Political leaders have marked the anniversary of the Hamas-led terrorist attacks on Israel, remembering the victims and condemning terrorism, as planned pro-Palestinian demonstrations in Sydney draw criticism from Jewish community leaders and NSW Premier Chris Minns.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong said, On October 7, we remember those killed by Hamas’ horrific terror attacks on Israel, including Australian Galit Carbone.
“Our thoughts remain with her loved ones and all affected by Hamas’ abhorrent acts. We continue to work to combat antisemitism and terror in all its forms.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese issued a statement,
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson and Opposition Leader Angus Taylor issued statements on X remembering those killed, abducted and affected by the attacks of 7 October 2023, when Hamas-led terrorists killed about 1,200 people in Israel and took 251 hostages, according to figures widely reported at the time.
Hanson described the attacks as a brutal reminder of the threat posed by terrorism and said the victims and their grieving families should be remembered.
“We remember the innocent civilians who were murdered, the families torn apart, and those who endured the horror of being taken hostage by a fanatical terrorist movement.”
She condemned the deliberate targeting of civilians and called for unity against terrorism and extremism.
Taylor said the anniversary was an opportunity to remember those murdered, survivors still dealing with the trauma and families affected by the loss of loved ones.
“October 7 was the greatest loss of Jewish life on a single day since the Holocaust.”
He also referred to his visit to Israel in October 2025, when he visited the site of the Nova music festival, where festivalgoers were killed, and kibbutzim attacked during the assault.
Taylor said the experience reinforced the importance of remembering the victims and confronting antisemitism.
“The fight against antisemitism is therefore a fight for the truth – a fight that continues on our soil too.”
Netanyahu warns those responsible for attacks
At a memorial ceremony for the victims, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a warning to those involved in the attacks and the taking of hostages.
“Anyone who was involved in the attack against us and holds our hostages — lives on borrowed time.”
The anniversary comes amid continuing debate over the attacks, Israel’s subsequent military campaign in Gaza and the impact of the conflict on communities in Australia.
Planned Sydney demonstrations criticised
Plans by pro-Palestinian organisations to hold events on the anniversary have prompted criticism from Jewish community representatives and the NSW Government.
NSW Premier Chris Minns described the planned demonstrations as “heartless” and “in poor taste”, arguing that the anniversary should be a day of remembrance for those killed in the attacks.
Minns said the events could not simply be prohibited if they were lawful, while emphasising that police would work to protect public safety.
“There are some people suggesting it can be stopped; the constitution doesn’t allow that,” he said.
“They can certainly do that, it’s not against the law but as a citizen I’ve got a right to make a judgement on it too.”
The Premier also urged Labor colleagues not to attend the demonstrations.
Alex Ryvchin, co-chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, called on organisers to choose another date, describing 7 October as a solemn day for Jewish and Israeli communities.
“I ask those people: Leave that day alone,” Ryvchin told ABC.
“Choose any other day in the calendar and carry on your obnoxious protest and divide society as you do.”
Ryvchin said he had been told of government concerns that anti-Israel demonstrations could contribute to extremism and antisemitism.
He also linked this year’s commemorations to wider concerns about antisemitism in Australia following the Bondi Beach attack in December 2025.
Commemorations across Australia
Jewish organisations across Australia are holding commemorations to honour those killed in the 7 October attacks and remember the hostages and survivors.
Australian Jewish filmmaker Danny Ben-Moshe has released a 2D version of his short documentary Shloshim: Israel and the First 30 Days After October 7.
Filmed in the weeks following the Hamas-led attacks of 7 October 2023, the documentary was originally produced as a 360-degree virtual reality (VR) experience.
Ben-Moshe is inviting schools, museums, film festivals, community groups and other organisations interested in exhibiting the film as an immersive VR experience to contact him directly.
Support our Journalism
No-nonsense journalism. No paywalls. Whether you’re in Australia, the UK, Canada, the USA, or India, you can support The Australia Today by taking a paid subscription via Patreon or donating via PayPal — and help keep honest, fearless journalism alive.
