Turning negatives into positives
“So let us not discriminate, stereotype or brand people – let us look at the individual. Most people are decent human beings.”
THE Harmony Walk returned last month after the pandemic forced a three-year hiatus.
When the first Harmony Walk took place in Coogee in 2012, the intention was first to call it the Bali Walk in honour of the 10th anniversary of the terrorist Bali bombings.
Moving Forward Together changed it to the Harmony Walk in the hope of creating a more harmonious, communal atmosphere that would allow everyone to move on from the horrors of 10 years earlier.
Since then, several Harmony Walks have taken place, including some organised in conjunction with the NRL to complement their League in Harmony initiative.
This year’s event took place in Maroubra’s Heffron Park with the support of four councils – Randwick, Woollahra, Waverley and Bayside.
It became a festival celebrating our multicultural community, with a diverse range of entertainment.
“There were many highlights,” said president of Moving Forward Together, Ernie Friedlander.
“The Moriah College Jazz Band as usual wowed the audience with their superb musicianship. We all got to dance along to Chutney and their joyful mix of klezmer and Israeli music. However, the broad mix from Indigenous dance, world music and pop appealed to the hundreds who enjoyed the day out.”
The Sydney Swans marquee was a hit, allowing kids to test their handballing skills to win prizes. Federal, state and local government members including Matt Thistlethwaite, Jonathan O’Dea – representing the Premier – Chris Rath – representing the NSW Minister of Multiculturalism – and deputy mayor of Woollahra Isabelle Shapiro addressed the audience to stress the need for local communities to celebrate the cultural mix we enjoy in Australia.
Holocaust survivor Friedlander emphasised how important it is not to discriminate against people, be it on the grounds of colour, race, religion, gender or nationality.
During a death march it was a German soldier who let Friedlander, then just nine years old, and his mother escape.
“I wouldn’t be standing here if not for that soldier, who disobeyed his orders and let us escape,” Friedlander said.
“So let us not discriminate, stereotype or brand people – let us look at the individual. Most people are decent human beings.”
Friedlander reserved special thanks for the team and performers for their contribution in making the event such an uplifting one.