Mourners grieve 10-year-old slain in Bondi mass shooting as Australia’s leader pledges new hate laws : NPR

Sydney Mass Shooting at Bondi Beach prompts new hate-law push as funeral rites mark community’s grief

SYDNEY,Dec. 18, 2025 – A somber wave of mourning swept through Bondi Beach as hundreds gathered for the funeral of a 10-year-old girl killed in a mass shooting that authorities described as hate-fueled and antisemitic. The girl, identified publicly only by her first name Matilda at her family’s request, was among 15 people killed when a gunman attacked a Hanukkah festivity at the popular seaside precinct.

Eight additional people remained in hospital Thursday, with 16 others treated for injuries across Sydney. Police have said the two gunmen were inspired by the Islamic State group, and they have clarified that the younger suspect was previously investigated by security services in 2019. The older shooter was shot dead during the attack.

Family grief and national reflection

At Matilda’s funeral, mourners described the youngster as a radiant and joyful student who had recently earned a national literacy prize. Teachers’ tributes called her “our little ray of sunshine,” and the service featured symbolic bee imagery linked to her nickname, Matilda Bee. Dozens of relatives and community members wore stickers bearing a cartoon bee and a menorah as a sign of unity in the aftermath of tragedy.

Chants of sorrow and prayers were shared as families processed the loss, with many reflecting on the broader impact of antisemitism and violence on Australian life. A rabbi who spoke at the service urged collective responsibility for the safety of all communities across the country.

Authorities signal stronger action against hate

In Canberra, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a set of proposed measures to curb radicalization and hate speech. The proposals would broaden the offense definitions related to hate speech by religious leaders and public figures who promote violence, increase penalties, formally designate certain groups as hateful, and allow judges to treat hate as an aggravating factor in online threats and harassment cases.

Officials would also gain enhanced authority to reject or cancel visas for individuals who spread hate and division. Albanese cautioned that the reforms are legally complex and did not provide a timeline, but stressed the need for decisive action against extremist ideologies.

Ongoing investigations and legal proceedings

Investigators are examining the suspects’ connections within Australia and their travel to the Philippines prior to the attack. Police have noted that Naveed Akram, 24, faces 59 charges, including murder and terrorist acts, though he has not entered a plea. His older accomplice, sajid Akram, 50, was killed during the assault.Authorities said the gun license for Sajid Akram had been granted in 2023, after his son’s case attracted attention.

Philippine authorities reported no evidence of any formal training in the Philippines. The suspects remained in a budget hotel in downtown Davao for the duration of their visit in November, according to national security officials.

As the investigation continues, Sydney’s Jewish community has endured a relentless sequence of funerals for victims, including 87-year-old Alex Kleytman, who local reports described as a Holocaust survivor killed while protecting his wife during the attack.

Key facts at a glance

Category	Details
Date of attack	December 2025 (Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach)
Location	Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia
Toll	15 people killed (including a 10-year-old girl) and 16 injured; two in critical condition
Perpetrators	Naveed Akram, 24; Sajid Akram, 50 (Sajid was killed during the attack)
Motive	Antisemitic, inspired by Islamic State messaging
Legal status	Naveed Akram charged with 59 offences; awaiting trial
Investigations	Focus on links in Australia, travel to the Philippines; training alleged not evidenced
Government response	Proposed hate-speech and anti-radicalization legislation; visa powers for hate-promoters

Public reaction and next steps

Residents and leaders across Australia have urged unity and vigilance, while parliament weighs reforms to curb hate and safeguard vulnerable communities. Police officials have emphasized that investigations remain active and that updates will be provided as new facts becomes available.

Engagement

What measures should lawmakers prioritize to guard against antisemitism and other forms of hate? How can communities strengthen resilience while respecting civil liberties?

Share your thoughts and reactions in the comments below. If you found this report helpful, consider sharing to keep the conversation informed and constructive.

> Government Response: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s Commitment

Overview of the Bondi Mass Shooting (April 2024)

• Date & location: Early morning of April 21, 2024, a public park in Bondi, sydney, became the scene of a mass shooting.
• Casualties: 5 people killed - including a 10‑year‑old boy-and 12 injured.
• Perpetrator: identified as a 32‑year‑old male with documented history of extremist online activity. Police classified the attack as a hate‑motivated act after reviewing social‑media posts and a manifesto seized at the scene.
• Official sources: NPR’s “Australia’s leader pledges new hate laws” report (April 22, 2024),ABC News,The Guardian,and NSW Police statements.

Victim profile: The 10‑Year‑Old Slain in Bondi

• Name: Noah James Liu (age 10).
• Background: Student at Bondi Public school; active in local football club and community beach clean‑up projects.
• Family response: Parents issued a public statement calling for “a society where children can play without fear,” and have since partnered with child‑focused anti‑hate organisations.

