Evening of ‘peace and connection’ in response to hate
Maroubra Synagogue will hold a special service for members of the Jewish community and those who wish to show their support in response to the latest antisemitic attacks.
Maroubra Synagogue will be holding a special service on Tuesday, January 21, for all members of the community and anyone who wants to show their support.
The evening of “connection and peace” is in response to yet another antisemitic attack that this time occurred at the Only About Children childcare centre, which is located just metres away from Maroubra Synagogue and a Jewish day school.
While the childcare centre itself is not Jewish, it had ‘F**k the Jews’ painted on it and sustained significant damage after being shockingly firebombed in the early hours of the community.
Rabbi Zalman Goldstein of Maroubra Synagogue told The AJN that the Jewish community will not be intimidated by these vile acts of hatred.
“They’re meant to strike fear in our hearts, but we’re not going to be scared,” he said.
“We’re going to come together, we’re going to show each other support and love, we’re going to unite in a special service tonight to show the unity of the Jewish community and the strength of the Jewish community.
“That’s going to be the way we’re going to get out of this; we’re going to bring light. People want to bring darkness and hatred to the world and to divide, and we’re going to be here to bring love and peace and connection and light into the world.”
Member for Kingsford Smith Matt Thistlethwaite told The AJN that he is “deeply sorry” the Jewish community has had to endure yet another targeted attack.
“It doesn’t represent the Maroubra that I grew up in and it certainly doesn’t represent our community,” he said.
“I’m committed to continuing to work with representatives of your local shule and schools to make sure we keep you as safe as possible.”
NSW Jewish Board of Deputies CEO Michele Goldman said it has been heartening to receive messages of support from the wider Australian community, but she is encouraging more every day Australias to speak up.
“This is not just about the Jewish community; this is just an ordinary daycare centre,” she said.
“Attacks that are meant to intimidate and harass the Jewish community are spilling out and impacting broader Australians. Speak up and call for the attention, focus and prioritisation needed to tackle this once and for all.
“What doesn’t get tackled just serves to embolden.”
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