Zimbabweans in Australia Condemn Bondi Beach Mass Shooting

...As Australia unites in mourning victims of an evil mass shooting, Cabinet agrees to overhaul gun laws

..By Harry Taruva in Sydney ,Australia

Sydney, Australia - The Zimbabwe Association in Australia NSW (ZIMAA) on Monday extended its deepest condolences to the Jewish community following a deadly mass shooting at Sydney's Bondi Beach that killed at least 15 people and injured more than 40 others during a Hanukkah celebration.

In a statement of solidarity, ZIMAA mourned the loss of innocent lives and stood firmly with the families and all those affected by the attack, which Australian authorities have declared a terrorist incident targeting Jewish Australians.

"We mourn the loss of innocent lives and stand in solidarity with the families and all those affected," the statement read.

ZIMAA strongly rejected the violence.

"ZIMAA rejects this act in the strongest terms. Violence, hatred, antisemitism and all forms of criminal conduct have no place in Australian society and undermine public safety, social cohesion and our shared humanity," they said.

The group stressed the need for accountability.

"Those responsible must be held fully accountable under the law.

"We acknowledge the profound pain and distress experienced by the victims, witnesses and the wider community, and extend our sincere compassion to all who are grieving," ZIMAA continued.

The association called for unity, saying "ZIMAA calls on all communities to stand together in unity and solidarity, rejecting violence and reaffirming our shared commitment to social harmony and the safety of all Australians."

The attack occurred on Sunday evening at a Chanukah by the Sea event organized by Chabad of Bondi, where hundreds had gathered to mark the start of Hanukkah.

Two gunmen, identified by police as a father and son, opened fire, with the older suspect a licensed firearms owner holding six registered weapons.

Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, speaking at a press briefing in Canberra on Monday, vowed to work hard to strengthen gun laws across Australia in the wake of the Bondi attack.

"The move would include renegotiating the National Firearms Agreement which could include limiting the number of firearms owned by an individual and restricting gun licences to Australian citizens," Albanese said.

National cabinet leaders unanimously agreed to bolster gun ownership rules, including potential limits on weapons per person and citizenship requirements for licences.

The shooting is Australia's deadliest since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre and comes amid heightened concerns over antisemitic incidents, which have surged since the start of the Israel-Hamas war in 2023.

Vigils have been held across Sydney and Melbourne, with makeshift memorials at Bondi Pavilion drawing mourners paying respects to victims, including a rabbi, a Holocaust survivor and children.