Remembering the fallen
MORE than 400 members of the Australian delegation to the Maccabiah Games in Israel crossed the still-poisoned waters of the Yarkon River to attend a memorial service in honour of the four athletes who lost their lives in 1997.
HENRY BENJAMIN
MORE than 400 members of the Australian delegation to the Maccabiah Games in Israel crossed the still-poisoned waters of the Yarkon River to attend a memorial service in honour of the four athletes who lost their lives in 1997.
As the line, headed by Australia ºs Ambassador to Israel James Larson and NSW State MP Peter Debnam, solemnly marched across the permanent bridge eight abreast, Israeli girl guides and scouts stood by the sides handing each athlete a single flower.
A flower was laid by the ambassador at the foot of the memorial to Elizabeth Sawicki, Yetti Bennett, Greg Small and Warren Zines alongside a wreath bearing the words “from the Government and people of Australia”.
An Australian United Israel Appeal study mission joined the athletes in watching Greg Small ºs wife Suzanne and her children Josh and Rebecca huddle in front of the black monument now draped with the Australian flag.
As the melancholy tones of a flute wafted through the searing heat, the Smalls took their place in the front row to listen to speeches, prayers and Kaddish followed from various dignitaries including the ambassador and the president of Maccabi Australia, Harry Procel.
Larsen said: “If there is a lesson from this tragedy, surely it ºs the willingness of those Australians who were involved to come together and to remember those who unnecessarily died or were injured and to show a willingness to change the future.
Maccabiah management member Michelle Tremigliozzi, representing her brother-in-law whose mother, Elizabeth Sawicki, died in the 1997 tragedy, was next to speak followed by Tom Goldman, the Head of Delegation.
Goldman said: “We will never forget the passing of Greg, Yetti, Elizabeth and Warren. We continue to honour their memory by participating in the Maccabiah here in Israel, which is a true celebration of Jewish life”
As eyes welled with tears, the emotional service was next to hear from Josh Small, the 19-year-old son of victim Greg and wearing his father ºs team shirt from 1997.
In Israel with his mother Suzanne and sister Rebecca, Josh will compete in his late father ºs sport tenpin bowling.