Sydney rally mourns six slain hostages
Former Israel Government spokesman Eylon Levy has addressed over one thousand members of Sydney’s Jewish community at Bondi Beach gathered to mourn the six hostages brutally murdered in Gaza by Hamas.
Bondi Beach rally Photo: Rob Klein
Despite the short notice, the turnout reflected the deep sorrow and urgency felt by the community.
Levy, who was in Sydney as a guest of JNF, was joined by local leaders to address those attending.
Photo: Rob Klein
ECAJ co-CEO Alex Ryvchin began by acknowledging the devastating loss of the six hostages, stating that “the murder of these six hostages has affected us their different way.” He praised the strength and courage shown by the hostage families, saying, “they are the survivors of our generation, the witnesses to the ultimate evil.” Ryvchin emphasized the importance of honouring the memories of the deceased, stating, “we will tell their stories, we will know their names, and we will honour them by living our lives with greater determination to fight for our people and ensuring that our mission to bring light to this world is fulfilled.”
Ryvchin called on the community to transform their pain into action, saying, “we have to destroy the forces of darkness.” He stressed the need for unity, stating “we as Jews are only as good as we are and as strong as we are when we are together.”
Alex Ryvchin and Allegra Spender listening to Josh Burns Photo: Rob Klein
Victorian Josh Burns, the federal Labor member for Macnamara, spoke about the strength he draws from the Jewish community, stating, “we as Jews are only as good as we are and as strong as we are when we are together, so we are supporting one another.”
Eylon Levy Photo: Rob Klein
Federal Independent MP for Wentworth Allegra Spender conveyed her solidarity with the community, saying, “I share your grief, and I share your sadness. There were six beautiful lights that have been snuffed out in all too soon.”
Eylon Levy expressed the immense pain and grief felt by the Jewish community over the savage execution of the six hostages. He stated, “How much pain to be so far away from my mourning brothers and sisters in Israel, but how much comfort to stand here in the embrace of so many diaspora Jews and allies sharing our love.”
Levy emphasized that the community cannot wallow in sadness but must instead channel their grief into rage and determination to secure the freedom of the remaining 101 hostages held by Hamas. He called for the community to “take that grief and move from grief to rage and from rage to determination.”
Levy urged the international community to put more pressure on Hamas and its backers to release the hostages, saying, “We need more international pressure on the Hamas terror regime and its backers, Qatar, Turkey and Iran to let the hostages go. Now.” He emphasized the need for an “or else” to enforce consequences on the terrorists.
Levy concluded by reciting the prayer for the State of Israel, underscoring the unity and strength of the Jewish people in the face of such tragedy.
The rally concluded with a recitation of the memorial prayer and the singing of the Hatikvah.
Shocking to absorb the loss of life of these six young people murdered by Hamas. Let us take the advice of Eylon Levy and, after mourning, allow the anger climb to rage and turn to steely determination. We shall not forget and we shall prevail.