Post by : Saif Rahman

A suspect has been charged with 59 offenses, including 15 counts of murder and terrorism, following a shooting at a Jewish Hanukkah event at Sydney's Bondi Beach, according to police reports on Wednesday. The act, perpetrated by a father and son duo, resulted in 15 fatalities and numerous injuries, raising serious concerns about antisemitism and violent extremism in Australia.

Funerals for the victims commenced on Wednesday. Among those honored was Rabbi Eli Schlanger, an assistant rabbi at Chabad Bondi Synagogue and father of five, who was well-respected for his contributions to Sydney's Jewish community, including prison visits and support for Jewish residents in public housing.

The accused, 24-year-old Naveed Akram, remains hospitalized under tight police supervision. His father, Sajid Akram, 50, was shot and killed by law enforcement at the scene. Authorities revealed that they had traveled to the southern Philippines, known for Islamist militant activities, shortly before the incident. Initial investigations suggest the shooting was inspired by the Islamic State.

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns announced that parliament will reconvene on December 22 to implement urgent reforms to gun and protest laws. Proposed initiatives include restrictions on the number of firearms an individual may possess and making certain types of shotguns more difficult to obtain. There may also be more stringent rules regarding large public demonstrations following these terror incidents.

Several individuals demonstrated extraordinary courage during the attack. Ahmed al-Ahmed, who tackled one of the assailants despite sustaining injuries, has been hailed as a hero. Police officer Jack Hibbert, 22, lost sight in one eye while ensuring the safety of others. As of Wednesday, 23 victims are still hospitalized across Sydney.

Among the deceased is a Holocaust survivor, a young girl named Matilda, and several couples. Locals and visitors at Bondi Beach observed a moment of silence in memory of the victims, and previously planned New Year celebrations on the beach have been cancelled.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has stated that the government will collaborate with the Jewish community to combat antisemitism and has promised comprehensive reforms to gun regulations. Authorities are also assessing how the attackers managed to legally obtain high-powered firearms, despite having undergone intelligence reviews.

This tragic event has plunged Australia into mourning while prompting officials to enhance gun safety measures to avert similar occurrences in the future.

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