Full Breakdown
Pro-Palestinian vigils planned for October 7 anniversary spark political backlash in New South Wales
By Drooid · · How we work
Event overview
Two pro-Palestinian groups – Jews Against the Occupation 48 and Wollongong Friends of Palestine – have scheduled separate vigils for October 7, the third anniversary of the Hamas attacks that killed more than 1,200 people in Israel.
Key figures
- Chris Minns – Premier of New South Wales, described the vigils as “heartless” and urged Labor MPs not to attend.
- Anke Klevjer – Member of Wollongong Friends of Palestine and one of the vigil organisers.
- Michelle Berkon – Spokesperson for Jews Against the Occupation 48, defended the right to mourn Palestinians.
- Alex Ryvchin – Co-CEO of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, called the day a “solemn day” for Jewish and Israeli communities.
- Kellie Sloane – NSW Opposition Leader, labelled the vigils “sickening” and “provocative.”
- Anthony D’Adam – Upper-house Labor MP, announced he will not attend, calling the events “unnecessary.”
Official statements & responses
Premier Minn s said he cannot guarantee that any Labor member will join the vigils but emphasized that “the Constitution doesn’t allow” a ban and that “Police will do what they always do and that is keep the public safe.” He added that he believes the organisers chose the date to attract attention. Opposition leader Sloane demanded Minn s show leadership and use the law to hold any unlawful participants accountable. D’Adam, while supporting the right to protest, argued the October 7 attacks were a war crime and saw no political value in marking the day with a vigil. Jewish groups plan a dawn commemoration at 6:29 a.m. to mark the time Hamas began its assault.
Criticism & opposition
Jewish organisations, including the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, urged the public to “Leave that day alone,” warning that the vigils could divide society and fuel antisemitism, especially after the December Bondi Beach massacre. Ryvchin said the day belongs to the victims of the October 7 attack.
Verbatim quotes
- “They can certainly do that, it's not against the law but as a citizen I've got a right to make a judgement on it too.” — Chris Minns
- “Police will do what they always do and that is keep the public safe.” — Chris Minns
- “We will not allow the martyrdom of the Palestinian people to be scrubbed from this historical record of October 7.” — Anke Klevjer
- “But this undermines that very intent of peace by having it on a day where 1,200 innocent people were slaughtered in the most brutal and unimaginable way, at a time when there was no retaliation by Israel.” — Kellie Sloane