Hundreds at Bondi vigil
The solemn event saw participants form 'a ribbon of light, visible from on high'.
More than 500 people gathered in unity at Bondi Beach as the sun set on May 28, for a moving vigil marking 600 days since the remaining 58 hostages were taken captive from southern Israel into Gaza by Hamas and other Palestinian terror groups.
The solemn event – organised by Operation Golda, the Zionist Council of NSW, the Australasian Union of Jewish Students and Sydney’s Jewish youth movements – saw participants form what emcee Shoshana Eisner described as “a ribbon of light, visible from on high”, to symbolise unity and hope for the immediate release of all those still held captive.
“Irrespective of gender, age, where you live, who you vote for, or who you feel controls the universe – we are standing here tonight, united,” Eisner told the crowd, before encouraging them to take three collective deep breaths, while listening to the sound of the waves crashing.
“It’s been 600 days [for the hostages] without taking deep breaths, 600 days without feeling clean, 600 days unable to hug loved ones,” she said.
“Hope is mandatory – and this has become my mantra when I feel despair.
“We can pray for the hostages … Call out with me: Bring them home, bring them home!”
That powerful message was then expressed in song, with Chloe Biller beautifully singing, “Tell the world I’m coming home.”
Zack Shachar – a cousin of released hostage Naama Levy – offered prayers for the swift and safe return of the hostages and for comfort and strength to their family members.
Reverend Mark Leach – CEO of Never Again is Now – said from the heart: “God, we don’t know why it’s still going on and I’ve got so many questions, but now I’ll just say, with the faith of a little child, Abba – Father – bring them home.”
He also prayed for the safety of the IDF soldiers.
Attendees then took turns to read the names of the 58 remaining hostages, including, tragically, 35 that have been confirmed dead.
Messages of hope were also offered – in person or via video recording – from members of the Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim communities.
Eisner concluded, “Tonight, young, old, left, right, religious and irreligious, came together, united with one mission – to Bring Them Home.”