The lawns in front of Parliament House in Canberra were transformed into a moving tribute to the 360 victims of the Nova Festival massacre last Wednesday. The installation was organised by Sydney-based Together With Israel in coordination with the Canberra Jewish community. The numbers “6:29”, representing the time sadistic terrorists infiltrated the gathering on October 7, stood alongside portraits of the victims of Hamas’ brutality.
Poppies honoured those who lost their lives and yellow ribbons represented those still held hostage in Gaza. A bus left Sydney at 5.30am to ferry the activists and their supporters to the capital.
Speakers at a press conference included Magen David Adom first responder Hadas Erlich, Zach Shachar, the Australian relative of hostage Naama Levy, and University of Sydney student Dror Liraz. Israeli Ambassador Amir Maimon also attended. Representatives also held several private meetings with politicians to discuss issues including the threat of extremist groups in Australia, antisemitism on campus and other challenges faced by the Jewish community.
It was the third time Together With Israel has visited Canberra “which is pretty incredible,” representative Hagit Ashual told The AJN. “Having those conversations as Israelis, gives another perspective to our story,” she said. “I think that we bring something else to the table that is authentic.
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