October 7 attacks still shape lives of Australians three years on
As the third anniversary of October 7 approaches, Australians who were affected face personal losses. Their communities have also been torn apart.
On Wednesday, the third anniversary of October 7 is coming. Pro-Israel and pro-Palestine groups will hold events across Australia.
For Zack Shachar, who moved from Israel to Sydney, this date is deeply personal. Shachar's cousin was among 251 people taken hostage by Hamas-led militants.
Naama Levy was held for 477 days before being freed. In December 2023, Shachar was visiting the Gold Coast.
He found pages of the Hebrew Bible torn and scattered through the streets. Sameh Murad is a journalist now in Melbourne.
Days after October 7, he lost his wife Dina. An Israeli airstrike hit their evacuation vehicle in Gaza.
Dina was holding their infant daughter when the bomb struck. According to Gaza's health ministry, the conflict has killed more than 74,000 people and wounded some 175,000.
For many Australians, the Bondi Beach massacre in December 2025 seemed to result from deepening divisions.
- 251 people
- Hostages taken
- 477 days
- Naama Levy held
- 15 killed in December 2025
- Bondi Beach massacre
Why it mattersThe attacks and their aftermath have damaged Australia's unity. They have also raised questions about government policy and identity.
AustraliaAustralia continues to grapple with rising anti-Semitism and anti-Muslim sentiment, strained diplomatic relations in the Middle East, and the safety concerns highlighted by the Bondi attack.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 3 h ago
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