October 7

2024 - 10 - 7

Remembering October 7: From Vigils to Comedy, Here’s How Australia is Commemorating a Heartbreaking Day!

Hamas -- october 7 attack Australian Jewish community - Hamas - Israel - memorial - October 7 attacks - political discourse - Simchat Torah - vigil - october 7 attack

A year on from the October 7 attacks, Australia remembers the victims with vigils, protests, and a sprinkle of humor to keep our spirits high!

On October 7, Australia pauses to remember the tragic events that unfolded a year ago when Hamas-led terrorists attacked southern Israel, resulting in the deadliest day in Israel’s history since the Holocaust. Over 1,200 innocent lives were lost, leaving families and communities forever changed. In a series of vigils across the country, members of the Jewish community gather to pay their respects and reflect on the profound sorrow of that day, with events taking place in cities like Sydney and Melbourne. Many Australians also joined in solidarity, acknowledging not only the pain but also their cultural ties to Israel amid the darkness of grief.

As the sun set over Sydney's iconic harbour, around 60 people gathered for a poignant candlelit vigil, symbolizing hope rising from despair. The Australian Jewish community, alongside many supporters, expressed their compassion and solidarity by lighting giant candles in remembrance of those who perished. It was a moving tribute; however, amidst the heaviness of the occasion, moments were injected with light-heartedness when attendees shared stories, bonding over a shared sense of resilience that is characteristic of communities in times of tragedy. Who knew that a day marked by sorrow could also spark laughter amid tears?

In political circles, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese took a moment to acknowledge the “terrible pain” experienced by the victims’ families, ensuring that their memories are not forgotten. He shared a heartfelt video message urging empathy and understanding, reinforcing Australia’s commitment to supporting all communities affected by the events of that day. Meanwhile, the Jewish population in Australia gathered to reflect, with performances, remembrance, and the mere act of being present reinforcing their unity and cultural heritage.

As vigils filled the streets, protests erupted too, showcasing contrasting perspectives on the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Just as some mourned in silence, others chose to voice their views on justice and peace, proving that even in grief, moments of high passion and debate arise. It’s like trying to juggle flaming torches—serious topics don’t always sit comfortably next to profound sadness, yet it is this very humanity that bonds us in complexities.

Did you know that since the October 7 attacks, the worldwide Jewish population has increased in their community outreach efforts? Organisations in Australia have turned their grief into action, establishing initiatives that promote dialogue and understanding—showing that there can be a silver lining even after the darkest clouds. Additionally, the resilience of those affected is reflected in the growth of cultural festivals that celebrate diversity, proving that laughter and joy can coexist with memory and loss. The power of human connection transcends borders, even during the hardest times.

October 7 attacks (Prime Minister of Australia)

Over 1,200 innocent Israelis died: the largest loss of Jewish life on any single day since the Holocaust. We unequivocally condemn Hamas' actions on that day.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "ABC News"

A year on, the memories of October 7 still haunt Israelis (ABC News)

One year ago today, Hamas-led terrorists infiltrated southern Israel from Gaza and went on a rampage. In this oral history, survivors recall the deadliest ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "SBS"

Vigils across Australia to mark anniversary of October 7 attacks (SBS)

A woman stands at a large podium beside water at sunset with Israeli and Australian flags. Members of the Jewish community joined Israeli ambassador Amir Maimon ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "The Sydney Morning Herald"

Australia news LIVE: October 7 anniversary commemorated; Qantas ... (The Sydney Morning Herald)

In world news, New Zealand's defence force has launched a formal court of inquiry into the “shocking” sinking of the HMNZS Manawanui, which sank after ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Australian Jewish News"

Where were you on October 7? (Australian Jewish News)

I was at Caulfield Shule, preparing for our family-friendly Simchat Torah hakafot. The room was set for celebration. Then Josh Frydenberg arrived a few minutes ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "9News"

Police on alert as rallies mark October 7 anniversary (9News)

Members of Sydney's Jewish community gathered in mourning at Bondi Beach early today.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Crikey"

Vigils, protests mark October 7 anniversary (Crikey)

October 7 vigils will be held across the country today, marking one year since the Hamas attacks in Israel which killed 1200.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "The Saturday Paper"

Rallies mark October 7 anniversary (The Saturday Paper)

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has marked the one year anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attack with a video acknowledging the “terrible pain” of the ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "SBS"

How a holy day on October 7 became 'Black Shabbat' (SBS)

A year after the October 7 attacks in Israel, millions of lives have been turned upside down. Here is how Israel's deadliest day unfolded.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "ABC News"

Jewish community mourn as sunset vigil overlooking Sydney ... (ABC News)

In short: Around 60 people people gathered at a vigil overlooking Sydney Harbour on the anniversary of the October 7 Hamas terrorist attack. A giant candle sand ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Sky News Australia"

'Sombre day': October 7 attacks one year on (Sky News Australia)

Nationals Leader David Littleproud discusses the one-year anniversary of the horrific October 7 attacks. “I think there's a great deal of empathy for the ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Reuters"

