Pinned post from
yesterday 9.42pm
What we know tonight By Jack Gramenz This is where we’ll leave today’s live coverage.
Here’s what we learnt today:
Seven men were dramatically arrested in Sydney’s south-west by tactical police, responding to information that “a violent act was possibly being planned”. Police have not identified any connection to the current police investigation of the Bondi terror attack. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a five-point plan to combat antisemitism, which will include a crackdown on “hate preachers” and those who promote violence, as he accepted responsibility as prime minister that more had not been done sooner. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke will take on greater powers to cancel or reject visas for individuals deemed to be spreading hatred, or at risk of spreading hatred, under the proposed legislation. Educator David Gonski will oversee a one-year taskforce designed to improve Holocaust and antisemitism teaching in the national education system. It will meet for the first time tomorrow. Funerals for Holocaust survivor Alex Kleytman, 10-year-old Matilda, grandfather Tibor Weitzen, and Reuven Morrison were held today. Father-of-four Adam Smyth, 50, was identified by police as another victim of the attack. Surviving gunman Naveed Akram, 24, has been charged with 59 offences, including 15 murders and committing an act of terrorism. He declined to be interviewed by police. Spy agency ASIO advised NSW Police that Akram had been associating with Islamic extremists well before police granted a gun licence to his father and accomplice, Sajid Akram, 50. Sajid Akram was shot dead at the scene. NSW Premier Chris Minns will recall parliament next week to consider tougher gun laws. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley called on the prime minister to urgently recall federal parliament before Christmas to pass legislation to eradicate antisemitism and strengthen counterterrorism laws. A multimillion-dollar funding package was announced for families, victims, Jewish community organisations and small businesses. The crime scene at Bondi Beach was lifted and the area reopened to the public. Fifteen people injured in the shooting remain in hospital – one of them is in a critical condition. We will be back with more live coverage and updates on Friday morning.
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yesterday 9.17pm
Hanukkah menorah illuminates Sydney’s St Mary’s Cathedral By Jack Gramenz A Christmas light projection event has ended on a powerful image of a Hanukkah menorah illuminating Sydney’s St Mary’s Cathedral.
The illumination included the message: “May their memory be a blessing”.