Hundreds gather in Bondi for 3-year anniversary of Hamas attack on Israel

Hundreds of people gathered in Bondi for a vigil commemorating three years since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. The event, attended by members of the Jewish community and supporters, was held to honor the victims and reflect on the ongoing impact of the attack.

The vigil began with a minute's silence at 6:29am, the exact time the Hamas militants launched their assault on Israel three years ago. On that day, several thousand militants infiltrated southern Israel, killing over 1,200 civilians and taking around 250 hostage. This attack is considered the deadliest in Israel's 78-year history.

Community Comes Together

Michael Gencher, executive director of StandWithUs Australia, addressed the service, highlighting the lasting effects of the October 7 attacks on Jewish communities worldwide.

"Three years later, October 7th is not just a date in history, it is still with us," he said.

"It has changed the way many of us see the world and it has changed the way we see our place in this world."

Gencher also acknowledged that this year's anniversary was being observed "in the shadow" of the December 14 massacre at Bondi Beach.

"For us, these events do not sit in isolation, they are part of the same three years in which hatred towards Israel and the Jewish people has become more visible, more accepted and more dangerous."

"October 7 changed Israel. October 7 changed Jewish communities around the world. Here in Australia we have seen things we never thought we would see."

Support from Israel's Ambassador

Israel's ambassador to Australia, Hillel Newman, also spoke at the vigil, emphasizing the human impact of the October 7 attacks.

"Here in Australia many grieved with Israel for that there is great appreciation in Israel," he said.

"Sadly some here in Australia rejoiced in the slaughter of Jews and Israelis. There is a direct line between the shooting at Nova [the music festival targeted by Hamas] and the shooting at Bondi."

Community Resilience

Alex Ryvchin, co-CEO of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, described the event as sombre, but also highlighted the resilience of the Jewish community.

"We did what we always do, we uplifted each other with words and calls for peace, we've been through a great deal these last three years in the community, we've come through fire,"

"And we've remained who we are, we're proud Australians, we're proud Jews and we stand with Israel."

The ongoing conflict in Gaza, triggered by Israel's retaliatory attacks, has resulted in over 74,000 deaths, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.