In response to the unexpected attack initiated by the Palestinian militant group, Hamas, that claimed the lives of over a thousand civilians, a vigil, drawing thousands, was held in the heart of Sydney. The Jewish community of Sydney came together to memorialize the departed souls, congregating in large numbers at Rodney Reserve in Dover Heights, a suburb east of Sydney.
According to the organizers, by 6pm, the crowd had swelled to nearly 5000 attendees, transforming the Reserve into a lake of somber gatherings. Among the attendees were Danielle Chaanger and Gioel Gottlieb, a Jewish couple who shared their profound distress at the insurgent affront of Hamas.
Narrating a chilling account, Gottlieb shared how his doctor’s wife’s sister had been shot and her baby killed, inducing a wave of horrified gasps from those present. Despite the heart-wrenching personal connection, Gottlieb insisted that their presence was not to incite retaliation, but rather to unite in support for their homeland, Israel.
Though plans for the Wednesday evening service were deliberately kept undisclosed until the event, there was heightened security to ensure the safety of all attendees. A strong police contingent was positioned at Rodney Reserve in Dover Heights to prevent any breaches of peace in the wake of the already heated discussions emerging from the conflict.
Prominent figures including NSW Premier Chris Minns, federal Health Minister Mark Butler, federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, and NSW Opposition Leader Mark Speakman, will address the crowd gathered in vigil. Melbourne will also be hosting the national leader, Mr. Albanese, who will be visiting a local synagogue.
With the distress palpable, Jillian Segal, President of the Executive Council of the Australian Jewry, expressed her sorrow at the unfortunate incidents that have been deemed a “day of amazing persecution of the Jewish world.” Nonetheless, she encouraged the community to stay strong, stating the importance of unity in such difficult times.
The Acting NSW Police Commissioner, Dave Hudson, shared that the local law enforcement was informed of the vigil and assured the public of the heavy police deployment to guarantee security. He acknowledged the pain of the Jewish community and extended his sympathies to them.
It was announced at the vigil that, in response to the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies’ request, added security measures would be implemented at Jewish schools, synagogues, retirement homes, and hospitals.
Contrastes in sentiments were seen when anti-Semitic slurs were shouted, and the Israeli flag was burnt at the Sydney Opera House on Monday. Though the landmark was illuminated in the Israeli national colors as a symbol of support, safety concerns led to advisories urging the Jewish community to avoid the area.
In addressing the apparent oversight, the Premier apologized to the Jewish community, expressing regret for not providing a safe space for them to grieve. He vowed to ensure that such missteps are not repeated in the future, promising to always stand with the Jewish community in their moments of pain and crisis.
