Bondi terror attack remembered in national memorial silence

A national memorial at the Sydney Opera House marked the deaths of 15 people in the Bondi terror attack; the prime minister apologised that authorities 'could not protect' the victims.

A national memorial was held at the Sydney Opera House on 22 January as Australians observed a minute's silence. The service marked six weeks since 15 people were killed at a Hanukah celebration in Bondi. Family members and survivors joined on stage to light 15 candles and to remember those lost. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese apologised, saying the nation 'could not protect your loved ones'. Key points: - Fifteen people were killed at a Hanukah event in Bondi, reported as the worst terror attack on Australian soil. - About 1,500 people attended the memorial at the Sydney Opera House and observed a minute's silence. - Family members and survivors lit 15 candles on stage, and a recently discharged survivor performed at the service. - The prime minister apologised for the failure to protect victims and said an attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on all Australians. Summary: The memorial underscored national grief and calls for unity while debate continues about the government's response, including calls for a commonwealth royal commission into antisemitism and social cohesion. Undetermined at this time.