Youth rallies to #BringBackOurBoys
AUSTRALIA’S Jewish youth are rallying together to pray for the wellbeing and safe return of the three teenaged boys kidnapped in Israel.
AUSTRALIA’S Jewish youth are rallying together to pray for the wellbeing and safe return of the three teenaged boys kidnapped in Israel.
In Sydney on Sunday, June 15, approximately 200 participants from across the youth movements filled Bnei Akiva’s maon.
The gathering was addressed by former Sephardi chief Rabbi of Israel Rabbi Shlomo Amar. It also included a brief introduction to the situation, a communal minchah and maariv, and a learning program about the redemption of captors.
“In times of distress in Israel we band together by the thing that unites us,” Bnei Akiva Sydney Merakez Rafi Lawrence told The AJN. “The strength of our emotional connection and the empathy with the captured teenagers and their families brings us together.”
Lawrence noted that the issue is particularly poignant for a number of the Bnei Akiva madrichot, who were taught at a seminary in Israel by Racheli Frenkel, the mother of one of the kidnapped boys – Naftali.
Meanwhile, Melbourne’s Zionist youth have also showed their support for the global #BringBackOurBoys campaign. On Sunday evening, Bnei Akiva hosted an event at their Melbourne headquarters.
Before reciting prayers, the 200-strong contingent from various Zionist youth movements heard from Rabbi David Katz of Michlelet Mevaseret Yerushalayim on the topic of negotiating with terrorists.
Treasurer of Bnei Akiva Melbourne Oren Smith said the attendance, especially given the short time in which the event was put together, was impressive.
“I think it shows a great deal of strength and unity with the nation of Israel,” Smith told The AJN.
“People dropped absolutely everything to come on that night to pray, which is really something special. Despite the distance, we’re able to connect,” he said.
The solidarity with the kidnapped boys is set to continue in Sydney on Sunday, with Jewish young adult organisations coming together to raise awareness on the steps of the Sydney Opera House.
With the objective of bringing light to darkness, there will be a focus on good deeds on the day. Organisations such as Magen David Adom and Red Cross are due to attend.
Participants will be given #BringBackOurBoys stickers, and photographed all together, demonstrating Australia’s support for the international campaign.
For full coverage, see this week’s AJN.
PHOEBE ROTH
Youth movement Bnei Akiva Sydney rallies to #BringBackOurBoys.
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