Eylon Levy praises Australian Jews
Levy emphasised the importance of Diaspora support in countering what he called a "global war against the Jews".
Former Israeli government spokesman Eylon Levy spoke to more than 1200 Victorian Jews at Caulfield Shule last Thursday at the Jewish National Fund’s annual campaign event.
He delivered a powerful address, updating the audience on the multi-front war Israel is fighting.
Levy spoke of “a war that Israel must win or else there will be a next time, and it will be worse”.
He praised the Australian Jewish community’s response to the crisis, saying, “This bonza community has been punching above its weight in rallying to support Israel.”
Levy emphasised the importance of Diaspora support in countering what he called a “global war against the Jews”.
Addressing the rise of antisemitism in Australia, Levy encouraged the community to stand firm.
“Standing up for Israel is not only about standing up for your homeland … It is also a Jewish safety issue here at home, and a Jewish civil rights issue,” he said.
JNF Victoria president Ronit Fraid was happy and grateful for the funds raised, though specific figures were not disclosed.
“The feeling of unity in the crowd was palpable, especially when we sang Hatikvah. It was a feeling I think we all needed at the moment,” she said.
In her speech, Fraid highlighted JNF’s 120-year history of nation-building in Israel, from establishing towns and kibbutzim to planting forests and developing water infrastructure.
She emphasised JNF’s pivotal role in connecting Diaspora Jewry to Israel through Zionist education and tangible support.
Fraid acknowledged the current crisis facing Israel, describing it as “the most dangerous time since the Declaration of Independence”.
She called on attendees to be partners in supporting and rebuilding Israel, stating, “History will record the way that we, the Jewish people, responded to the crisis that’s facing us all today.”
The funds raised will go towards supporting specific projects that directly assist those in need in Israel’s south.
They are providing support for those suffering from serious psychological and mental health challenges.
In addition, funds raised will also boost communal infrastructure projects that help to recreate these communities, encouraging families to return home.
The day after the function, Levy addressed Jewish school pupils at Mount Scopus Memorial College. There were around 1000 students from Mount Scopus, Bialik College, The King David School and Leibler Yavneh College.
Levy spoke to the children about Jewish and Israeli pride, identity, activism and volunteerism.
He also gave an outline of the situation that Israel and the Diaspora Jews have faced since October 7, specifically on social and digital platforms.
JNF Victoria education officer Eldad Shoham spoke to the pupils about the vital role JNF Australia plays by always standing by Israel and the communities of the Gaza Envelope region.
Levy also spoke to audiences in Sydney and Perth, in addition to travelling to Canberra for meetings.
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