Shana Tova: a year of challenge, a year of hope
In one year alone, our small Australian Jewish community has faced a storm of antisemitism that has left us distressed and perplexed.
As we reflect on the year that was 5785, it is fair to say we hope for better days to come in 5786.
In one year alone, our small Australian Jewish community has faced a storm of antisemitism that has left us distressed and perplexed. For some of us, the hatred has even led us to question our future in this great country that we have helped build.
From the rabid antisemitism our students were – and still are – confronted with on university campuses, to the firebombing of the Adass Israel synagogue, the months of December and January were nothing short of a summer of terror.
Sydney’s Jewish community woke to regular overnight antisemitic graffiti and arson attacks on cars, synagogues, a childcare centre, a Jewish day school and residential streets. The former home of Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ) co-CEO Alex Ryvchin was set alight and doused with red paint in what we now know was a targeted attack.
The social media video of two Bankstown nurses who threatened the lives of Israeli patients sent shockwaves through the community, and the hatred reached such disturbing levels that Sky News and ECAJ convened a national summit on antisemitism.
At the same time, our community was left reeling when Shiri, Ariel and Kfir Bibas were returned to Israel in coffins after being murdered by Hamas in captivity.
But in the midst of the heartache there were heartwarming moments. The heroics of sporting sisters Jessica and Noemie Fox, Israeli soccer star Yonatan Cohen scoring the winning goal for Melbourne City in the A-League grand final, the inspirational visit of Jon and Rachel Goldberg-Polin and the incredible resilience of our community.
As we enter a new year, it is unfathomable that 48 hostages remain in the terror tunnels of Gaza. For the few who are still clinging onto life, it will be their second Rosh Hashanah in Hamas captivity. It will be the second Rosh Hashanah there will be empty seats at tables and in synagogues.
So as we wish our community a happy and sweet new year, we also pray for the release of our hostages, for the safety of soldiers, and for lasting peace and security for Israel – beginning in the year 5786.