From song to survey, shaping our Jewish future

Those who attended SHIR: Unbreakable in Sydney or Melbourne would have left uplifted and inspired.

After a tumultuous few years, coming together in song was exactly what we needed. In Sydney’s case, holding the event at the Sydney Opera House and reclaiming it from the mob that sullied its forecourt on October 9, 2023, was especially poignant.

To have former hostage Daniella Gilboa – who that hateful crowd would have condemned to a life in Hamas tunnels – victoriously perform just underscored this.

Gilboa’s voice was as angelic as her appearance, as strong as her undefeatable spirit – but the supporting cast was equally fantastic. Chutney and Ben Adler – the inspiration behind the event – were excellent. The varied cast of performers was a joy. To hear an Iranian deliver a heartfelt rendition of the Shema was a highlight.

Our community needs moments like this. Amid a news cycle of politics, antisemitism, Israeli elections and more, sometimes we need to take a break, shut out the noise of everyday life, come together – “When we unite, we are unbreakable,” Gilboa said – and be moved through music.