‘It’s not easy to watch’

A GRAPHIC but powerful demonstration for Naama Levy took place at Martin Place on Sunday, featuring women dressed up in bloodied clothes being led by men resembling Hamas terrorists.

The scene was confronting, particularly for Naama’s cousin Zack Shachar, who led the march from Macquarie Street to Pitt Street.

“It was difficult,” Shachar told The AJN.

“I went to the lady who was acting as Naama and said, ‘I’m sorry but I can’t look at you.’ Then at the end of the march I just hugged her and thanked her for what she did. It was very hard to watch it.”

The demonstration, organised by Together for Israel, drew comments from a handful of pro-Palestinians who shouted “Free Palestine” at the group, but Shachar said he saw bystanders taking photos and videos.

“I think the message was strong and powerful,” he said.

“It’s not easy to watch, we know, especially if you’re walking with your kids, but the reality is much more difficult than that event. Most of the people were reading the signs and trying to ask questions.”

The video of Naama being pulled by her hair, in bloodied pants, wrists tied behind her back, and bundled from the back of a Jeep was one of the many horrific moments captured of the Hamas attacks on October 7.

“Obviously it’s very hard for the family in Israel – Naama’s mother and father and the rest of the family,” Shachar said.

“On a personal level it’s really hard to be here, far away from family in Israel during this time, knowing they can be attacked any time with missiles. They did a rally on Saturday in Israel for Naama and my parents told me from time to time they went to the back of the stage to wipe their tears. It’s really hard.”

While Naama and the other hostages remain captive in Gaza, Shachar has implored everyone not to forget about their plight.

“I think the most important thing we can do from here in regards to the hostage situation is keep sharing the stories on social media,” he said.

“That is where everything is happening.”