On Sunday last week, Emanuel School students paid tribute to Jewish servicemen and women who have served in the Australian Defence forces. They joined Sydney community members at the wreath laying and ANZAC Day Service hosted by The NSW Association of Jewish Ex-Servicemen and Women at the Sydney Jewish Museum.

Rabbi Daniel Siegel

Below are some reflections from our students:

Matthew Joffe – Year 12

NAJEX’s ANZAC Ceremony this past weekend was a fitting commemoration for Jewish soldiers who have served and sacrificed their lives at war for the protection of Australia. The Governor of New South Wales, His Excellency General David Hurley attended, along with his wife, Mrs Linda Hurley, forming part of the audience hearing an interesting historical recounting of the Jewish impact in World War I, from acclaimed psychiatrist and past Governor of New South Wales, Professor Dame Marie Bashir. The service also included various Rabbis and other esteemed individuals from the Eastern Suburbs Jewish community, who have served in Australia’s army, and who spoke about what the ANZACs mean to the country of Australia and the Jewish people. I found the ceremony a respectful commemoration of the soldiers who sacrificed themselves for the betterment of our nation and I will attempt to continue to attend such ceremonies to remember the fallen soldiers.

Oliver Evans – Year 12

The ANZAC ceremony at the Sydney Jewish Museum was truly a beautiful commemoration. In the past, I have been to a few ANZAC services, however I had never been to a Jewish one, where fellow members of the Jewish community were there to remember those we lost. It was unlike anything I had ever been to and I was deeply moved by the speakers such as Professor Dame Marie Bashir. The most impactful moment for me, was when the room filled with everyone saying the mourner’s Kaddish. The heartfelt prayer reflected everyone’s emotion, and I felt not only connected to my country, but also to my religion. I greatly encourage everyone to go to this service as it truly was a meaningful experience.

Eden Sadra –  Year 12

The special ceremony was beautiful and very meaningful. It was such a pleasure to be able to go and represent Emanuel School and have the honour of laying a rose down in remembrance of those Australian soldiers who gave up their lives for all of us. We learn about it at school, and we have ceremonies as well, but when you voluntarily take the time out of your day to come to a commemoration like the one that was so beautifully put on, it becomes so much more meaningful. I am proud be part of a country that regularly recognises their fallen soldiers in such beautiful ways. In honour of our fallen Australian heroes … Lest we Forget.