Communities around Australia have gathered at candlelight vigils and a rally to reflect and mourn, one year on from the October 7 attack on Israel.
Members of Australia’s Jewish community attended events in Sydney and Melbourne alongside political leaders on Monday night, remembering those killed in the attack by militant group Hamas —
Hamas’ attack killed around 1,200 people and took some 250 others hostage, according to Israeli authorities.
Events were also held on Monday to mourn Palestinians killed by Israeli bombardment that began after Hamas’ attack.
At least 41,615 people have been killed in the Gaza Strip over the past 12 months, according to the health ministry in Gaza, and another 96,251 wounded.
Events held by Jewish and Israeli communities commemorated the events of October 7 and mourned the loss of lives.
In Sydney’s eastern suburbs, crowds held up candles at a vigil in Vaucluse, attended by leaders including Opposition Leader Peter Dutton and NSW Premier Chris Minns.
Earlier, Dutton said in a message on X, “The last 12 months constitute one of the most difficult periods for Jewish Australians in our nation’s history”.
“We pray for the hostages still held by Hamas and we grieve for the families who have lost those dearest to them.
“The Coalition stands with our ally Israel — rather than treating her like an adversary.”
Leader of the Opposition Peter Dutton speaks during a Jewish community vigil in Vaucluse, Sydney. Source: AAP / Steven Markham
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Victorian Premier Jacinta Allen were among the politicians to attend a commemoration in south-east Melbourne on Monday night, organised by Zionism Victoria.
Albanese earlier released a recorded message mourning the loss of innocent life and denouncing antisemitism.
“Jewish Australians have felt the cold shadows of antisemitism reaching into the present day and as a nation we say, never again,” he said.
“Sorrow knows no boundaries and recognises no differences.
“The number of civilians who have lost their lives is a devastating tragedy.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (centre) during a Jewish community vigil marking the first anniversary of Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel in Moorabbin, Melbourne. Source: AAP / James Ross
A ‘very emotional day’
As many as 7,000 people had registered interest in attending the Melbourne vigil, Zionism Victoria said.
Its executive director, Zeddy Lawrence, told SBS News the day was “very emotional” and “difficult”.
“Nobody expected the conflict to go on this long. No one can believe there are still 101 hostages still being held in Gaza,” he said.
“But it has been very difficult here for the community — not just because we have family and friends in Israel, but also because there has been an increase in antisemitism, and we don’t necessarily feel the authorities have had our back with what is going on.”
Attendees in Melbourne took part in a street walk before official proceedings, some carrying signs and lanterns in honour of those killed.
People attend a Jewish community vigil marking the first anniversary of Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel in Moorabbin, Melbourne. Source: AAP / James Ross
One woman in the crowd told SBS News she was “quite emotional, quite sad”, saying: “I want to cry, to be honest”.
Another said she was walking to show support for the Jewish people.
“I can’t believe in Australia, and around the world, the antisemitism has increased so much. It’s breaking my heart,” she said.
But she said being part of Monday night’s vigil had “lifted her spirits”.
Rallies held to mourn Palestinian deaths: ‘respecting the lives that have been lost’
Meanwhile, rallies and vigils were held for Palestinians killed following Israel’s sustained counterattack, as the battered strip remains under constant bombardment.
About 600 people attended a rally at Lakemba Mosque in Sydney’s south-west on Monday night, many bearing Lebanese and Palestinian flags and others with Palestinian symbols.
This followed thousands of people , with many also gathering in solidarity with Israel’s air strikes on Lebanon.
Israel’s military campaign has expanded to Lebanon as it pursues senior figures in Hezbollah, a Lebanese militant group backed by Iran. Both Hamas and Hezbollah are designated as terrorist organisations by Australia.
There was a heavy police presence, including riot squad officers and a helicopter.
At the gathering, Lebanese Muslim Association secretary Gamel Kheir described the vigil as “exactly what’s happening in the eastern suburbs, respecting the lives that have been lost”.
“This is not a celebration of any kind and for people and the politicians to make it out as if we’re celebrating some atrocity is so disrespectful,” Kheir told AAP.
A Palestinian flag is seen prior to a pro-Palestinian community vigil marking the first anniversary of Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel, in Sydney. Source: AAP / Bianca de Marchi
Some Jewish leaders have criticised pro-Palestinian rallies and vigils on and just ahead of October 7, calling the timing “inappropriate”.
Executive Council of Australian Jewry chief, Alex Ryvchin called for the day to be left to the Jewish community as one of mourning and commemoration.
Monday night’s Lakemba event organiser Faraz Nomani said: “There’s catastrophic levels of death and destruction, we’re here today to mark the fact that is was on this day last year that that sequence of events started”.
In central Sydney, organisers from the Palestine Action Group said about 500 were expected at a candlelight vigil planned at Sydney Town Hall.
Interfaith prayers would take place to offer respect and recognition to those lost in the bloodshed, the group said.
The event was opposed by NSW Police, but spokeswoman Amal Nasser told AAP it was intended to be peaceful and followed largely uneventful protests on Sunday.
