Israeli embassy marks Oct 7
More than 200 guests, comprising politicians, dignitaries and other public figures attended the event.
“Our hearts are shattered, but our spirit remains unbroken,” Israeli ambassador Amir Maimon told guests at the embassy of Israel’s official October 7 commemoration in Canberra on Monday night.
More than 200 guests, comprising politicians, dignitaries and other public figures attended the event.
“A long year has passed since the enemies of my beloved country attacked us. What happened that day is forever etched in our souls,” Maimon said.
He said October 7 marked the beginning of a new painful chapter for Israel – “one defined by grief, by resilience and by the unbreakable will to survive”.
“We did not start this war, but we are determined to win this war,” he said.
“We will achieve our military objectives. We will bring our hostages back home, and we will restore the sense of safety and hope that was taken from us. We owe it to those we have lost and to the future we are still fighting to protect.”
Parliamentary Friends of Israel chair Deborah O’Neill noted that those in Israel “mark this day under ongoing uncertainty and threat, surrounded by those who would seek the destruction and the erasure of the State of Israel and its people”.
“The State of Israel is a miracle … her youth and progress is astounding,” O’Neill said.
“Her people’s strength stretches for millennia. It is the Jewish nation’s resilience that will ensure its endurance.”
Senator Dave Sharma spoke of the hostages still in Gaza and said Israel “continues to fight for its survival on several fronts”.
“And one year since that day of infamy, members of the Jewish community here in Australia have endured a level of hostility, vitriol, intimidation and aggression that they could never have imagined.
“It is a tragic failing of our nation.”
In a pre-recorded video, Danny Majzner, brother of Australian victim Galit Carbone, recalled having to tell his Holocaust survivor father of her murder.
Carbone, he said, was a “quiet person, a soul that really never hurt anyone”.
Singer Sarit Michael sang October Rain, the original version of the song performed by Israeli entrant Eden Golan at this year’s Eurovision.
Embassy spokesperson Ilana Lenk concluded by saying, “In our grief, we find strength and resilience. The deep-rooted hate and violence that seeks to undermine our existence will never jeopardise peace.
“Our spirits will not be broken,” she said. “We hold on to hope.”
After the proceedings, dignitaries were invited to light candles in honour of the victims.
comments