SHIR makes Australia Day history

In a profoundly significant moment, Hebrew was performed at the Australia Day Live concert at the Sydney Opera House for the first time in Australia’s history.

SHIR, which brings together a diverse collection of Jewish musicians, was among the final acts in the NSW Government’s official Australia Day concert, broadcast nationally. The ensemble performed ‘Od Yavo Shalom Aleinu’, a Hebrew song about peace, followed by the beloved unofficial Australian anthem ‘I Am Australian’.

The performance represented the first time Hebrew has been sung at the iconic Opera House Forecourt in any concert setting, and marked the debut of a Jewish song at the Australia Day Live concert.

SHIR’s inclusion came after their powerful performance at the Bondi Beach vigil, where more than 20,000 people gathered just a week after December 14 to remember the victims of the Bondi terror attack.

“For us, being asked to join the Australia Day Live concert lineup this year is more than a recognition of our musicianship; it is a recognition that we, as Jewish Australians, are welcome, valued and belong in the cultural centre of Australia”, said SHIR director Ben Adler said.