Melbourne community marks three years since October 7
Remembering those who were murdered, honouring those who survived and supporting those who continue to carry the grief and trauma of that day.
Around 1,000 community members including leaders and politicians from within and outside the Jewish community, gathered in Melbourne to mark the third anniversary of October 7, 2023.
Organised by Zionism Victoria, the event opened with an adapted version of Goldstone Gallery’s October 7: Atrocity, Antisemitism and Resilience exhibition, curated by artist Nina Sanadze. The exhibition brought together selected installations by Sanadze, short films by Danny Ben-Moshe, commissioned by the gallery, photography by Emmanuel Santos and poetry curated by Tali Lavi.
Together, the collection told the stories of the victims of October 7, particularly those from the Nova music festival and Kibbutz Nir Oz.
The works of Jewish photographer Naama Noy, which capture both the devastation of October 7, alongside the life, resilience and hope that remain, were also featured alongside the exhibition with previously unseen images from Kibbutz Nir Oz and artwork by Ori Gersht. 100% of proceeds from her photography book, Forging the Path, which feature these photos, will be put towards rebuilding Nir Oz.
Following the opening remarks from Zionism Victoria’s CEO Ilan Rimer, the official commemoration ceremony began with a moving testimony from a young Israeli woman, Hadar. Hadar spoke of her experiences growing up near the Gaza border and the terror of October 7, before paying a deeply personal tribute to her close friend Aran, who was murdered alongside her mother in Kfar Aza.
Photographer Naama Noy also shared her experiences photographing the devastation of Kibbutz Nir Oz and forming close bonds with the survivors of the massacre who are determined to rebuild their homes.
Interspersed with musical performances from musicians Daniel Boggio and Ari Wenig alongside the HaLev choir, the ceremony culminated in the lighting of two memorial candles for the victims of October 7, led by Hadar and Noy.
“Three years on, October 7 remains deeply personal for our community. Last night gave us a shared space to remember those who were murdered, honour those who survived, and support everyone who continues to carry the grief and trauma of that day,” Rimer said.