Jewish Australians will commemorate the third anniversary of the 7 October attacks on Wednesday, as Labor state governments express condemnation of pro-Palestinian vigils scheduled for the same day. Peak Jewish organizations have organized ceremonies across major cities but have opted not to publicize locations due to ongoing safety concerns following the Bondi terror attack in December.
Context of the Commemorations
The 2023 attacks by Hamas militants resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people, predominantly civilians, and the hostage-taking of 251 others. This event triggered the ongoing Israel-Gaza war, which has led to the deaths of 74,000 Palestinians.
On the eve of the anniversary, attendees at a Melbourne event are expected to hear a first-hand account from an Israeli soldier who was present during the attacks. Zionism Victoria has planned an outdoor evening ceremony on Wednesday. In Sydney, a dawn commemoration will take place at 6:29 AM, marking the exact time of the Hamas attack, followed by an evening community event organized by the Zionist Council of NSW and supported by the United Israel Appeal, the local branch of Keren Hayesod.
““United in remembrance and resilience, we stand with Israel and the Jewish people, joined by our fellow Australians against hatred and extremism,” reads the description of the evening event.
