akram and his father, Sajid Akram, using long arm rifles to fire at people when they were called to Bondi Beach after 6.40 pm (local time) on Sunday. Several officers exchanged shots with the alleged gunmen, with two officers being killed. The alleged nine-minute assault came to an end after Sajid Akram was shot dead and Naveed Akram was injured.