Jewish Australians will commemorate the third anniversary of the October 7 attacks, in which Hamas militants killed about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took 251 hostages, triggering the Israel-Gaza war that has now killed more than 74,000 Palestinians. Peak Jewish bodies have organised ceremonies in capital cities but have not publicised locations, citing ongoing fears for community safety following the Bondi terror attack in December.
Labor state governments have condemned pro-Palestinian vigils scheduled to coincide with the anniversary. In Melbourne, an event the night before will feature a first-hand account from an Israeli soldier who was in the country during the attacks, while Zionism Victoria has planned an outdoor evening ceremony on Wednesday. Sydney's eastern suburbs will host a dawn commemoration at 6.29am and an evening community event run by the Zionist Council of NSW. A documentary, "After Never Again," exploring experiences of Israeli trauma professionals, will be screened in Canberra and Perth.