Victorian Jewish community to show solidarity with Israel
The Victorian Jewish community will come together as one tonight (Monday) to mourn those who were lost, to pray for those who were injured and kidnapped, and to unite behind their family, friends and all those Israeli citizens living through this terrible chapter in the country’s history.
Unite With Israel will be held at 7.30pm, with a number of senior federal and state politicians expected to attend, including Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, Deputy Victorian Premier Ben Carroll, Deputy Opposition Leader David Southwick, Victorian Multiculturalism Minister Ingrid Stitt, Federal MPs Josh Burns and Michelle Ananda-Rajah and Senator James Paterson
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan called Zionism Victoria Executive Director Zeddy Lawrence to express her regret that she was unable to attend, but extended her condolences to the community and said she would be lighting government buildings blue and white tomorrow evening in a demonstration of solidarity.
The event is being co-hosted by Zionism Victoria, the Jewish Community Council of Victoria, the Zionist Federation of Australia, the Australasian Union of Jewish Students, the United Israel Appeal Victoria, the Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council and the Australian Zionist Youth Council.
Zionism Victoria President Yossi Goldfarb said, “Yesterday will go down as one of the darkest days, if not the darkest day, in Israel’s history.
“The tragic loss of life, the kidnapping of innocent civilians and the sheer brutality of the onslaught have shocked the entire world.
“Many of us in Victoria have family and friends living in the country and the devastation and despair we feel cannot be put into words.
“The United With Israel gathering will be an opportunity for us to come together as a community not only to grieve and to honour those who have lost their lives, but also to pray for the safe return of those who have been taken hostage and to express our deepest hopes for peace.”
To register for United With Israel, visit www.trybooking.com/CJMZJ
