Candle still burns

More than 1000 people gathered at Robert Blackwood Hall for the JCCV Yom Hashoah Commemoration on Sunday.

JCCV vice-president Hayley Southwick, a descendant of survivors, addressed the current unprecedented resurgence in antisemitism.

She turned to the survivors in the audience and pledged, “We will continue to do all that we can to protect a Jewish way of life for all of us here in Victoria. We are here because of you.”

Host Annette Charak, the daughter of Holocaust survivors, beautifully guided the audience through the theme of the evening “We Are Here”.

Youth movement representatives read out excerpts from poems and letters written by Jewish adults and children from inside the ghettos, camps and while fleeing.

Six survivors lit memorial candles. They remained on stage to hear Rabbi Chaim Cowen perform Kel Maleh Rachamim, and chazan Brett Kaye recite Kaddish.

The audience was honoured to bear witness to Dr Henry Ekert’s story and remarkable life journey embodying resilience, compassion and unwavering dedication to improving the world around him.

Jewish school students reflected on how the past has formed their identity and their future. They declared that they would continue to celebrate their identity, despite any obstacles they may face.

“They are the new custodians of the stories of the past,” JCCV CEO Naomi Levin said.

“As time passes, there are fewer survivors that can pass on the lessons, and we must honour their legacy by involving the younger generations in commemoration.”

The evening ended with the re-established multi-school choir, accompanied by Tomi Kalinski, who proudly and triumphantly sung the Partisan Hymn, ending with the words: “We are here!”

The evening came together thanks to a committee of dedicated volunteers, with the help of The Chai Collective and Ellie Roth.

“We also want to express our gratitude to Monash University, Victoria Police and CSG who ensured that the event proceeded safely,” Levin said.

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