Bondi Beach's Christmas Shadowed by Tragedy and Calls for Change

Christmas festivities at Sydney's Bondi Beach were subdued following a deadly terror attack that killed 15 people at a Hannukah celebration. The incident has fueled demands for stricter gun laws and heightened measures against antisemitism in Australia. Public gatherings have faced new legal restrictions.

Muted Christmas celebrations took place at Sydney's Bondi Beach as the aftermath of a terror attack cast a shadow over the festive season. The attack claimed 15 lives at a Hannukah event, marking the country's deadliest mass shooting in nearly 30 years.

Police maintained a visible presence along the beachfront, with beachgoers gathered despite the somber atmosphere. British tourist Mark Conroy expressed the shared grief, saying, "I think it's tragic... everyone is respectful of what happened." The shooting has led to intensified calls for gun law reforms and action against antisemitism.

In light of the incident, public gathering rules in Sydney have been tightened, and flags flew at half-mast in commemoration at Bondi. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has faced criticism over rising antisemitism, denouncing a recent car arson attack in Melbourne as "beyond comprehension."

(With inputs from agencies.)