Solidarity for Fire Victims
The Zionist Council of NSW together with NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, held a solidarity gathering lastnight for the Sydney Jewish community to remember the fallen, stand with the victims and salute the heroes of the Carmel Fire Tragedy.
President of the SZCNSW Richard Balkin
Har Hacarmel (Haifa, Israel) was confronted by the worst forest fire in Israel’s history which devastated the country’s natural forest and claimed the lives of many. The ceremony commemorated the 43 people killed, 17,000 people displaced, 5 million trees lost and 74 homes destroyed in the Carmel Forest Fires.
More than 300 people of all ages gathered at the Great Synagogue to show their support & solidarity with Israel. We were also accompanied by special guest Professor Igor Verner, a Faculty member from the Technion University in Haifa, who shared his first-hand experiences during of the evacuation & tragedy.
The service was incredibly moving & heartfelt as it was informative & concluded with a prayer for all the innocent victims of the fire.
The function was kindly supported by 12 Zionist Community Organisations.
