We did not ask for this war’: Jewish community gathers
The October 7 Hamas attack marked the beginning of a painful chapter for Israel, members of the Jewish community have been told at a solemn candlelight vigil.
Nova Music Festival survivor, Michal Ohana poses for a photo during a global candle lighting memorial starting in Sydney, Sunday, October 6, 2024. Memorials and vigils across multiple cities mark the anniversary of the October 7 attacks in Israel. (AAP Image/Steven Markham)
Members of Australia’s Jewish community have delivered emotional tributes at a candlelight vigil overlooking Sydney Harbour to mark one year since the deadly October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel.
Numbers at the event to commemorate those killed and taken hostage by Hamas on October 7, 2023, were strictly limited and included Israeli Ambassador to Australia Amir Maimon and official representatives of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton and NSW Premier Chris Minns.
Former federal senator Nova Peris opened the proceedings, saying Israelis were not colonisers and had ancestral roots in the region spanning thousands of years.
“I believe you when you say that you are indigenous to Israel,” she said.
“You are an inspiration for all indigenous people across the globe.”
Mr Maimon said October 7 not only marked a day of violence – it was the beginning of a painful chapter for Israel.
“We did not ask for this war,” he said.
“We did not start it.
“We did not want it, but we are determined to win it.”
Michal Ohana, who survived the Hamas attack on the Nova music festival in Israel on October 7, 2023, said she hid for hours, fearing she would be raped, kidnapped or killed as hundreds of those who attended the same festival were slaughtered.
Ms Ohana, 27, was shot in the leg and suffered shrapnel wounds from rockets fired by the attackers.
“I saw a lot of people fall on the ground,” she said.
“I’m just running all over dead bodies.
“I called my mum – I said ‘Mum I love you but I think I’m going to die’.”
The October 7 anniversary comes as Israel carries out bombardments in Lebanon, while also vowing to retaliate against Iran following missile strikes.
Mr Marles said Australia was in lock-step with western allies in its calls for Israel’s military response to be measured.
“What we’ve seen is a cycle of violence here, and no one wants to see this escalate into a broader conflict.”
October 7 marks one year since militant groups, including Hamas – designated a terrorist organisation by the Australian government – crossed the border from Gaza into southern Israel.
More than 1200 people were killed and 250 were taken hostage, according to the Israeli government.
In response, Israel unleashed a bombing campaign and ground invasion of Gaza.
Israel’s military campaign has since spread to Lebanon as it hunts down senior figures in Hezbollah, a Lebanese militant group backed by Iran and designated a terrorist organisation by Australia.
By: Duncan Murray, Rachael Ward and Holly Hales/AAP
