Canberra, Dec 19 (NationPress) The Australian government has officially designated December 21 as a “day of reflection” to pay tribute to the victims of the tragic terrorist attack at Sydney's Bondi Beach and to stand in solidarity with the Jewish community.

In this horrific incident, 15 lives were lost and 41 individuals sustained injuries. One of the suspects, Sajid Akram, was killed during the confrontation, while his son, Naveed Akram, was injured in a subsequent shootout with law enforcement.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has also indicated that both the Commonwealth and state governments will collaborate closely with the Jewish community to organize a national day of mourning scheduled for the New Year. This initiative is intended to provide families of the victims with the necessary time to grieve and to assist those who are still recovering.

In a joint statement, PM Albanese and New South Wales Premier Chris Minns noted: “The Day of Reflection will take place on the last full day of Chanukah, a season traditionally linked with light, faith, and resilience, thus amplifying the sorrow felt by the Jewish community. All Australians share in their grief. On Sunday, flags atop Australian and NSW Government buildings will be flown at half-mast to honor those lost and the collective mourning across the nation.”

The two leaders have called on Australians to light a candle at 6:47 p.m. (local time), one week after the attack, as a personal act of remembrance with family, friends, or loved ones. They also encouraged a minute of silence.

“The Day will feature various methods to promote reflection: Buildings will be illuminated in yellow throughout the evening. A beam of light will shine from Bondi Pavilion into the night sky. The NSW Government will assist Jewish leaders in holding a community memorial event. Television and radio stations will be requested to observe a minute of silence at 6:47 p.m.. Additionally, a shareable candle image will be made available on social media to express support for Jewish Australians,” the statement added.

On Thursday, Naveed Akram was charged with 59 offences linked to the Bondi Beach attack by the NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team, which includes members from NSW Police, AFP, ASIO, and the NSW Crime Commission.

The charges comprise 15 counts of murder, committing a terrorist act, 40 counts of causing wounding/grievous bodily harm with intent to kill, discharge of a firearm with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, causing public display of a symbol for a prohibited terrorist organization, and keeping explosives in/near a building with the intent to cause harm, as reported by 9 News.

Akram, who is currently receiving treatment in the hospital, attended court virtually. He is not in a condition to be transferred to prison and will remain in hospital under police custody.

Investigators claim that officers arrived at the scene to find Naveed Akram and his father, Sajid Akram, firing at civilians with long rifles when they were summoned to Bondi Beach shortly after 6:40 p.m. (local time) on Sunday. Several officers exchanged gunfire with the alleged attackers, resulting in the deaths of two officers. The nine-minute assault concluded when Sajid Akram was shot dead and Naveed Akram was injured.