Australian Government Designates October 7 Massacre as a Terrorist Event

Jewish leaders have expressed their approval of the Australian government’s official recognition of the October 7 massacre as a terrorist event under the Australian Victim of Terrorism Overseas Payment (AVTOP) program. Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil announced last Friday that eligible Australians affected by the attacks can apply for a one-time financial assistance payment of up to $75,000. She emphasized that AVTOP does not replace other available forms of financial or medical aid for Australians in the region.

Following mounting pressure, the government finally designated the October 7 attacks under AVTOP, nearly four months after the Hamas-led onslaught. MP Josh Burns of Macnamara Labor acknowledged that no amount of money could compensate for the immense pain suffered by those who lost loved ones. However, the official recognition of the attacks will at least provide financial support to those directly impacted, aiding them in the process of rebuilding their lives.

Co-CEO of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, Alex Ryvchin, expressed that there was never any doubt regarding the nature of the atrocities committed. He mentioned the inhumane treatment of hostages and the terrorizing videos threatening their execution, highlighting Hamas’s concerted campaign of psychological terror. Ryvchin also commended the government’s consistent characterization of the attacks as acts of terrorism.

The CEO of the Zionist Federation of Australia, Alon Cassuto, welcomed the government’s decision, acknowledging the deep impact the October 7 terrorist attacks had on Australians in Israel and the Australian Jewish community. Cassuto emphasized the importance of offering support to those present during the attacks or who suffered the loss of loved ones.

Colin Rubenstein, the executive director of the Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council, described October 7 as a day that would be remembered as infamous. He wholeheartedly welcomed the Australian government’s announcement, emphasizing the significance of the designation.