Surf lifesavers line Bondi Beach in a silent tribute to honour 15 people killed in a mass shooting at a nearby Jewish festival.
SYDNEY: Australian surf lifesavers lined the shore of Sydney’s Bondi Beach and fell silent on Saturday to honour the 15 people shot and killed at a nearby Jewish festival.
Hundreds of rescuers stood by the water’s edge six days after the attack, one of the deadliest mass shootings in Australia’s history.
The alleged gunmen were 50-year-old Sajid Akram, who was killed in a police shootout, and his 24-year-old son Naveed, who has been charged with terrorism and 15 murders.
Wearing their red-and-yellow uniforms, the lifeguards observed three minutes of silence facing the ocean.
Television images showed some crying or hugging each other during the morning ceremony, with a surf lifesaving helicopter hovering overhead.
Surf lifesaving clubs across the country joined the homage in solidarity before starting their morning patrols.
Bondi’s two lifesaving clubs said the tribute recognised the “tragedy that has unfolded at Bondi while also reflecting on our respect and compassion for the Jewish community targeted by this attack”.
“We pay respects to those who lost their lives, those who risked their lives, those who worked so hard to save lives, and all of us who will never forget,” their message stated.
Australia will hold a national day of reflection on Sunday.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has urged Australians to light candles at 6:47 pm on Sunday, exactly one week after the attack unfolded.
Lifeguards have been praised for their courage during the December 14 attack, dragging people to safety and providing first aid.
A widely shared photo showed lifeguard Jackson Doolan running barefoot from a neighbouring beach towards the shooting with a defibrillator.
Waverley Council Mayor Will Nemesh called the image of Doolan “remarkable”.
“Our lifeguards show selflessness every day in keeping our world-famous beaches safe for surfers and swimmers, but what we saw on Sunday night should be commended and celebrated,” he said.
Australia’s volunteer surf lifesaving clubs, which began in the early 20th century, now have more than 200,000 members nationwide. – AFP
