Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese unveiled plans on Thursday for a national bravery award to honor civilians and first responders who risked their lives during a tragic mass shooting that claimed 15 lives at a Hanukkah celebration earlier this month.

This announcement follows Australia’s struggle to come to terms with its most devastating massacre since 1996. Officials have labeled the incident as an ISIS-inspired attack, specifically targeting the Jewish community during their holiday period.

Albanese highlighted the stark contrast between the extremist violence witnessed and the “best of humanity” displayed during this Christmas season.

“This Christmas feels different due to the anti-terrorist and terrorist actions fueled by ISIS and antisemitism,” Albanese stated at a press conference. “Yet, amidst witnessing humanity’s worst, we’ve also seen incredible bravery, kindness, and compassion from those who rushed towards danger.”

On December 16, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited Ahmed al Ahmed at St George Hospital in Sydney. (Image courtesy of the Australian Prime Minister’s Office via AP)

Albanese said his government plans to create a special honors system recognizing the heroism of those who confronted what he called “the worst of evil” during the Dec. 14 attack, including Ahmed al Ahmed, a Syria-born Australian Muslim store owner captured on video tackling and disarming one of the gunmen before being wounded.

The award would recognize those nominated for bravery or meritorious awards under the existing Australian Honors and Awards system for their actions during and after the attack, according to The Associated Press.

Two different bystanders, identified as Boris and Sofia Gurman, were seen on video confronting a gunman before the shooting began at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia.

Despite their efforts to disarm him, the gunman later overpowered and killed them, according to authorities.

Australian authorities say a father and son accused of carrying out the attack — 50-year-old Sajid Akram and his 24-year-old son, Naveed Akram — filmed a video manifesto containing antisemitic language and expressions of support for the Islamic State.

The pair may have been planning the attack for several months, investigators said.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and wife Jodie Haydon attend a memorial held for the victims of a shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney Dec. 21, 2025. (Saeed Khan/AFP via Getty Images)

Only the son survived the attack and now faces murder and terrorism charges.