Run to Show Support
Sonia Newell – Development Officer – Alumni & Community Relations
Peace, prayer and ‘the star’ run
3 December 2023, 8.30 am – 9.30 am
This event is a collaboration between JCA and Maccabi Life.
Please join Maccabi Walkie Talkies and Register Now!
- Moment of prayer for Israel with IDF soldiers
- Walk/run along a 2km route shaped Magen David
- Download Strava or running app to record your route and speed with a powerful message of support on social media
- Dress code: wear BLUE
- Our aim is to uplift ourselves and benefit our mental health during these challenging times by being outdoors, together, and sharing our support with Israel and the Jewish people worldwide.
As the war in Israel continues, we continue to support our brothers and sisters in Israel as best as we can, as well as our families here in Sydney. You may have seen some of the many heartwarming images online showing support for the safe return of all hostages and the return to peace in Israel, including this image of the Israeli Artistic swimming team:
Watch this moving video clip – a cover version of Madonna’s iconic song “Like a Prayer”, a collaboration of representatives from over 100 countries around the world, including Australia, and many of the families of the hostages taken by Hamas on Saturday 7 October 2023.
The Community Security Group NSW (CSG) and all volunteers are amazing with their never ending dedication to keeping us safe here in Sydney and beyond, as we pray for the safety of everyone in Israel and the return to peace, as well as the safe return of all hostages.
Kol Hakavod to everyone for your help and support in these dark times.
Black Beanie Project Update
Monday 27 November 2023, collection
Emanuel grandparent, Pam Wertheim, who is co-ordinating this amazing project, says “the next big air freight shipment will be collected on Monday 27 November 2023. I know it is a huge ask, but I would appreciate that all Beanies ready now be delivered to me by today, Friday 24 November 2023. Your Beanies keep our Soldiers warm, they feel hugged, comforted and loved knowing how much you care. Please keep those needles clicking and for those of you who wish to buy Beanies they are available at $2.50 from Federal Workwear, 69 Ebley Street, Bondi Junction (Next to Spotlight). Please contact me on blackbeanieproject746@gmail.com for the Black Beanie Pattern or any other information, including details about donating towards freight costs to Israel.”
Closing Night at Jewish International Film Festival (JIFF)
Tuesday 28 November 2023, World Premier of “The Jewish Nazi?”
Closing night of JIFF in Sydney at The Ritz Cinema, Randwick on Tuesday 28 November 2023 sees the world premier of The Jewish Nazi? a film directed by Emanuel parent Dan Goldberg, a successful screenwriter, producer and film director. He will open the premier with a talk on the story, supported on stage by Konrad Kwiet, resident historian at the Sydney Jewish Museum (SJM) and Baiba Mangalis-Ford, niece of The Mascot, the bestselling book on which Dan’s film is built.
Drinks on arrival at 7.00 pm with the film screening at 7.30 pm.
Note: there will be encore screenings between Wednesday 29 November 2023 and Wednesday 6 December 2023. For more information and to book tickets visit JIFF.
Modern Day Boat People
Shira Sebban OAM is a past parent who served on the School Board for 14 years, including three terms as vice-president. A registered community migration agent and writer, passionate about helping refugees, she says, “I now work pro bono as a migration agent with charitable law firm, Human Rights For All. We focus on helping refugees, asylum seekers and stateless people, usually in long term detention. My new book is called Vietnam’s Modern Day Boat People: Bridging Borders for Freedom (Jefferson: Mcfarland, 2024). The book tells the story of several Vietnamese families, who were rejected by Australia, jailed in Vietnam, rescued by Indonesia where they were recognised as refugees by the United Nations, and finally resettled in Canada – all with the help of a disparate international group of volunteer advocates. I wanted to write it because few books have been published in recent years that show the impact of Australia’s tough border control policies on the actual lives of refugees, in comparison with Canada’s relatively more humanitarian approach. The book covers issues where Australian official secrecy still abounds, giving voice to the families’ experiences, as shared with their advocates, in what, I believe, is an inspirational story of resilience, determination, and hope. A story which highlights the extraordinary courage of “ordinary” people in their battle for liberty, showing what can be achieved when borders prove no boundary.”
Visit this website for more information. The book is also available in paper back or kindle edition on Amazon.
The Best Gift Market – Goldstein Reserve, Coogee
Sunday 3 December 2023, 9.00 am – 6.00 pm
Join Artist/Mothers, Emanuel parents Janice Eliovson and Anthea Ben-Naim at the Best Gift Market on Sunday 3 December 2023. Both Janice and Anthea will be sharing their passion for paint and selling a delicious creative array of original paintings and products. They hope some of our readers will stop by to say hello and check out their artwork.
Practical Strategies to Help Us Cope
Monday 4 December 2023, webinar, 7.30 pm – 9.00 pm
Wolper Jewish Hospital and the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies (NSWJBD) invite our community to this special wellbeing webinar.
This free session is for parents, grandparents and carers and will focus on our children and adolescents, as we all learn how to protect our mental health during this time of trauma, grief and anxiety.
For more information contact Wolper Jewish Hospital on 9328 6077.
Songs for Israel
Monday 11 December 2023
Chanukah 2023/5784
In just under two weeks we begin the celebration of Chanukah, also known as the Festival of Miracles. It is said that when Jews come together, miracles can happen. Here’s hoping for the ultimate miracle very soon, where all the hostages will be released, and peace returns to Israel. Most synagogues in Sydney have their own Chanukah celebrations planned. as do many Jewish organisations.
There is a family event planned at Taronga Zoo on Sunday 10 December 2023:
There is also an event organised for young Jewish adults on Friday 15 December 2023:
We look forward to sharing our news and yours, so if you have photos and/or news you would like to share with us, please send to Sonia Newell.
Shabbat shalom, stay safe and have a good weekend.