‘Joyous’ event to counter hate
"With this function, we hope to give them much sought-after relief and pleasure," says Dr George Foster.
Australia will host a national Holocaust survivors’ reunion next month in response to the alarming rise in antisemitism following the October 7, 2023 attacks.
The reunion, which was the brainchild of Holocaust survivor Eddy Boas, marks a historic milestone. Boas, 85, who survived the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp as a child along with his family, said he felt compelled to act after witnessing levels of antisemitism in Australia that he had never before encountered.
“Holocaust survivors were in angst,” Boas told The AJN.
“I don’t get scared too often in life, but I started to think about all this antisemitism that suddenly broke out in Australia, which I never expected to see in my lifetime. I know what antisemitism is all about. I had never experienced antisemitism in Australia.”
President of the Australian Association of Jewish Holocaust Survivors and their Descendants, Dr George Foster, said, “There is little doubt that the Jewish community has suffered significant anxiety and distress since the atrocities of October 7, 2023. In particular, Holocaust survivors have been subjected to constant reminders of their extreme and life-threatening experiences during the war.
“With this function, we hope to give them much sought-after relief and pleasure.”
The reunion is being organised by Boas in partnership with the association, with parallel functions expected to be held at NSW Parliament and at the Melbourne Holocaust Museum on June 1. They are hoping to welcome up to 150 survivors in person in Sydney, with additional participants able to join virtually.
Instead of focusing on the Holocaust, the aim of this event will be a joyous celebration of the lives of survivors in Australia.
NSW Premier Chris Minns will speak at the Sydney luncheon, alongside Israeli ambassador Amir Maimon.
“With the number of Holocaust survivors falling as each year passes, moments to come together like this take on an extra significance,” said Minns.
“Holocaust survivors have made major contributions to NSW, Australia and the world. Their stories of survival are as important today as they have ever been.”
Both Boas and Foster expressed gratitude for the support of Minns and acknowledged the state government’s financial backing.
“He is an exceptional Premier and a strong advocate against antisemitism, who has supported the Jewish community immeasurably including with a special grant for this function,” they said.
Survivors or their loved ones who have not yet received an invitation are encouraged to reach out to the Australian Association of Jewish Holocaust Survivors and their Descendants at info@aajhsd.org.au.
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