Melbourne marks October 7 with memorial run and bike ride
Dean Alter, who initiated the commemoration last year, said the event had grown significantly from its modest beginnings.
Melbourne’s Jewish community came together on October 6 to commemorate the second anniversary of October 7 with between 450 and 500 people participating in a memorial run and bike ride.
The event, which took place a day early due to Sukkot falling on October 7, saw the runners and walkers complete 6.29 kilometres around Caulfeild Park’s perimeter, while 80 riders joined a specially organised bike component.
Dean Alter, who initiated the commemoration last year, said the event had grown significantly from its modest beginnings.
“It grew into something far bigger than I ever imagined,” Alter said.
“It was a way for people to start the day together, not alone, but united, and stand together in remembrance and solidarity.”
The 6.29 kilometre distance holds special significance, representing 6:29am, the time rockets first entered Israel on October 7, 2023.
This year’s expanded event included custom t-shirts, with over 250 ordered, and a bike ride organised by Russell Glasser that finished simultaneously with the runners and walkers.
Alter described the atmosphere as hopeful despite the sombre occasion.
“Whilst it’s a very sad day, there was a real sense of hope,” he said.
“It was very, very humbling for me to see that many people got up early and came together for something that’s bigger than themselves.”
The event partnered with Zahal Disabled Veterans Organisation (ZDVO) Beit Halochem, a charity that rehabilitates injured Israeli soldiers, with half the cost of each t-shirt donated to the organisation.
So far, the initiative has raised over $3,000.
“That was another way of the run having a tangible impact, reminding us that the community really can make a difference, even though in Australia, it feels like we’re on the other side of the world, far from everything that’s going on in Israel,” Alter said.
Gary Peer coffee vans and Noah’s Juice provided refreshments, with participants gathering at the Pavilion afterwards to share coffee and juice together.
Alter hopes to continue the tradition next year.
“I’d definitely like to do it again. Hopefully being commemoration of October 7, and please God that the war is over and all the hostages are home and Israel is entering a period of rebuilding and renewal,” he said.
“When we’re united as Jews, we can have such a big impact. It’s probably a reminder to stay connected to who we are.”