SYDNEY: Australians fell silent and lit candles on a national day of mourning on Thursday for the 15 people killed by gunmen who opened fire on a Jewish festival at Bondi Beach.
Millions observed a minute's silence as flags flew at half-mast for victims of the December 14 mass shooting, Australia's deadliest in three decades.
People placed candles in windows and on doorsteps in homes around the country. Families and representatives of the dead lit 15 candles, too, in a ceremony of prayers and tributes at the Sydney Opera House, with the theme "Light Will Win".
Under a cloak of security, snipers perched on top of the famous building's sails. "You came to celebrate a festival of light and freedom, and you were met with the violence of hatred," said Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
"I am deeply and profoundly sorry that we could not protect your loved ones from this evil."
Sajid Akram and his son Naveed allegedly shot into crowds at a Hanukkah celebration on the Sydney beach.
Among the victims were an 87-year-old Holocaust survivor, a couple who confronted one of the gunmen, and a 10-year-old girl, Matilda, who was described at her funeral as a "ray of sunshine".
First responders raced to treat the wounded despite the dangers of that day, strangers sheltered each other from gunfire, and shop owner Ahmed al Ahmed famously wrested a gun from one of the attackers. - AFP
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