We unite in love and solidarity
In the wake of October 7, the Australian Jewish community has proven to be one of a kind, writes Amir Maimon.
On Thursday, October 5, 12 months ago, I drove from Tel Aviv to Kibbutz Be’eri to attend an event organised by the Christian Embassy in Israel.
The event was organised just 200 metres from an Anzac memorial and due to the proximity of Gaza, the event was secured by a Golani Brigade Patrol. As a veteran, I could not stop myself from speaking to the young patrol sergeant, who said to me, “You wouldn’t believe how quiet and peaceful it is.” That moment still echoes in my mind. One of last memories of how my country used to be.
Hamas’s brutal attack started on Simchat Torah, a day meant to celebrate the completion of the Torah reading and the joyous beginning of the new cycle. It is a day when we finish the last parasha and start again from the beginning, retelling the stories of our people. But this year, instead of rejoicing, we were confronted with a painful repetition of a different kind – a resurgence of horrific violence against Israel and the Jewish people. This barbaric act resulted in the murder of over 1200 Israelis, including my relatives, Ido and Maor, as well as my students, Col. Roi and Col. Yehonatan. May all their memories be a blessing.
A few days later I landed back in Australia, joining my team and the Jewish community’s ongoing efforts to fight for legitimacy and international support. Once again, similar to when I first started my tenure, I encountered a strong and devoted Jewish community. I witnessed many organisations, as well as individuals, doing as much as they could to support our beloved state of Israel including missions to Israel, rallies, vigils and protests to bring the hostages home. You all came together and have not stopped fighting for Israel since.
Over the past year, we have been reminded of the resilience and unity that define us as a people. The State of Israel has faced adversity many times; however, we have never been as unified as we are now. Our unity is our strength.
On a personal note, I have witnessed firsthand the compassion that defines this community. I have always had someone to speak to, to consult with and someone to call a friend. This community is truly one of a kind. I have served as a diplomat in several countries, including those with much larger Jewish communities; however, I have never seen on community filled with so much love.
When we unite in love and solidarity, we overcome even the darkest challenges.
The epidemic of antisemitism here in Australia and around the world is shocking. The sharp increase of hatred against our people is impacting our lives daily. Despite these challenges – despite the intimidation and the acts of violence on campuses, in front of synagogues, and even in front of your homes – you have never stood down, you keep pushing on.
This is not just another conflict; it is a fight against dark and evil forces that seek to destroy everything we hold dear.
As we mark one year since October 7, our stance has not withered. We have been engaged in a war that we neither asked for nor wanted. Although our nation is grieving, we are determined to win. Not just for the sake of Israel, but for the future of all Jewish communities worldwide. We are steadfast in our resolve to achieve all of our military objectives – first and foremost, to bring our hostages home and to restore security and confidence to the Israeli people. Israel will not, and cannot, allow this war to end with the same predicament as October 6.
Let us together praise the people who put their lives on the line for the State of Israel and pray for their safety.
Chazak, chazak, v’nitchazek – be strong, be strong, and let us strengthen one another.
Amir Maimon is the ambassador of Israel to Australia.
comments