Jews send message of solidarity for 500-day milestone

Hundreds of Jewish community members have turned out to mark 500 days since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks, with witnesses telling harrowing first-hand accounts of the day.

United under the theme of "No one left behind, no one forgotten", demonstrators turned out to Melbourne's Caulfield Park to demand the immediate release of Israeli hostages still held by the terrorist group.

Supporters waved Israeli flags, brandished signs with the faces and names of hostages and banners reading, "No one left behind" and a list the hostages' names.

The conflict in Gaza intensified after Israel said more than 1200 of its people were killed and hundreds more were taken hostage when Hamas launched an attack on a music festival on October 7.

More than 46,000 Palestinians have been killed since Israel began retaliatory strikes, according to the World Health Organisation.

Both sides have agreed to a ceasefire since January 19 to allow for prisoner swaps occur, with about 70 Israelis remaining is captivity.

"We are here tonight on the other side of the world because every released hostage has told us the same thing - 500 days is far too many," United with Israel director Nirit Eylon told the crowd.

"We are here because we cannot be silent, even when we are furthest away.

"For the hostages, it is still October 7 until every single one is brought home."

Members of the Israeli Defence Force who worked as frontline medics and another as part of the force's emergency response team told of their experiences facing the chaos and destruction on the day.

Emergency response soldier Bar Elisha spoke of being chased by up to 30 Hamas insurgents before finding cover in a warehouse.

"I was sure I was about to get kidnapped, but then they split up, Mr Elisha recounted.

"I heard doors breaking, gunshots and explosions.

"The only thing I could think of was saving my daughters."

Melbourne resident Galia Hartman, spoke of the profound toll having three family members killed on October 7 and seven more taken hostage.

Six of those hostages have returned but one remains - her niece's husband Tal Shoham.

Mr Shoham, who turned 40 two weeks ago, is listed under the hostage exchange deal between Israel and Hamas, but with only three hostages released every phase, Ms Hartman said the reality is like a lottery.

"This is heartbreaking and devastating to be part of this cruel selection process, and yet, in a cruel way, it gives us hope that he will be released soon," she said.

"Every day that passes only makes it harder - the fear that something will happen that will stop the deal, the fear the Tal will be forgotten, it is constant.

"Time is deadly as chances for survival in this horrific conditions of captivity diminish, with which each moment pass of passing."

The crowd chanted "long live Israel" and "no one left behind" throughout the evening, as organisers aim to send a united message to those back in Israel.