Supporting our Community
Sonia Newell – Development Officer – Alumni & Community Relations
As the war in Israel continues, we support our brothers and sisters in Israel as best as we can, as well as our families in Sydney. Over the past two weeks, I have included letters from members of our School community about their thoughts and feelings about life in Israel for their children in the IDF and for them as a family over there and here in Sydney. Many of our readers were at the Vigil last Sunday morning at the Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park. Here are some poignant words from alumna, Lisa Solomon (Class of 2013), who attended the Vigil with her parents and two sisters, also Emanuel alumni:
The last time I draped the Israeli flag over my shoulders, I was marching into Auschwitz bearing witness to what remained of the atrocity that saw 6 million Jewish lives brutally taken by the hands of Nazis, my Papa’s entire family among them. Today I wear the flag once more as we remember the 1400 lives brutally taken by Hamas terrorists and demand the return of the 241 hostages taken 36 days ago. The grief I felt 11 years ago in Poland as I tried, but failed ,to make sense of what I’d seen was overwhelming, but the knowledge that “Never Again” was a promise the world vowed to keep helped ease the burden. The devastation and despair I feel today as global antisemitism rises to 1930’s levels in the wake of the most horrific terror the Jewish people have seen in our lifetime is suffocating and it is debilitating. Every day feels like an eternity, yet my mind and heart haven’t left October 7. I fluctuate between broken hearted disbelief, rage and a sense of hopelessness that terrifies me, but, above all else, I feel an immense amount of pride in being Jewish.
Our very existence is miraculous – I owe my life to Papa’s strength, for without him, I wouldn’t be standing here today wrapped in the flag of my people with the steadfast belief and deepest understanding that we will survive this too. After all, survival courses through our veins today, as it has done for the last three and a half thousand years. So, while I don’t believe that this is the world we’re living in, I know with my whole heart that Am Yisrael Chai, the people of Israel will live.
We continue to thank the Communal Security Group (CSG) and all volunteers for their never-ending dedication to keeping us safe here in Sydney, as we pray for the safety of everyone in Israel and the return to peace as well as the safe return of all hostages. A group of Sydneysiders have banded together to organise meals for CSG members and, as you will have read, some of our Emanuel parents prepared and delivered meals to families here in Sydney with sons and daughters serving in the IDF. Kol Hakavod to everyone for your help and support in these dark times.
Black Beanie Project Update
As many of our readers already know, the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) has asked for help worldwide for a number of provisions, and one of the things they have asked for is beanies for our IDF soldiers. Winter is approaching in Israel and the weather can be bitterly cold, especially the nights. They need 350,000 beanies and Emanuel grandparent Pam Wertheim has spear-headed this project. The huge call-out for knitters to help knit these beanies has been an overwhelming success, but nowhere near the number of beanies still needed, even with beanies being knitted not only from here in Sydney but also now from almost all corners of the world. Pam says “Thanks again for your tremendous support for this important project. I am once again appealing to your generosity. Due to your tremendous and continuous support, the cost of getting the beanies to Israel will be very high. Donations towards this freight cost will be greatly appreciated. The first three boxes of Australian-knitted beanies arrived in Israel this week and are ready for distribution to some of the IDF soldiers. Please support the Black Beanie Project. To our knitters, please keep those needles clicking, to those who wish purchase Beanies, please note they must be black, no pom poms and no fleece lining. Beanies are available from Federal Workwear at a cost of $2.50. Please support this amazing company, who have donated over 100 Beanies already – they are members of our community: Federal Workwear, 69 Ebley St, Bondi Junction (next to Spotlight).
“All beanies can be dropped off – address will be provided on request. The beanies will be sent to the Michael Levine Base in Jerusalem, where they will be distributed to our IDF. Please contact me on blackbeanieproject746@gmail.com if you would like any further information and/or for banking details if you wish to donate towards the cost of getting the beanies freighted to Israel. Thanks again and Am Yisrael Chai.”
Surf’s Up
Maccabi NSW All Abilities, together with support from JCA The Choice Foundation, are running The Surf Program again this summer for community members with a disability, starting this Sunday 19 November 2023. This five week program at Bondi Beach is all about having a blast whilst improving your surf skills.
Head On Photo Festival
On until Sunday 3 December 2023
Parents Moshe Rosenzveig OAM and Anita Schwartz invite you to come check out this amazing photographic exhibition which you can see at various locations, including the Promenade at Bondi Beach, with more than 10 amazing installations, including “The Lonka Project” – you will see just some of the portraits from this ongoing photo exhibition, which consists of some 455 individual portraits of Holocaust Survivors, including our very special Emanuel great grandparent, the late Eddie Jaku OAM and Sir Frank Lowy AC.
The Best Gift Market – Goldstein Reserve, Coogee
On Sunday 3 December 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.
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.