Australia marks three years since October 7 with a dawn vigil at Bondi, as a rival Sydney event is condemned
Jewish Australians gathered at Bondi Pavilion at 6.29 a.m., the minute the Hamas-led attack began three years ago, and at other events. The Guardian called it a day of mourning. The Herald reported vigils drew a line between October 7 and the Bondi massacre in December, when 15 people were shot at a Hanukkah gathering. ABC reported on Melbourne's community and on Israel's ceremonies. A separate Sydney Town Hall event by Jews Against Occupation was condemned by political leaders including Premier Chris Minns, who said he would not block it. Gaza's health ministry reports more than 74,000 deaths in the war.
The date is a flashpoint for debates about protest, policing and grief.
Expect police near major sites.
A day of mourning should be left to the people it belongs to.
Protest on the date is lawful and the Gaza war is also a human tragedy.
Watch what police and the premier do if any event escalates.
DailyDrop Australia edition No. 3 · Morning · WED., OCT. 7, 2026