Published: 27 May 2021
Last updated: 4 March 2024
Low-key messages from community leaders and politicians at Sydney rally for Israel on Sunday; more forthright comments delivered at Melbourne rally; event also held in Brisbane
THE JEWISH COMMUNITIES of Sydney and Melbourne held rallies of solidarity on Sunday – for comfort, mutual support and to express hope for the continuation of the ceasefire and increased prospects for peace.
The Sydney rally took place, as on previous occasions, at Central Synagogue in Bondi Junction, with over 800 in attendance.
It was notable for a lack of razzamatazz, as organisers sought to convey comfort and an opportunity to assemble rather than fire up passions and emotions.
Other than the backdrop of an Australian and Israel flag, there were very only a couple of Israeli flags in the crowd. Indeed, there were few opportunities for “flag waving” literal or metaphorical, during the event.
Lesli Berger, NSW President of the Jewish Board of Deputies, set the tone with his opening remarks. “We gather today to comfort each other and to wish for peace for Israelis and Palestinians.”
He added: “We are a community of survivors … we are a minority community and will always be. But we are strong, and our strength comes from our unity and our commitment to Jewish values … [which] are respected in the wider national ethos”.
Political participation was kept to a minimum, with only two “local” politicians speaking: Federal MP for Wentworth, Dave Sharma (Liberal), and NSW MP for Coogee, Marjorie O’Neill MP (Labor).
Other speakers included Rodney Naumburger (President, NSW Zionist Council), Noa Sheer Benav (Hatsofim Australia, Israeli Scouts), Jill Segal (President, ECAJ) and Nadia Coburn, NSW President AUJS.
