Just days before the second anniversary of the October 7 massacre, Jewish communities around the world held acts of remembrance and solidarity with Israel. From Paris to Sydney, passing through New York, London, and Buenos Aires, the message was unanimous: do not forget, do not give up, and keep Jewish identity alive in the face of hatred.
France: "We don't want fear to win"
In Paris, the Representative Council of Jewish Institutions of France (CRIF) gathered thousands in a demonstration alongside the families of the hostages. Its president, Yonathan Arfi, emphasized that the events were held under strict security following the attack at the Manchester synagogue.
"We remember October 7 not only as an attack on Israel, but as a wound for the entire diaspora," Arfi said.
Australia: a community under siege but more united
The Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ) denounced the unprecedented rise in antisemitism and the lack of government support.
Alex Ryvchin, its co-director, stated that the community "has suffered the greatest deterioration in physical security in the Jewish world" and that recognizing Palestine without demanding Hamas's surrender was "a monumental betrayal."
Even so, Australian Jews replied with more pride and cohesion: "Israel's existence gives us strength to stay and fight."
United Kingdom: resilience after pain
In London, thousands gathered in Trafalgar Square to pay tribute to the victims, while in Manchester, still shaken by the recent terrorist attack, the community insisted on continuing with its Jewish life.
