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australian prime minister Anthony Albanese Plans for a national bravery award were announced Thursday to honor civilians and first responders who braved the “worst of evil” during the anti-Semitic terrorist attack that killed 15 people and heavily impacted the nation’s holiday season.
Albanese said he planned to set up a special honor system for those who, like Syrian-Australian Ahmed Al Ahmed, put themselves in harm’s way during the attack on Hanukkah celebrations along the beach to help. Muslim who disarmed one of the attackers before being injured himself.
Sajid Akram, who was killed by police during the December 14 attack, and his 24-year-old son Navid Akram are accused of carrying out Australia’s worst massacre since 1996.
Speaking at a press conference after a Christmas Day lunch at a charitable foundation sydneyAlbanese described a Christmas defined by the sharp contrast between extremist violence and “the best of humanity”.
“This Christmas is different because of counter-terrorism and the terrorist attacks inspired by ISIS and anti-Semitism,” Albanese said. “But at the same time we have seen humanity at its worst, we have also seen the bravery, kindness and compassion of those… who rushed towards danger.”
The proposed honor would recognize those who have been nominated and recommended for bravery or meritorious awards under the existing Australian honors and awards system for their actions during and after the attacks.
‘Tough fortnight’
Just a day after implementing the country’s strictest gun laws, new South Wales State leader Chris Minns issued a plea for national solidarity, urging Australians to support their Jewish neighbors during what he described as a fortnight of “heartbreak and pain”.
“Everyone in Australia needs to wrap their arms around themselves and lift them up,” Minns said at the same press conference on Thursday. “I want them to know that the Australian people have got their back. We’re with them and we’re going to help them get through this.”
strict gun laws
Gun reforms passed from the New South Wales state legislature on Christmas Eve include limiting individual gun ownership to four and reclassifying high-risk weapons such as pump-action firearms.
The legislation also tightens licensing by reducing permit terms to two years, limiting ownership to Australian citizens, and removing the review route for license refusal.
“Gun reform alone will not solve hate or extremism, but we cannot fail to take action on restricting access to weapons that could lead to more violence against our citizens,” Minns said earlier in the week when introducing the proposed laws.
Other new laws will ban the public display of terrorist symbols and give police expanded powers to restrict public gatherings in specific areas after terrorist incidents.
Albanese has also announced plans to further tighten Australia’s already strict gun laws.