Oct 7 Anniversary: Israel and Gaza a year on (Reuters)

Israeli flags and Palestinian flags during a demonstration and counter-demonstration ahead of the October 7 attack anniversary in London, Britain October 5, ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "SBS"

Vigils across Australia mark anniversary of October 7 attacks (SBS)

Jewish communities are mourning those who died in the Hamas attack, while pro-Palestinian vigils draw controversy for remembering those killed in Gaza.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Australian Jewish News"

Australia begins events to mark October 7 (Australian Jewish News)

During an intimate ceremony on Sunday evening in Sydney, Nova festival survivor Michal Ohana lit a Yahrzeit candle in honour of the 1200 people who were ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Sky News Australia"

October 7 should not be 'hijacked' to send a 'political message ... (Sky News Australia)

Liberal Senator and former ambassador to Israel Dave Sharma has urged October 7 should not be “hijacked” by protesters to deliver a “political message”.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "The Sydney Morning Herald"

October 7 anniversary live updates: Vigils, rallies held in Sydney ... (The Sydney Morning Herald)

Police have charged an elderly Sydney woman with making harassing phone calls to a controversial mosque, allegedly telling them Australia “is for Israelis”.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "CNN"

How the October 7 attacks became a turning point for US politics (CNN)

After rushing to comfort Israel as it grieved the worst attack on Jews since the Holocaust, President Joe Biden last year pledged America would stand with ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "The Guardian"

Israel marks October 7 with memorials and protests, as attacks on ... (The Guardian)

The Israeli military said it struck Hezbollah intelligence and weapons storage, as rocket hits Haifa injuring at least 5 people.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "ABC News"

Communities across Australia gather to remember lives lost in ... (ABC News)

In cities across the country, candles are being lit to mark one year since the Hamas terror attack on October 7, and the subsequent months of war in Gaza.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "The Age"

Sadness, bewilderment and anger as Australians commemorate ... (The Age)

A year on from October 7, Jewish Australians congregating in Melbourne say they no longer feel they can rely on people they previously counted as friends.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Deadline"

'Even The Walls Cry': On Anniverary Of October 7, Oscar-Nominee ... (Deadline)

An October 7 doc, 'Even The Walls Cry', has been revealed from Dror Moreh, Uri Shinar and Fremantle about Israel, Hamas and ordinary people.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "First Things"

October 7 and the World's Narrative | Joshua T. Katz (First Things)

In his commentary on Ezekiel, Robert W. Jenson wrote: “[I]n the conflicts of actual history, there is never a moral equivalency, however flawed and infected ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "The North West Star"

Jewish community defiant as October 7 remembered (The North West Star)

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Victoria's current and former premiers Jacinta Allan and Daniel Andrews were among more than 6000 who attended a vigil in ...

Statement from President Joe Biden Marking One Year Since the ... (The White House)

On this day last year, the sun rose on what was supposed to be a joyous Jewish holiday. By sunset, October 7 had become the deadliest day for the Jewish.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Department of State"

Anniversary of October 7th Attack - United States Department of State (Department of State)

Girls and women were sexually assaulted. The depravity of Hamas's crimes is almost unspeakable. Hamas also took 254 people hostage that day, including 12 ...

Statement by Vice President Harris Marking One Year Since the ... (U.S. Embassy in Egypt)

I will never forget the horror of October 7, 2023. 1,200 innocent people, including 46 Americans, were massacred by Hamas terrorists. Women raped on the side of ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Aljazeera.com"

Vigils, protests as US marks October 7 attack, Israel's war on Gaza (Aljazeera.com)

US leaders hold commemorations for Israeli victims while pro-Palestinian protesters gather to demand end to Gaza war.

Statement by Vice President Harris Marking One Year Since the ... (The White House)

I will never forget the horror of October 7, 2023. 1200 innocent people, including 46 Americans, were massacred by Hamas terrorists. Women raped on.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "CNN"

Father lights candle where daughter raised alarm about Oct. 7 attack ... (CNN)

CNN's Jim Sciutto visits a former Israel Defense Forces base where his daughter was stationed and killed during the October 7 terror attack by Hamas.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "ABC News"

US speaker at October 7 pro-Palestinian rally in Lakemba visa ... (ABC News)

US citizen Khaled Beydoun was a guest speaker at an October 7 rally held outside Lakemba mosque on Monday. Several hundred people gathered at the rally, ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "NEWS.com.au"

'Good day': Sick Israel speech at mosque (NEWS.com.au)

A visiting American law professor has told a rally at a Sydney mosque that October 7 is a “good day” and “not fully a day of mourning”.

Post cover
Image courtesy of "NPR"

Harris and Trump marked 1 year since the Oct. 7 attacks with tributes ... (NPR)

Vice President Harris remembered the victims of the attack by planting a memorial tree at her residence at the Naval Observatory in Washington, D.C., ...

Post cover
Image courtesy of "SBS"

Warnings, frustration, and hope: How the world marked October 7 (SBS)

People around the world gathered at vigils marking one year since the Hamas-Israel war erupted, as politicians warned both sides must "step back from the ...

Explore the last week