Australians Commemorate Oct. 7 with Events Supporting Israelis and Palestinians
Massive shows of solidarity were held around the country to commemorate the anniversary of the Oct. 7 terror attacks in Israel.
Oct. 7 has been described as a sombre day for Israeli and Palestinian supporters amid commemorations across Australia.
The date marked the first anniversary since Israel was invaded by Palestinian terror group Hamas, who murdered around 1,200 Israelis and foreign workers, and kidnapped more than 250 people.
Some have been freed via hostage deals and rescue operations, while others have been killed. Around 100 hostages remain in Gaza.
Shortly after the attack, Israel declared war on Hamas and fighting has continued since, spreading throughout the Middle East.
Hamas-backed Gaza health officials estimate 40,000 deaths since the Israeli assault began a year ago.
Uniting in Peace
In Melbourne, Israeli and Iranian flags were flown at a special peaceful event held on the eve of the Oct. 7 anniversary, with participants writing names of hostages on a large metal dog tag.
Many Iranians have expressed support for Israel due to disagreements with the ruling regime.
Organiser Sharon Kuper told The Epoch Times the event was about reclaiming the use of the city that had become increasingly targeted by pro-Palestine protests.
Kuper said Jewish people were disappointed in the lack of leadership from politicians such as Premier Jacinta Allan.
“After 12 months of mob rule, and no law enforcement, 1,100 Jews and allies returned to our city, to honour the hostages and unite in peace.”
At Melbourne’s Oct. 7 event, Zionism Victoria President Yossi Goldfarb told attendees he felt there had been a lack of adequate leadership from senior Labor politicians.
Jewish Group Calls it a ‘Sombre Day’
“October 7 was a sombre day for the Jewish community,” Australian Jewish Association CEO Robert Gregory told The Epoch Times.
“Events were held across Australia to commemorate the almost 1,200 lives lost on that day.”
Gregory said many Australian Jews felt let down by the Labor government, who they said had not acted to maintain social cohesion.
“The community’s thoughts are with the hostages trapped in Gaza and with the IDF.”
Former PM Abbott Speaks
Christian group against anti-semitism, Never Again is Now, held multiple events across Australia.
Former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott attended a Melbourne event hosted by Never Again is Now on Oct. 7, saying he stood by Israel.
“It’s a day of mourning, but in a sense, it’s also a brave day because the Israeli people are fighting back magnificently and if there’s one bright spot in a dark world at the moment, it is the way government and the people of Israel are refusing to compromise with evil.”
Amnesty’s Call for End to Military Reprisal
Amnesty International condemned both the Oct. 7 terror attacks, and Israel’s military response.
Amnesty has called on both sides to take all possible measures to spare civilians, for Hamas to release all Israeli hostages, and for Israel to preserve infrastructure in Gaza.
Pro-Palestine Rallies Also Widespread
Lebanese Muslim Association secretary Gamel Kheir described a 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.
“There’s catastrophic levels of death and destruction, we’re here … to mark the fact that is was on this day last year that that sequence of events started.”
A pro-Palestinian movement also gathered outside Parliament House in Canberra on Oct. 8 to demand Australia place sanctions on Israel due to its war against terror cells Hamas and Hezbollah.
“What I think is driving millions and millions of Australians to demand our government cease its complicity in the violence in the Middle East is this connection, this people to people connection we see around the world.”
