On the morning of October 7, 2023, Hamas led a simultaneous wave of assaults on Israeli civilian communities and military posts.
The dawn attack began when Hamas launched over 5,000 rockets from Gaza into Israel, then used these strategic barrages as cover to breach the border. In this massive surprise onslaught on southern Israel, Hamas terrorists committed unfathomable atrocities, including widespread sexual violence against women, that have reverberated globally.
The attacks claimed the lives of more than 1,188 individuals, with 800 of the bodies confirmed as civilians. They left over 4,834 people wounded and resulted in more than 251 being taken hostage. Additionally, some bodies remained unidentified due to substantial mutilation. Since October 7th, at least 21 hostages were murdered by Hamas or Palestinian Islamic Jihad, while a few bodies of hostages murdered in captivity were fortunately rescued.
Altogether, 8 hostages were rescued by the IDF, and 111 hostages were released in negotiations. Among the survivors, 30 kidnap survivor women have endured sexual abuse by their captors.
Currently, 101 people are still being held hostage; about 40 of them are considered dead, and their bodies remain captive.
Since then, the Australian community has united in numerous events to support one another and to urge both the government and media to acknowledge the ongoing hostage situation.
United with Israel vigil
On Wednesday, 11 of October 2023, as the sun set over Dover Heights, we stood in a clifftop park for a vigil in solidarity with Israel, its citizens and the worldwide Jewish diaspora. It was a moment of comfort after days of grief.
Set them Free Vigil
On Sunday, 12 of November 2023, we join in the spirit of shared humanity to honour every victim from over 40+ countries whose nationals were murdered, injured or taken hostage by the terrorist organisation Hamas on 7 October. We stood together as one global community and demand the immediate release and safe return of all the hostages.
Hear Their Stories Event 3 Dec
In 3 of December 2023
Never Again Frydenberg
In a powerful new documentary, Josh Frydenberg investigates the devastating impact of antisemitism on Australia.
Illuminate
In October 6, the Embassy of Israel in Australia, Zionist Federation Australia and NSW Jewish Board of Deputies Invited the community leaders to ILLUMINATE OCTOBER at Sydney’s Sunset Candle Lighting Ceremony commemorating the lives lost and those taken captive on October 7.
7.10nism
More than 12,000 members of the Jewish community and friends gathered in Sydney for a solemn vigil commemorating the first anniversary of the October 7, 2023, massacre.
Held in Dover Heights, the event drew prominent Australian political figures, including Mark Butler, a senior Labor minister, and Leader of the Opposition, Peter Dutton. Butler made a strong case for Israel’s right to defend itself, condemning the surge of antisemitism facing Australian Jews.
“No self-respecting nation would fail to defend itself if attacked the way Israel has been,” Butler declared, emphasizing the government’s support amid recent anti-Israel demonstrations.
Throughout the evening, the crowd heard powerful presentations from young Israelis and their experiences of October 7.
