Jewish youth gather in solidarity
“It is our responsibility to stand beside the people of Israel, and empower them to support each other in these hard times.”
Candle lighting, communal singing, recital of prayers for Israel’s people and soldiers, and powerful words of comfort, support and determination, were the hallmarks of an Australian Zionist Youth Council (AZYC)-hosted “United with Israel” gathering at Emanuel Synagogue on Monday night.
More than 80 members of the Netzer, Habonim Dror, Betar, Hineni, Bnei Akiva, and Hatzofim (Israeli Scouts) youth movements joined their friends and youth leaders in solidarity, song and quiet reflection.
Appropriately, Monday night’s AZYC event commenced with an address by two new Hatzofim members, Israeli teens Yael Shacham and Yiftach Kolodner, who had only arrived in Sydney two months ago for a year of volunteering for BJE, before starting their army service.
Shacham revealed that the kibbutz where she lives “became a battlefield” on October 7 when Hamas terrorists swarmed into southern Israel.
“A friend who was in high school with me last year – when our biggest concern were our final exams – he is now gone … a 19-year-old boy … murdered,” she said.
“It’s been days since the terrible war started, and I’m waiting for someone to pinch me to wake up from this ongoing nightmare, but it is the shocking reality.
“It is our responsibility to stand beside the people of Israel, and empower them to support each other in these hard times.”
Kolodner reflected how “this terrible tragedy, so far, is something that has never happened in Israel before”.
“It was terrorists running on the streets, into houses with people inside, shooting anything that moved, and reaping descruction and death to the elderly, men, women, and children.
“And the only reason they did this to them is because they are Jews, and this is unnacceptable.
“This type of terror is not just an act against the people of Israel, but an act against all Jews around the world.
“Tonight, we’re here, standing together, and saying loudly these words: We stand with Israel.”
The event ended with the singing of Hatikvah.
AZYC NSW co-chairs Max Kidman and Michael Heymann said the evening symbolised the Jewish youth movements’ power “to unite the community, support Israel, and promote peace”.
“This will catalyse a course of action for Jewish youth, to engage in efforts to rebuild and support Israel in these trying times. It’s a commitment we’ve all made as Zionists – a personal oath to constantly ask yourself what your role is in this, and to act on the answer.”
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