PM lightning rod for anger as Bondi victims farewelled

Jewish Australians and the opposition have excoriated the prime minister’s leadership in the wake of Australia’s deadliest massacre in three decades.

The prime minister has admitted he could have done more to stamp out antisemitism before the Bondi massacre.

Anthony Albanese has stared down palpable anger from the Jewish community after Sunday’s attack at a Hanukkah event, with some saying he needed to take personal responsibility for overseeing an atmosphere in which hatred flourished.

He was notably absent from a series of memorials for the victims on Wednesday and Thursday, including 10-year-old Matilda, the youngest victim of the shootings that left 15 people dead.

Federal Opposition Leader Sussan Ley, NSW Premier Chris Minns and other political leaders attended the girl’s funeral.

Incoming head of the Sydney office of Australia/Israel and Jewish Affairs Council Arsen Ostrovsky, who was injured in the shooting and released from hospital on Wednesday, said the community had repeatedly warned about rampant hatred.

The prime minister had to face the community “and he has to take ownership for what happened”, Mr Ostrovsky said.

Arsen Ostrovsky has received a telephone call from Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Mr Albanese acknowledged the anger when addressing the media on Thursday and announcing a series of actions to curb anti-Semitism, including strengthening hate speech laws.

“More could have always been done, governments aren’t perfect, I’m not perfect,” a sombre prime minister told reporters in Canberra on Thursday.

“I accept my responsibility for my part in that as prime minister of Australia.”

The opposition has criticised the prime minister for not attending the funerals of victims and for only attending the Bondi memorial once, while Ms Ley, senior coalition frontbenchers and ex-Liberal leaders have been a constant presence.

“As leaders, we have to be with the Jewish community at this moment,” Ms Ley said in Sydney after attending Matilda’s funeral.

“How else can we feel the pain, the grief, the frustration and yes, the anger that they feel?

“I’ve been with the community every day since Sunday and the clear message to us has been, the time for words is over and the time for action is now.”

Mr Albanese defended not attending the funerals, saying he would go to all events to which he was invited.

He had met and spoken with victims of the attack and attended Bondi on Monday to lay flowers, and he also participated in a public memorial at St Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney on Wednesday night, he said in response to repeated questions.

“Just on Tuesday, I visited the home of  a rabbi and met with families who are going through complete trauma, and I understand that,” Mr Albanese said.

“I met with the community leaders and members last night, on the night before I was with grieving families as well and community leaders at Admiralty House.

“Each and every day I have met face-to-face with people who are going through the worst of grieving processes as well and I will continue to engage with them.”

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