The brother of an Australian victim of the October 7 attacks in Israel is urging the federal government to take stronger action to end the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Danny Majzner, who survived the attacks that claimed the life of his sister, Galit Carbone, met with lawmakers in Canberra to advocate for a renewed focus on diplomatic relations with Israel.
Carbone was among more than 1,200 people killed when Hamas militants crossed from the Gaza Strip, launching an assault on an Israeli music festival and nearby settlements. The attacks also resulted in approximately 250 hostages being taken. Majzner’s visit to Parliament House coincides with the two-year anniversary of the attacks, which have had a profound impact on both the Israeli and Palestinian populations.
During his meetings with Opposition Leader Sussan Ley and other members of Parliament, Majzner expressed his belief that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has not engaged sufficiently in efforts to broker peace. “I survived. My sister wasn’t as lucky,” he stated. He emphasized the importance of restoring strong ties between Australia and Israel, saying, “Israel and Australia should be allies again, like we used to be.”
The consequences of the October 7 attacks have been severe, with Israel’s military response leading to substantial casualties in Gaza. Reports indicate that tens of thousands of Palestinians have died and large areas of the enclave have been devastated. In light of the ongoing violence, several nations, including Australia, have recognized Palestinian statehood to enhance diplomatic pressure on Israel.
In Parliament, Prime Minister Albanese called the anniversary a day of “pain and terror,” condemning the actions of Hamas. He characterized the group as standing against the values of humanity. Albanese also referred to a 20-point peace plan proposed by former US President Donald Trump, which has received Israel’s support and conditional backing from Hamas, as a potential pathway to peace.
Opposition Leader Ley criticized the Australian government’s handling of support for Israel since the attacks, stating, “Australia has been lauded by Hamas and condemned by Israel and the United Nations.” She suggested that the Jewish community in Australia feels let down by their government.
Former Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus, who previously held the highest-ranking Jewish political position in Australia, remarked on the lasting impact of the October 7 attacks. He noted that the “grief that will not pass quickly and a trauma that will cross generations” has affected many in the community. Dreyfus also addressed the management of pro-Palestinian protests, urging the need for a balance between freedom of expression and the safety of Jewish Australians. “Families have been afraid to walk in their own neighbourhoods,” he said, highlighting how tensions have affected daily life for many.
Further discussions regarding the Middle East conflict and its implications for Australia will take place later this week. Special envoys focusing on anti-Semitism and Islamophobia are scheduled to attend estimates hearings, and the government is considering new legislation to designate foreign state entities as state sponsors of terrorism.
The ongoing dialogue in Parliament underscores the complexity of the situation and the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to address the humanitarian crisis and seek a peaceful resolution.
