Bondi beach tragedy: Prince Harry, Meghan meet survivors of last year’s terror attack during Australia visit – The Times of India

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, met survivors and emergency responders of the Bondi Beach shooting during their visit to Australia, marking an emotional stop in Sydney.The couple visited Bondi Beach, where 15 people were killed and dozens injured in a shooting at a Hanukkah event in December last year. They interacted with survivors, lifeguards and community leaders, acknowledging the trauma faced by those affected.

Meeting survivors and responders

At the Bondi Surf Bathers’ Life Saving Club, the Duke and Duchess spoke with survivors Jessica Chapnik Khan and Elon Zizer, who had shielded their children during the attack.They also met volunteer lifeguards who were widely praised for helping protect the public during the incident, as well as representatives from the Sydney Jewish Museum, which is preparing an exhibition dedicated to the tragedy.Community members described the visit as meaningful, saying it helped recognise the pain and resilience of those affected.

Visit to Sydney Harbour

Later, the couple were greeted by crowds near the Sydney Opera House before heading out for a sailing event hosted by Invictus Australia.They met military veteran Joel Vanderzwan, who presented them with customised flip-flops, prompting a light-hearted response from Harry.The couple also boarded a wheelchair-accessible vessel, highlighting support for injured veterans, a cause central to the Invictus Games, founded by Prince Harry in 2014.

Private visit and engagements

Harry and Meghan are visiting Australia in a private capacity and are no longer working royals. This is their first trip to the country since their 2018 tour.During the visit, Meghan also attended a women-only retreat at a Sydney hotel, while the couple later watched a rugby match featuring the New South Wales Waratahs.

About the Bondi Beach attack

The December 14 shooting at Bondi Beach left 15 people dead and over 40 injured during a Hanukkah gathering.According to investigators, the attack was allegedly carried out by Naveed Akram and his father Sajid Akram. While Sajid Akram was shot dead by police at the scene, Naveed Akram survived and faces multiple charges, including murder and terrorism-related offences. His case remains ongoing.Security experts have noted a rise in threats targeting Jewish communities globally, with extremist groups attempting to exploit geopolitical tensions to inspire attacks.Their return to Sydney Harbour was also seen by organisers as a “full-circle moment”, given Prince Harry’s long association with the Invictus Games and Australia’s role in hosting the event.