Vigils and solemn ceremonies will be held across Australia marking one year since deadly Hamas attacks in Israel as tensions across the nation remain high.
The attacks 12 months ago in which and , according to the Israeli government, inflamed conflict in the Middle East with violence spreading from Gaza and into Lebanon.
Candlelight vigils will be held across many Australian cities on Monday to mark the October 7, 2023, attacks after members of the Jewish community joined Israeli Ambassador Amir Maimon at a commemoration in Sydney on Sunday evening.
Maimon said October 7 was the beginning of a “painful chapter” for Israel.
“We did not ask for this war,” he told those gathered at Sunday’s vigil overlooking Sydney Harbour.
“We did not want it, but we are determined to win it.”
Speakers at the event included former senator Nova Peris and on the Nova Music Festival in Israel.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who will attend an event in Melbourne, said October 7 carried a terrible pain.
“Innocent lives taken at a music festival,” Albanese said.
“Women, men and children killed in their homes.
“Brutality that was inflicted with cold calculation.
“Today we also think of the hostages whose lives remain suspended in the fear and isolation of captivity.
“For their loved ones, this past year must have felt like an eternity.”
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, NSW Premier Chris Minns and Health Minister Mark Butler will attend a community vigil in Sydney.
Pro-Palestinian rallies will also take place on the anniversary.
As many as 2000 people are expected at a resilience rally at Lakemba Mosque in Sydney’s south which has not been authorised by NSW police.
It follows pro-Palestine rallies across Australia on Sunday.
The Hamas attacks led to a bombing campaign and ground invasion of Gaza, which in the past year has killed more than 42,000 people and displaced 1.9 million, according to the local health ministry.
People wave flags during a Pro-Palestine rally in Sydney, Sunday, October 6, 2024. Rallies and vigils across multiple cities over the weekend mark the anniversary of the October 7 attacks in Israel. Source: AAP / Steven Markham
Israel’s military campaign has now as it hunts down senior figures in Hezbollah, a Lebanese militant group backed by Iran and designated a terrorist organisation by Australia.
Australian citizens who have been on flights are set to begin the last stage of their journey home on Monday.
Ahead of the events commemorating the October 7 anniversary, the prime minister reiterated calls for social cohesion.
“We unequivocally condemn all prejudice and hatred — there is no place in Australia for discrimination against people of any faith,” Albanese said.
“As we mourn and reflect, we also re-affirm a fundamental principle of our shared humanity: every innocent life matters.
“We recognise the distress the conflict has caused here in Australia.”