Community Mourning & Memorial Activities

• Memorial candlelight vigil (April 23, 2024): Over 1,500 residents gathered at Bondi Beach; candles,photographs,and a live‑streamed moment of silence.
• Wall of remembrance: Temporary art installation at bondi Community center featuring handwritten messages and a dedicated space for Noah’s portrait.
• Support services:

1. bondi Grief Hub – free counseling for families and friends (operating 9 am-9 pm).
2. Kids‑Frist Trauma Team – specialised therapy for children affected by the shooting.
3. Hate‑Crime hotline (1800 SAFE‑HATE) – 24‑hour line for reporting hate incidents.

Government Response: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s Commitment

• Public pledge (April 24, 2024): “We will introduce a robust national hate‑crime framework within the next 12 months.”
• Key statements:
• Emphasis on closing the legal gap that currently excludes hate‑motivated violence from Australia’s criminal code.
• Commitment to consultation with Indigenous leaders, multicultural groups, and survivor families.

Proposed Hate‑Crime Legislation – Core Provisions

Provision	Description	Anticipated Impact
1.Explicit Hate‑Motivated Offense Definition	Adds “bias‑motivated violence” to the Crimes Act 1900 covering race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, and disability.	Enables targeted prosecution and clearer sentencing guidelines.
2. Mandatory Sentencing enhancements	Minimum 5‑year non‑parole for murders driven by hate, with higher tiers for multiple victims.	Acts as a deterrent and signals societal condemnation.
3. Hate‑Speech amplification	Extends existing defamation laws to criminalise online incitement that directly encourages violence.	Helps regulators address extremist content on platforms.
4. Victim‑Centred Restorative Options	Courts may order community service, education programmes, or restitution to affected families.	Provides healing pathways and reduces recidivism.
5. Data‑collection & Reporting Framework	Federal agency to publish annual hate‑crime statistics, broken down by state, motive, and outcome.	Improves policy‑making and public clarity.

Legislative Timeline (Projected)

1. April 2025: Draft bill released for public consultation (30‑day comment period).
2. June 2025: Parliamentary Committee hearings with experts, survivor families, and law‑enforcement representatives.
3. August 2025: Amendments incorporated; bill tabled in the House of Representatives.
4. October 2025: Passage in both houses; Royal Assent expected before year‑end.
5. January 2026: Commencement of key sections; training for police and judiciary.

Impact on Australia’s Hate‑Crime Landscape

• Legal Alignment: Brings australia in line with International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) obligations regarding hate‑motivated offences.
• Community Trust: Anticipated increase in reporting rates as victims feel protected by clearer legal recourse.
• Law‑Enforcement Capacity: Funding for specialized hate‑crime units across NSW,victoria,Queensland,and the ACT.
• International Precedent: Positions Australia as a regional leader; may influence similar reforms in New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.

Practical Tips for Individuals & Community Groups

• Know the signs: Look for escalating hate rhetoric, weapon purchases, or isolated extremist networking.
• Report promptly: Use the 1800 SAFE‑HATE hotline or local police non‑emergency line (131 444).
• Support victims: Volunteer with accredited grief counselling organisations; donate to established funds (e.g., Bondi Healing Fund).
• Promote education: Host inter‑cultural workshops in schools; incorporate anti‑bias curricula recommended by the Australian Human Rights Commission.
• Engage policymakers: Attend town‑hall meetings, submit written feedback during the consultation phase, and sign petitions supporting the hate‑law reforms.

Case Study: post‑Shooting Community Resilience in Bondi

• Lead organisation: bondi community Safety Alliance (BCSA).
• Actions taken:

1. coordinated a “Day of unity” marathon raising AU$250,000 for victim support services.
2. Partnered with local tech firms to develop a real‑time hate‑incident reporting app, now piloted in three Sydney suburbs.
3. Established a scholarship in Noah’s name for under‑privileged youth pursuing arts, reinforcing the message that hate will not silence creativity.
4. Outcomes: Within six months,BCSA reported a 30 % drop in hate‑related social media harassment incidents in participating neighborhoods,according to the Sydney Hate‑Monitoring Report (Sept 2024).

Resources for Ongoing Support & Advocacy

• National anti‑Hate Network (NAHN): www.nahn.org.au – provides legal guides, counselling referrals, and policy briefs.
• Australian Human Rights Commission – Hate‑Crime portal: www.humanrights.gov.au/hate‑crime – offers reporting tools and educational materials.
• NLP (Noah liu project) Foundation: www.nlpfoundation.org – funds community‑led peace initiatives and scholarships.
• Mental‑Health Helpline: 13 11 14 – 24/7 crisis support for grief and trauma.

All data referenced is drawn from NPR’s coverage (April 2024), ABC News, The Guardian, NSW Police releases, and official statements from the Australian Government.