Uniting in sorrow
Honouring Israel's fallen soldiers and victims of terror in a moving commemoration.
The community came together for Yom Hazikaron – Israel’s Memorial Day – honouring Israel’s fallen soldiers and victims of terror, in a moving commemoration at Melbourne Hebrew Congregation on Tuesday night. This year’s Yom Hazikaron was especially poignant taking place in the shadow of Hamas’ atrocities on October 7 and the ensuing war in Gaza.
Organised by Zionism Victoria, its president Elyse Schachna addressed the attendees of over 1000: “This evening we unite in sorrow and grief to remember. In these moments of remembrance we carry with us the weight of 25,420 fallen soldiers of Israel and 5229 victims of terror who have lost their lives since the Declaration of the State of Israel … Tonight we honour their memory. We reflect on and take pride in their enduring legacy.”
The evening opened with an acknowledgement of country by Indigenous leader Nova Peris, who spoke of her solidarity with Israel the Jewish people.
“I will never forget the Jewish Australians who stood with us – Aboriginal people – in our fight for truth and justice … I’m now here to say, I stand with you.”
A solemn candle-lighting ceremony followed, with candles lit in memory of Israelis who lost their lives to terror and in defence of their homeland.
Those honoured were the 127 victims of the Battle of Kfar Etzion; Lucy Dee and her daughters Maia and Rina who were killed in a terrorist attack; Israeli soldiers Yotam Ben Basat, Rabbi Avi Goldberg, Ofer Russo and Eli Ginsberg; victims of the Hamas attack on October 7 Noach Hershkovitz and Maayana Hershkovitz and slain hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin.
The memorial was accompanied by musical performances by Ari Wenig, Simon Starr, Alex Burkoy, Jasmine Filer, Amira Susskind, Rachel Moshel along with Jewish school choirs and the St Kilda Shule Choir.
The community joined in prayers to honour those killed, to pray for Israel’s peace and security and to bring the hostages home.
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