A seemingly ordinary conversation between 24-year-old Naveed Akram and his mother turned into a chilling introduction to the deadly mass shooting that stunned Sydney’s Bondi Beach during a Hanukkah celebration, leaving the community in shock and grief.
What Did Naveed Akram Say to His Mother?
Late on Sunday morning, Naveed called his mother, Verena, saying: “Mum, I just went for a swim. I went scuba diving. We’re going to eat now, and we’re going to stay home now because it’s very hot.” The family had believed that Naveed and his father, 50-year-old Sajid Akram, were going on a harmless fishing trip along Australia’s South Coast.
What Happened During the Bondi Beach Shooting?
The shooting erupted late Sunday afternoon during a Hanukkah festival where hundreds had gathered. Eyewitnesses and police confirmed that father and son opened fire on the crowd. Sajid was shot dead after opening fire, while Naveed was arrested and remains under heavy guard in hospital with serious injuries.
How Did Verena React to Her Son Naveed Akram’s Actions?
Verena struggled to reconcile her son’s behavior with her view of him as a “good boy”, “He doesn’t even go out. He doesn’t mix with friends. He doesn’t drink, he doesn’t smoke, he doesn’t go to bad places and he goes to work, he comes home, he goes to exercise, and that’s it. Anyone would wish to have a son like my son..he’s a good boy.” She expressed disbelief that he could participate in extremism or own a firearm.
What Was Naveed and Sajid Akram’s Background?
Naveed had worked as a bricklayer but lost his job when his employer went into liquidation. His father ran a small fruit shop. The family—including Naveed’s 20-year-old brother and 22-year-old sister—lived together in western Sydney in a home purchased last year.
Was There an Explosive Device Involved in the Attack?
Hours after the shooting, police discovered a homemade bomb in a car near the beach. Authorities described it as an “improvised explosive device,” likely planted by the father-and-son duo.
How Did Leaders React to the Mass Shooting?
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called it an act of pure evil and announced flags would fly at half-mast. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Australia’s government of “pouring oil on the fire of antisemitism” in the months before the attack.
How Has This Attack Affected the Jewish Community in Australia?
The shooting has intensified fear among Jewish communities in Australia, following a series of antisemitic incidents after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel and the ongoing conflict in Gaza
Also Read: Bondi Beach Shooting Suspects: Who are Father & Son Duo Sajid Akram, Naveed | Details Inside
