Three years on, one devastating reality ... activists are still ‘siding with Hamas’

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, October 8, 2026

Pro-Palestinian activists in Australia disrupted memorial events for the victims of the 2021 Hamas attack on Israel, leading to confrontations and heightened tensions during vigils in Sydney and Melbourne. The incidents highlight ongoing divisions within Australia and have prompted strong condemnations from political leaders and Jewish community representatives, emphasizing concerns over rising anti-Semitism and the need for solidarity.

Three years after the deadly Hamas attack on Israel, tensions remain high as pro-Palestinian activists in Australia disrupted commemorations held by the Jewish community to honor the 1,200 victims. On Wednesday evening, while thousands gathered at Sydney’s Central Synagogue in Bondi Junction for a candle-lighting vigil, a small group of protesters staged demonstrations nearby, displaying banners reading “Globalise the intifada” outside Sydney Town Hall.

Similar unrest unfolded in Melbourne, where a pro-Palestinian protest escalated into a confrontation between activists and former Israel Defence Force soldier and commentator Avi Yemini along with his security detail.

At the Central Synagogue vigil, Israel’s ambassador to Australia, Hillel Newman, criticized the protesters, asserting that those opposing Israel’s memorial events were “siding with Hamas.” Newman referenced a series of violent incidents across Australia since the attack, including vandalism, arson, and the 2023 stabbing at Bondi Beach, which claimed 15 lives. He recounted being in Israel on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched their assault and described his subsequent visits to kibbutzim devastated by the militants, underscoring the enduring fragility of Jewish life.

The vigil was attended by several prominent political figures, including federal and New South Wales opposition leaders Angus Taylor and Kellie Sloane, former Prime Minister Tony Abbott, and NSW Multiculturalism Minister Steve Kamper, who represented Premier Chris Minns. Also present were Michael Britvan and Valentyna Poldavchenko, parents of Matilda ‘Bee’ Britvan, the youngest victim of the Bondi Beach attack.

Speaking at the event, Kellie Sloane condemned the anti-Israel protests, calling them “sickening.” She acknowledged the legitimate grief over the conflict’s casualties in Gaza but rejected what she described as efforts to “rewrite horror” by publicly celebrating the anniversary of October 7. Sloane emphasized that the impact of the attack extended beyond Israel and Palestine, noting the surge in anti-Semitic incidents in Australia since the event. “Jewish Australians have experienced things we could never have imagined happening in Australia,” she said.

Alex Ryvchin, co-chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, described the gathering as a moment of “strength and solidarity” as attendees reflected on the atrocities of that day. “We also gather in strength and solidarity to chart a way forward ... to peace for Israel,” Ryvchin stated.

Separately, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese issued a statement marking the anniversary by condemning global acts of terrorism targeting Jewish communities and expressing solidarity with Israel. His remarks also acknowledged the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza that has persisted during Hamas’s three years of control.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.