A Torah for Thalia

A SEFER Torah has been dedicated in honour of Thalia Hakin, who was tragically killed five years ago in the Bourke Street rampage at the age of 10.

The Torah was completed at an event hosted by the Hakin family and Chabad Carnegie on Sunday, where members of the community were joined by Thalia’s Beth Rivkah class, who are now in year 10.

The final letters were written in the Torah by the Sofer Rabbi Eli Gutnick, with everyone present given the chance to purchase a letter.

Hundreds of children from all over Australia and abroad bought letters, with Chabad Carnegie describing it as a “children’s unity Torah”.

The last letters were written on behalf of the Hakin family.

Thalia’s mother Nathalie told The AJN, “I would like to thank the Sofer and everyone who contributed and participated towards the Sefer Torah, especially classmates of Thalia’s class which was a great surprise.

“My daughter Thalia’s life was taken too soon. She was full of life. Very kind, intuitive, beautiful, with a special spirit … Thalia had a a good relationship with me, with her sister Maggie and her father.

“I am so proud of you … I may not be able to carry Thalia in my arms anymore, but I will always carry her in my heart.”

Rabbi Yisroel Raskin of Chabad Carnegie said it was “both humbling and an honour” to host the event and “to have the Torah housed in our Aaron Hakodesh which will be read from every Shabbos”.

“Our wish is that this Torah should bring a greater level of comfort to the family, although the complete comfort will only be with the coming of Moshiach and they will be reunited with Thalia,” he said.

Member for Caulfield David Southwick, who was in attendance, said, “Five years ago, the Bourke Street massacre tragically cut 10-year-old Thalia’s life short. Although life will never be the same for the Hakin family, and for those who knew Thalia, the dedication of the Torah is a poignant way to remember her.”

Principal of Yeshivah and Beth Rivkah Colleges Rabbi Elisha Greenbaum echoed these sentiments. “Thalia was a much-loved Beth Rivkah student and the fact that so many former teachers and classmates attended the Siyum Sefer Torah dedicated in her memory is further evidence of the affection with which she is remembered,” he said.

“Thalia cared so deeply about Judaism and bringing light to the world, that a Torah is the most fitting memorial to her memory.”