Volume 29 Issue 34 06 Nov 2020 19 Heshvan 5781

Pledge of Light

Rabbi Daniel Siegel – Head of Jewish Life

Let There be Light 

In commemoration of Kristallnacht, 9 November 1938, the International March of the Living is sponsoring a global interfaith initiative called Let There be Light. Schools, community organisations and individuals are invited to add their voice to this campaign by writing a personal message of hope on this live website.

You may post the “pledge of light” already provided on the website or create and submit your own message. The many postings will serve as a statement of “solidarity and mutual commitment in the shared battle against anti-Semitism, racism, hatred and intolerance”.

Below please find our student message which Alexis Joffe, Jade Berson and Chloe Miller helped compose. As the posted message cannot exceed 300 characters, the website contains an abbreviated version:

82 years ago, on the 9 and 10 November, the terror of Kristallnacht swept through Germany and Austria. This devastating event symbolised the great hatred towards the Jewish people and although much prejudice has been overcome, important work towards reconciliation and understanding still needs to be done. We, the students of Emanuel School, in Sydney Australia, believe we need to come together to shine light over the darkness of hate. We recognise the necessity of uniting as a family against antisemitism, and all forms of bigotry, hatred and intolerance. When we light candles or turn on a light, we notice its power in spreading light even in the darkest of rooms. This is alike to the power we have in spreading light, love and acceptance even and especially during periods of division, hatred and darkness. A flame is ever-changing, and though it may flicker it strives to be always present continuing to spread light and striving to burn bright. Light represents our unwavering commitment to fight antisemitism and all forms of prejudice. As light will always banish darkness, so will our spread of love banish intolerance and hatred. We understand the importance of our position of young Jews and pledge to fight darkness by spreading light.