Melbourne YJP group in Israel positive despite war

A group of 51 young Jewish professionals from Melbourne remained committed to their volunteer mission in Israel despite being caught up in the war with Iran.

The Melbourne Young Jewish Professionals delegation, led by Rabbi Moshe Kahn, arrived in Israel on Sunday night for a week-long volunteer and educational trip when the situation deteriorated on Thursday night.

The have just managed to leave for home aboard a cruise ship after an emotional time as Israel endures Iranian missile attacks.

“We landed Sunday night. We’ve had an incredible week. We went down south, we went up north. We went, you know, literally everywhere in Israel, and everything was going to plan and beautiful. And then, Thursday night, the middle of the night is when it all went down,” Rabbi Kahn said.

The group was forced to shelter together in their hotel, with their planned programme cancelled and their scheduled departure uncertain due to airport closures.

“Our programme on Friday had to be cancelled, and Shabbat, so we had to pivot and make new arrangements,” Rabbi Kahn explained.

Despite the disruption, Rabbi Kahn described the group’s spirits as remarkably positive, with participants spending time in bomb shelters maintaining their spirits through singing and dancing.

“There’s definitely a positive energy. You could go on some of our social media, you’ll see the energy of us in the bomb shelter. It’s singing, it’s dancing, it’s unity, it’s camaraderie,” he said.

The delegation had planned extensive volunteer activities, including hospital visits with gifts for patients, though these have been suspended.

However, they have continued smaller acts of support, including volunteer work on farms where workers and sons have been called to military service.

Rabbi Kahn highlighted the profound impact the trip has had on participants, particularly those visiting Israel for the first time.

“We have one of the girls in our group. And you know, the last time she was in Israel was, she’s now 35 the last time she was in Israel was when she was 20. So what’s that? 15 odd years ago? And you know, she cried and said she’s never felt so proud and so connected, you know, to be a Jew and to be connected to here,” he said.

The response from Israelis has been overwhelmingly appreciative, with locals expressing gratitude for the Australian group’s presence during difficult times.

“It’s continuous thanks and appreciation,” Rabbi Kahn said.

“It’s overwhelming when you see their appreciation for us simply turning up, whether it’s at the local shawarma store or wherever it is.”

The Rabbi emphasised that while the group couldn’t claim to be “changing the landscape,” each individual connection was meaningful in showing Israelis that they had international support.

The Melbourne Young Jewish Professionals plan to continue similar missions, with Rabbi Kahn describing the current trip as building community not just with Israelis but among the Australian participants themselves.

“People are positive. The community is positive. Despite what’s happening, there’s a legitimate sense of positivity, and, you know, we know we’re going to get through this together,” he concluded.