SYDNEY, Jan. 22 (Xinhua) -- Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Thursday night apologized for being unable to protect the victims of the December terror attack at Bondi Beach.
Addressing a memorial service at the Sydney Opera House for the 15 victims of the attack, Albanese praised the Jewish Australian community for its "profound strength" in response to the mass shooting that targeted a Hanukkah event at the iconic beach on Dec. 14.
"I am deeply and profoundly sorry that we could not protect your loved ones from this evil," he said.
Albanese said that the attack, which authorities have said was motivated by Islamic State ideology, was "anything but random" and targeted Jewish Australians because of their faith.
The memorial service on Thursday night was held to coincide with a national day of mourning declared by Albanese to honor the victims and all those impacted by the attack.
Flags were flown at half-mast at government buildings and landmarks across Australia on Thursday and all Australians were invited to observe a minute of silence to mark the start of the memorial service.
Video tributes to all 15 victims were played during the service, and people who were injured in the attack, as well as bystanders who intervened to protect members of the public, were also honored. ■
