Community keeps moving forward
We are determined to keep building, giving and growing, and to continue to flourish.
Two years on from October 7, 2023, the wounds are still raw. For our brothers and sisters in Israel, the physical scars are everywhere – 48 hostages, many no longer alive, remain captive in Hamas terror tunnels. Border kibbutzim are still half-empty, with destroyed sections a daily reminder of the horrors they endured. The site of the Nova Festival is now a shrine to the beautiful young souls murdered.
The mental scars run even deeper. Families mourn loved ones lost on that tragic day, or while in service since, protecting their homeland. Many Israelis remain displaced, unable to return to the communities they spent years helping to build. Young mothers struggle alone while their husbands are sent to fight in Gaza for months at a time. Soldiers return from the front lines suffering PTSD, forever affected by what they have witnessed. The nation is struggling to stay ahead in what is becoming an acute mental health crisis.
Adding more insult to this already fraught situation, Israelis have watched the world turn against them and towards their butchers. As Israel fights to get its citizens back, it is routinely accused of war crimes, deliberately targeting civillians and hospitals, and the worse canard of all, genocide. Western nations, including our own, have lined up to reward Hamas’s gory killing spree with recognition of a Palestinian state.
At home in Australia, antisemitism has reached levels that are unheard of in the last two years.
But if Jewish history has taught us anything, there is always light. This too will pass.
In the mid-20th century, our people emerged from the darkest time in our history – the Shoah – to once again thrive. Jewish self-determination was re-established in our ancestral home for the first time in millennia. Those who escaped Europe for western shores built communities, institutions and enriched their home countries with philanthropy, culture, science and leadership.
This is the Jewish way. We refuse to remain victims. Instead, we hold each other up, and we respond to those who wish to destroy us by building.
Even as the horrors of October 7 were unfolding, so were stories of inspiration. Off-duty soldiers reported for duty even if not summoned. Other Israelis just got into their cars and drove south into the line of fire with a plan only to save as many people as they could, perhaps at the cost of their own life. Medics mobilised. People helped to distribute food, clothing, hygiene items and medical supplies. Families opened their homes to those displaced.
The stories of inspiration have continued. Israelis from all walks of life have continued to come together for a common cause. Returned and rescued hostages have gone on to inspire us with their bravery, determination and strength.
The Jewish world has come together as one. We are more connected, more motivated and fiercely proud of our Judaism.
Here in Australia, our community has mobilised like never before. Whether it be fundraising, advocacy or volunteering, Australian Jews have stepped up for each other and for Israel. Many have got on a plane to give their time on the ground helping Israelis, some making multiple trips. Others do what they can within their fields, bringing extra value and meaning to their day-to-day work.
Yes, Australian Jewry has been tested time and time again in the two years since October 7. But we continue to pass those tests with flying colours.
Two years, on, the raw shock of what happened that day has begun to morph into an ongoing sense of sadness and loss. But alongside those emotions, we feel determination. While we always keep one eye on the past, we are determined to continue moving forward. We are determined to look after each other, our brethren in Israel and our worldwide Jewish family.
And we are determined to keep building, giving and growing, and to continue to flourish.