Liberal Senator Michaelia Cash has criticised the Albanese Government over its handling of rising antisemitism, warning on X that “when Jew-hate is tolerated, who’s next?”
She described the Bondi attack as “an attack on Jewish Australians celebrating Hanukkah and on Australia’s promise that you can gather in peace and worship without fear,” and accused the government of “turning its back” despite repeated warnings.
“Leadership means stopping hate before it turns into violence. Albanese failed that test,” Senator Cash said, urging Australians to “speak up” and demand accountability.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his wife, Jodie Haydon, were escorted from the Bondi Beach memorial on Sunday under a heavy security presence after being heckled by members of the public.
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Albanese said, “Tonight we stood together as Australians. To reject antisemitism. To remember the precious lives we lost one week ago. And to wrap our arms around the Jewish community who are grieving.”
“This has been a dark week for Australia, but we will never let hate divide us.”
The vigil marked a National Day of Reflection for the victims of last week’s terrorist attack at Bondi Beach, which killed 15 people during a Jewish Hanukkah festival.
The Prime Minister, joined by Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, faced repeated boos as they arrived, prompting his AFP security team and NSW police to guide him through the crowd.
Riot police and snipers were deployed to maintain safety, while thousands of Australians observed a candle-lighting ceremony at 6:47 pm to honour the victims.
A dedicated fundraising appeal, Unite for Bondi – Bondi Terror Attack Appeal, has also been established in partnership with Rotary to provide support to survivors and families of those who lost their lives. Donations can be made via rawcs.org.au.
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