Lambie visits Hobart Synagogue
"Australia has a history of great Jewish Australians who have given a great deal – not least one of my heroes, General Sir John Monash," says Senator Jacqui Lambie.
Hobart Hebrew Congregation hosted Senator Jacqui Lambie for a meet and greet last Friday to express gratitude for her speeches in Parliament that have called out antisemitism and argued for Israel’s right to defend itself in light of October 7.
Congregation members participated in heartfelt conversations with Lambie. The highlight of the event was Michal Golebowicz’s address to Lambie, in which she described her own experience growing up on Kibbutz Nirim, where her 93-year-old father and brother’s family hid in safe rooms during the massacre.
“The recent attacks on our community struck very close to home. The harrowing experience of hearing about the people I grew up with, murdered, raped, maimed, or kidnapped as hostages is the trauma we will have to live with and while the hostages are still in Gaza, we cannot start to heal,” Golebowicz said.
“Your outspoken support amidst the backdrop of criticism and, at times, outright antisemitism is profoundly appreciated … Your commitment to standing by Israel, particularly when it faces such adversity, is a testament to your integrity and courage as a politician.”
The congregation presented the book Jewish Anzacs: Jews in the Australian Military to Lambie on behalf of the community.
Hobart Hebrew Congregation president Jeff Schneider said, “Amid these dark days for the Jewish community, it was fitting that on the first day of Chanukah our community was able to engage so positively with Senator Lambie. Her visit felt like a ray of light shining in.”
Lambie said, “I was honoured to be invited to speak with some of the Tasmanian Jewish community. I know that this has been a very difficult time since the Hamas terrorist attack on October 7.
“My heart goes out to the families of the hostages, and to Jewish Australians who are feeling unsafe in our country. Australia has a history of great Jewish Australians who have given a great deal – not least one of my heroes, General Sir John Monash.”
Meanwhile, Hobart Hebrew Congregation hosted Senator Jonathon Duniam, Senator Claire Chandler and Tasmanian state MP Madeleine Ogilvie at its annual Chanukah picnic on Sunday, December 10.
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