Thousands Gather at Bondi Beach in Tribute as Australia Prepares for Funerals

Thousands of surfers, swimmers and paddleboarders formed a large circle in the water at Sydney’s Bondi Beach on Friday morning, observing a minute’s silence in honor of the 15 people killed in Sunday’s terrorist attack at a Jewish Hanukkah festival.

Participants paddled out shortly after sunrise, creating a powerful show of solidarity at one of Australia’s most iconic beaches. Bondi was crowded with surfers at the time of the attack, when two gunmen opened fire during the evening festivities.

“It’s a proud moment to be part of a community that comes together like this,” surfer Matt Douglas told the Australian Financial Review.

Surf Life Saving Australia said regular patrols at Bondi Beach are expected to resume on Saturday, according to national broadcaster ABC.

Australia Announces Gun Buyback and Day of Mourning

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Friday announced a national gun buyback scheme aimed at removing surplus, illegal and newly banned firearms from circulation.

Speaking at a press conference, Albanese acknowledged criticism surrounding Australia’s gun licensing system after it emerged that one of the attackers legally owned six firearms.

“If someone can legally obtain six high-powered rifles under the current licensing scheme, then something is wrong,” Albanese said. “Australians can see that clearly.”

The prime minister also confirmed plans to work closely with the Jewish community to formalize a national day of mourning.

The federal government and the state of New South Wales have declared Sunday, December 21, a day of reflection, with flags flown at half-mast nationwide.

Australians have been asked to light candles at 6:47 p.m. Sydney time — the moment the attack began one week earlier.

Funerals Held for Victims

Funerals for several victims took place on Friday, including for Boris Gurman, 69, and his wife Sofia, 61, who were praised as heroes for attempting to stop one of the gunmen at the start of the attack.

Dashcam footage shows Boris Gurman wrestling a weapon from one of the attackers before both he and his wife were fatally shot. The couple, married for 34 years, were laid to rest at a service in eastern Sydney.

Syrian-Born Hero Receives Donations

Ahmad al Ahmad, a Syrian-born shop owner who also disarmed one of the attackers, was presented on Friday with a symbolic AU$2.5 million ($1.65 million) check representing donations raised through a GoFundMe campaign.

Still hospitalized with gunshot wounds to his hand and shoulder, Ahmad is expected to undergo a third surgery. In a video shared on social media, he appeared visibly emotional upon seeing the donation.

“To stand with each other — all human beings,” Ahmad said when asked what message he had for donors. “Forget everything bad and keep going to save lives.”

As a legal resident of Australia, Ahmad’s medical treatment is covered under the country’s universal healthcare system.

Authorities said 14 people injured in the attack remain hospitalized across Sydney, four of them in critical condition.