‘You have to have hope’: Australia’s Jewish community welcome ceasefire deal, balancing excitement and apprehension

Members of the Australian Jewish community hold an Israeli flag during a memorial service in Sydney on 7 October 2024. Composite: AFP/Getty Images

“I was there when it started,” Andy says.

Andy, an Australian-born Jewish man now living in Melbourne, lived in Israel for 15 years. He was there on 7 October when Hamas attacked, sparking the 15-month long war – now, perhaps temporarily, ceasing. He was back in Melbourne for the announcement of the ceasefire.