‘Deeply traumatic’: Jewish leader condemns celebrations of October 7 attacks as controversial vigils planned across Australia

Key points

• A Jewish leader has condemned pro-Palestinian vigils planned in Sydney, Wollongong, and Melbourne on the third anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attacks, calling them 'despicable'. The events, promoted under the slogan 'don’t let Israel steal the date', have drawn widespread criticism from politicians and Jewish groups.
• NSW Premier Chris Minns described the Sydney vigil as 'heartless', while Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane called it 'sickening and reprehensible'. The Jewish community is focusing on commemorating the anniversary, marking it as a day of profound trauma.
• Safety concerns have led to some event locations being kept private.