An intimate sunset memorial was held in Sydney as the world’s first October 7 memorial. Nova survivor Michal Ohana, who had come from Israel, told people about the terrible events that happened last year when Hamas terrorists attacked Israel in the deadliest attack on Jews in a single day since the Holocaust.

Israel’s representative to Australia, Amir Maimon, joined the event, which had a big tribute candle sand sculpture with Sydney Harbor in the background. It had a yellow band around it to bring attention to the lives that had been lost and the people who are still being held captive.

“Telling not only my story but also the stories of my friends is very important to me. Some of my friends did not make it through October 7 and some are still in Gaza today.” Being here with the Australian community to remember the attack on its first anniversary is a powerful experience for me and a testament to how strong we are, Ohana said. The guests got upset as they heard her story of survival.

Maimon stressed in his speech that October 7, 2023 was not just a violent day, but the start of a new, painful chapter for Israel that will be marked by loss, strength, and a “unbreakable will” to live.

“We didn’t want this war.” It wasn’t our idea. We don’t want it. We will win, though, and not just for Israel. We will win for the safety of the whole free world. Even though our hearts are broken, our spirit is still strong. “We must and will reach our military goals to bring our hostages home and restore the safety and hope that were taken away from us,” the Israeli official said.

The event was opened by David Ossip, President of the New South Wales Jewish Board of Deputies. He said that the horrible crimes against Israel on October 7 sent shockwaves of horror and grief around the world.

“Twelve months after the worst day in Israel’s history and the day when the most Jews died in one day since the Holocaust, we will remember all those who were killed, pray for the safe return of those who are still being held hostage, and honor all those whose lives were forever changed on that terrible day,” he said.

At the end of the event, Alon Cassuto, CEO of the Zionist Federation of Australia, gave the guests a very important word.

“October 7 will forever be remembered as a day of profound tragedy. But we won’t let fear decide what we do next. “Those who want to get rid of us, whether through violence or silence, will fail,” Cassuto said.

ADF soldiers and planes were sent to the Middle East as part of Operation Beech, which is the Australian government’s reaction to the war there. The ceremony took place a few hours after the government made the announcement on Sunday.

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and members of the Australian Army, along with RAAF C-130J planes, have been sent to help Australians and approved foreigners if the security situation in the area gets worse.

Extremist Islamic groups are planning to hold meetings in Australia on Monday. In response, Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told people who were planning to protest to think about whether their cause was getting stronger or weaker.

“I think today should be a very solemn day when we remember the terrible things that happened on October 7.” The vast majority of Australians want to see compassion. They don’t want any trouble to come here. “Those who are planning events for October 7 should really think about them and realize that that is not the right time to do those things,” he said on Friday.