In memoriam: Bondi Beach massacre
A beautiful sunrise sky greeted me as I made my way in to the garden, early morning a few days ago.
Then, we were just 4 days after the Bondi Beach massacre that had been perpetrated against our Jewish community in Sydney on December 14. The first night of Hannukah.
It was a small moment in time, but another from mother nature that comforted me, reminded me of the beauty in this world and above all gave me hope - as so many sunrises do.
It has been a horrific week. A week of unbearable pain and grief. The worst kind of shock and yet somehow, completely expected given the government's leniency toward the hate-filled and extremist ideologies that have been seeping through our streets and communities this past 10 years or so. Indeed, globally.
Two children stick out for me at that hellish event.
Little Matilda, the youngest of those murdered at just 10 years old. Born here of parents who came to a country that gave them safe haven. Named Matilda as a tip of the hat to this wonderful country and culture. 'Waltzing Matilda' an iconic Australian song. Together with other innocents, her life was brutally stolen by terrorists.
For Matilda and all those who were murdered on that day, may their memories forever be a blessing זיכרונם לברכה
And then one of the murderers. Also born here, but sadly to a father who chose to fill his child's head with extremist, fanatical and hate-filled ideology. A father who placed killing others above everything else.
I choose to focus on the positives. The sheer heroism shown that day both at the event and from further afield. By both Jewish and non Jewish people. The long lines of people at the blood doner stations. The outpouring of support and love for the Jewish people from the wider community. And the anger toward the failed government.
The central message of Hanukkah is one of light overcoming darkness, hope and religious freedom. It commemorates the Maccabees' miracle over 2000 years ago in Jerusalem of rededicating the Holy Temple with a single day's oil burning for eight days. Symbolizing perseverance against oppression and the enduring power of faith.
This is the connection to the sunrise and sky I saw on this morning. From darkness, into light.
In memoriam: Bondi Beach massacre
A beautiful sunrise sky greeted me as I made my way in to the garden, early morning a few days ago.
Then, we were just 4 days after the Bondi Beach massacre that had been perpetrated against our Jewish community in Sydney on December 14. The first night of Hannukah.
It was a small moment in time, but another from mother nature that comforted me, reminded me of the beauty in this world and above all gave me hope - as so many sunrises do.
It has been a horrific week. A week of unbearable pain and grief. The worst kind of shock and yet somehow, completely expected given the government's leniency toward the hate-filled and extremist ideologies that have been seeping through our streets and communities this past 10 years or so. Indeed, globally.
Two children stick out for me at that hellish event.
Little Matilda, the youngest of those murdered at just 10 years old. Born here of parents who came to a country that gave them safe haven. Named Matilda as a tip of the hat to this wonderful country and culture. 'Waltzing Matilda' an iconic Australian song. Together with other innocents, her life was brutally stolen by terrorists.
For Matilda and all those who were murdered on that day, may their memories forever be a blessing זיכרונם לברכה
And then one of the murderers. Also born here, but sadly to a father who chose to fill his child's head with extremist, fanatical and hate-filled ideology. A father who placed killing others above everything else.
I choose to focus on the positives. The sheer heroism shown that day both at the event and from further afield. By both Jewish and non Jewish people. The long lines of people at the blood doner stations. The outpouring of support and love for the Jewish people from the wider community. And the anger toward the failed government.
The central message of Hanukkah is one of light overcoming darkness, hope and religious freedom. It commemorates the Maccabees' miracle over 2000 years ago in Jerusalem of rededicating the Holy Temple with a single day's oil burning for eight days. Symbolizing perseverance against oppression and the enduring power of faith.
This is the connection to the sunrise and sky I saw on this morning. From darkness, into light.