Giving Day campaign for Cairns community
"North Queensland is blessed to have beautiful nature and climate, but we have found that the Jewish presence here is what is growing the most beautifully."
It’s a vast region spanning 1000 kilometres up the tropical coast from Mackay through to Townsville, Cairns and Port Douglas, and another 1000 kilometres out west to Mount Isa, but the tiny Jewish population spanning Far North Queensland is thriving, and staying connected with Judaism, with Chabad’s help.
Chabad of North Queensland is hopeful that with the support of the community, its upcoming annual Giving Day appeal on Tuesday, August 15, will help raise $180,000 for its community centre in Cairns, which acts as a hub for the whole region.
To support the campaign in a creative way, it produced a booklet in its August newsletter based on the format used in the famous Humans of New York series, to showcase some of the great Jewish characters who call North Queensland home, and benefit from Chabad’s work.
One such story involves Caleb, Galit and their family living in Townsville, a big town with a tiny Jewish community.
Feeling somewhat isolated, they receive packages and magazines, reinforcing their connection to a broader Jewish family.
Living in the outback town of Mount Isa for work purposes, Blake’s life changed when he discovered Chabad North Queensland, and joined weekly Torah classes via Zoom, providing him with connection, comfort and spiritual growth.
In Bowen, a small coastal town between Townsville and Mackay, Yael, her husband, and three boys felt an overwhelming sense of connection and belonging when Chabad of North Queensland visited their town.
Months later, they enthusiastically travelled nine hours to join in a joyous bar mitzvah celebration in Cairns.
Sami Hall of Townsville, having faced numerous hardships – including reaching rock bottom from drug addiction and losing her home – reached out to Chabad and found solace and purpose within the Jewish community.
The annual Chanukah events, and the caring support of the Chabad team, ignited her spark and encouraged her to embrace Jewish traditions.
“When Rabbi Ari gave me my mezuzah, it was my most special gift,” she said.
“When I look at it, I am so thankful I have a home to put it up in.
“Chabad accepted me, and nurtured my soul.”
Rabbi Ari Rubin, who coordinates the Chabad Centre for Jewish Life in North Queensland with his wife Mushkie, said Chabad’s most profound impact there is providing a means for Jewish people to connect with their heritage, and foster a sense of belonging and community, irrespective of geographical boundaries or distances.
“North Queensland is blessed to have beautiful nature and climate, but we have found that the Jewish presence here is what is growing the most beautifully.
“The message is that no distance is too great, and no heart is too far away.”
Donations made to the Giving Day appeal will be matched by generous major donors, ensuring each dollar will go further to provide access to the Judaism needs of potentially every Jew living in or visiting far North Queensland.
To support the Giving Day campaign, visit charidy.com/JewishNQ.
To find out more, visit chabadnorthqueensland.com
comments