Australia’s Jewish community has come together to mourn the victims of an attack by Islamist group Hamas that struck Israeli towns.

Thousands gathered in Sydney’s east on Wednesday night to commemorate the deaths of civilians and show support for Israel.

About 5000 attendees descended upon Rodney Reserve in Dover Heights, many clutching Israeli and Australian flags as well as signs reading “safety is a right” and “united with Israel”.

Executive Council of the Australian Jewry president Jillian Segal addressed a solemn crowd, describing the attacks by Hamas as a “date that will live in infamy”.

“Our world has changed, the barbarians have breached the gates,” she said.

“The butchery and savagery that has unfolded in Israel beggars description … we are totally shattered as we stand together this evening.”

NSW Premier Chris Minns said Australia stood in solidarity with the people of Israel and against the “unspeakable barbarity” of recent events.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton praised Israel for being a “resolute nation” and the Jewish people for their “determination [and] ability to always [stick] together”.

Earlier on Thursday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese addressed the Jewish community at St Kilda Shule in Melbourne, describing the targeting of civilians and taking of hostages as an affront to all Australians.

“All Australians embrace you in this time of trauma,” he said.

“We hold you in our hearts.”

Australia’s Jewish community has been on edge following a cluster of anti-Israeli protests and reports of anti-Semitic threats.

At a pro-Palestine rally on Monday night, some attendees chanted anti-Jewish rhetoric and lit flares.

Police also say they are probing a handful of threats made against Jewish citizens in Sydney and Melbourne. Security around Jewish schools and synagogues has been tightened due to fears of potential violence.

Executive Council of Australian Jewry spokesman Alex Ryvchin said the community was in constant contact with police, the government and private security advisers.

“I want to encourage my people to be proud, to identify as Jews and to deepen their Jewishness at a time when it’s under attack,” he said. 

“But I know that many in my community worry about the safety of their children and their loved-ones.”

A security company run by the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies that patrols community facilities across Sydney has raised its threat level to heightened, believing a terrorist attack could be possible.

Community Security Group Victoria similarly raised its threat level to severe and promised to boost its presence at Jewish schools.

The group said it is aware of a heightened level of fear and anxiety in the community but called for calm.

NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Mal Lanyon acknowledged the anxiety within the Jewish community but stressed the force had increased patrols and there was no immediate risk.

“We would be encouraging parents of students getting into those schools to send their children to school, knowing that the police will be supporting them,” he said.

Ryvchin advised members of the Jewish community to be alert and careful.

“This isn’t a time to cower and be fearful, we’re Australians for God’s sake,” he said. 

“This is a free country and we should be free to walk the streets and be who we are without fear.”

-AAP