Christmas celebrations scaled back at Bondi beach after deadly attack

Christmas celebrations were cancelled after a deadly terror attack at Bondi beach in Sydney. A heavy silence fell across the state as 15 people were killed there more than a week ago, marking one of the deadliest mass shooting in nearly three decades.  

Police reviewed the beachfront in Bondi, which is known as a famous spot for Christmas celebration.  

‘Worst possible thing one could imagine’

“I think it’s tragic, and I think everybody respects and is very sad for what happened, and I think people here are out on the beach, because it’s like a celebration but everybody has got it in their memories and everybody is respectful of what happened,” British tourist Mark Conroy told Reuters.

“Everyone is feeling for the family and friends who are going through the worst possible thing you could imagine,” he further added.  

The gun attack on December 14 at a Jewish Hannukah celebration prompted calls for stricter gun laws and tougher action against antisemitism, while public gathering rules in Sydney have been tightened under new laws passed on Wednesday.

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“It’s not the best conditions for Christmas Day today, it’s a bit choppy. … so not ideal, but people are still here,” Surf Life Saving Patrol Captain Thomas Hough told Reuters.

Car set ablaze in Melbourne

In Melbourne, a car with a “Happy Chanukah!” sign was set ablaze on Christmas Day in the city’s southeast, with no injuries reported, Australian media reported.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, expressed disappointment and concern over firebombing of the car calling it an action “just beyond comprehension."

“What sort of evil ideology and thoughts at a time like this would motivate someone?,” Albanese told reporters on Thursday.