A remarkable visit to Papua New Guinea

It is not every day that a rabbi from Melbourne finds himself in Papua New Guinea. Yet this past week I had the extraordinary privilege of spending just over twenty four hours in Port Moresby, invited to speak at two community events together with Israel’s Ambassador to the Pacific, Roi Rosenblit. What I experienced there has left a lasting mark on me, and I believe it carries a message worth sharing with our Jewish community here at home.

From the moment I arrived, I was embraced with warmth, joy, and friendship. I had been told that Papua New Guinea holds a natural affinity for Israel, but nothing could have prepared me for the depth of feeling I encountered. People went out of their way to express their love for the Jewish people and their unwavering support for the State of Israel.

At both events where I spoke, I was welcomed like a celebrity. After my words, I was surrounded by people of all ages who wanted to take selfies, shake hands, and share blessings. Some told me that it was their dream to one day visit Israel. Others said that their hearts break for the people of Israel during these difficult times and that they pray daily for peace and safety. I was struck by the sincerity and passion of their voices. These were not polite formalities, they were heartfelt commitments.

The gatherings themselves were filled with song, energy, and a spirit of celebration. Papua New Guinea is marking its 50th anniversary of independence this year, and that sense of pride in their own story infused the way they related to ours. They understood, in a very real way, what it means for a people to seek freedom, dignity, and a place among the nations. Perhaps that is why their empathy for Israel feels so natural.