‘Dark day’: Victims mourned around the globe on Oct 7 anniversary

PARIS: Mourners and leaders around the world on Monday (Oct 7) voiced horror and a desire for peace at tearful memorials remembering the unprecedented Oct 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel that sparked a year of the devastating war in Gaza.
People from Sydney to Rome and Warsaw to Washington grieved for those killed and urged freedom for those taken hostage one year ago, while rallies also called for peace in the Palestinian territories.
The Hamas onslaught left 1,206 dead on the Israeli side, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on the latest official Israeli figures.
US President Joe Biden lit a candle at the White House after a rabbi said a prayer.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the House of Commons called for renewed diplomatic efforts, while Foreign Secretary David Lammy visited a London synagogue.
“The region cannot endure another year of this, civilians on all sides have suffered too much. All sides must now step back from the brink and find the courage of restraint,” Starmer said.
In Spain, families of hostages and survivors paid tribute to the attack’s many victims.
“I want to say ‘I’m here alive, thank God’,” said Carmel Efron, who survived the Hamas attack.
“I believe that light will win over darkness, the good will win over the evil and I still believe in peace and love.”
Members of Australia’s Jewish community gathered in Sydney for a vigil, where many held Israeli flags and lights in the shape of candles.
“Today is a very emotional day,” said 48-year-old Zack Shachar, whose cousin Naama Levy was taken hostage on Oct 7.
Pro-Palestinian protests were staged around the world, including in Australia, India, Pakistan and Yemen.
Thousands marched in Karachi, holding signs reading “stop genocide” and “you don’t need to be Muslim to stand with Palestine, you just need to be human”. Some also trod on the Israeli flag.
In Sydney, one protester who attended a vigil said she was hoping world governments, including Australia, would shift their attitudes towards the conflict.
“They’re still continuing to offer diplomatic support to Israel,” said Yasmin Johnson, 24.