Woollahra and Waverley councils vote for memorial to victims of October 7 amid rising antisemitic graffiti
In a unified gesture of solidarity and remembrance, Woollahra and Waverley Councils in Sydney have united and resolved to commission a permanent public art installation commemorating the tragic events of October 7, 2023, which claimed 1,180 Israeli lives.
This installation that will honour those affected and symbolise resilience, reflects both councils’ commitment to supporting Sydney’s Jewish community in the face of a significant rise in antisemitic incidents. Guided by Woollahra Mayor Sarah Swan and Waverley Mayor Will Nemesh, the councils aim to create a memorial with profound meaning, located on the border of both Woollahra and Waverley such as Christison Park or Clarke Reserve in Vaucluse.
Swan highlighted the impact of the forthcoming installation, saying, “A public art installation would acknowledge the enduring importance of commemorating the events of 7 October 2023.”
The installation arrives at a time when antisemitic graffiti has surged across Sydney with Waverley reporting 129 cases in the past month alone. In response, Waverley Council has taken a robust approach, passing a motion to intensify security efforts and collaborate with NSW Police to address and prevent hate-fuelled acts. Nemesh described the graffiti as “especially pernicious, involving incitement, intimidation, and threats,” and underscored the Council’s swift response, explaining, “Council has continued to be incredibly responsive to reports of graffiti, especially antisemitic graffiti, with removal occurring within 24 hours of notification.”
A key component of Waverley’s action plan includes partnering with NSW Police and Taskforce Cadomin, a unit focused on addressing the antisemitic graffiti attacks and other related incidents. Taskforce Cadomin will investigate and, where possible, prosecute those responsible for these acts of vandalism. The Council’s efforts also include exploring the installation of additional CCTV cameras and conducting a security assessment of vulnerable locations within the area.
The NSW Jewish Board of Deputies praised Waverley and Woollahra Councils’ solidarity with the community, stating, “Woollahra and Waverley Councils are standing with the Jewish community by pledging to fight back against antisemitic hate. Last night, Waverley Council pledged to take action against antisemitic, pro-terror group graffiti so that locals can feel safe.” Additionally, Woollahra Council had raised the Israeli flag outside its Council Chambers following the October 7 events, lowering it only recently after a year of mourning.
In addition, Waverley Council will be pioneering a local government antisemitism strategy to address long-term safety and inclusivity for its Jewish residents. This strategy will include a biannual report documenting antisemitic graffiti incidents, which will be shared with NSW Police, the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, and the Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism. Nemesh expressed hope that this approach would serve as a model for other councils, stating, “This will include a range of measures to foster a safer environment for Waverley’s Jewish residents. Hopefully, once produced and adopted, other councils will also adopt such an approach.”
Nemesh affirmed the councils’ commitment to creating a lasting impact with the memorial. “It is the right decision to make for the Waverley community,” he said. “We must honour the memory of these tragic events while also acknowledging the extraordinary resilience and strength of the Jewish community and all those standing in solidarity, especially in the call for the safe return of the remaining hostages.”
