Police are on high alert as people prepare for vigils and rallies on the one-year anniversary of the October 7 attack on Israel that sparked an ongoing multi-front war in the Middle East.
On this date last year, Hamas-led militants swarmed across the Israeli border and attacked multiple targets including small communities and a music festival, killing 1200 people, mostly civilians.
A further 240 were kidnapped as hostages.
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The attack prompted a major military response from Israel, with airstrikes and ground operations devastating Gaza and killing an estimated 40,000-plus people.
Dozens of Israelis are believed to be still held hostage by Hamas.
Israel also opened up a new front against Hezbollah in Lebanon last week after months of the terrorist group firing rockets into northern Israel in solidarity with Hamas.
Sydney’s Jewish community gathered at Bondi Beach this morning to mark the solemn occasion.
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“A process of mourning is not just a ritual. It is a profound expression of who we are as Jews,” one faith leader said.
A pro-Palestine rally is also expected this evening at Sydney’s Town Hall at 6pm.
It is being called a “static assembly” rather than a protest after organisers reached an agreement with NSW Police, who had sought to stop the gathering in court.
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The pro-Palestine gathering has sparked controversy, though a large protest in Sydney yesterday was mostly peaceful, with one person arrested.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese today issued a statement commemorating the anniversary of the attacks.
“October 7 is a day that carries terrible pain,” he said.
“Over 1200 innocent Israelis died: the largest loss of Jewish life on any single day since the Holocaust.
“We unequivocally condemn Hamas’ actions on that day.”
Albanese also condemned the “cold shadows of antisemitism” that he said were hurting Jewish Australians in the present day.
“We unequivocally condemn all prejudice and hatred,” he said.
“There is no place in Australia for discrimination against people of any faith.”
He also obliquely addressed the ongoing wider war that erupted in response to the attack.
“As we mourn and reflect, we also re-affirm a fundamental principle of our shared humanity: every innocent life matters,” he said.
“We recognise the distress the conflict has caused here in Australia. Sorrow knows no boundaries and recognises no differences.
“The number of civilians who have lost their lives is a devastating tragedy.”
Police chiefs around the country, including the AFP, last week issued a rare joint statement warning against illegal behaviour at gatherings over the long weekend.
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