Victorian Jewish community shows support for Israel with Shabbat service

The Victorian Jewish community turned up in their thousands to a special Shabbat service in ­Melbourne to support those families afflicted by tragedy in Israel.

Members of the Victorian Jewish community gather at Caulfield Park in southeast Melbourne on Friday to stand in solidarity with the people of Israel. Picture: Aaron Francis

The Victorian Jewish community turned up in their thousands to a special Shabbat service in ­Melbourne to support those families afflicted by tragedy in Israel.

Supporters flooded into ­Caulfield Park on Friday afternoon despite the overcast ­conditions, with many brandishing the Israeli flag.

Heartbreaking signage en­titled “KIDNAPPED” with the names and photos of those presumed captured by Hamas forces were placed on trees and placards around the park.

Inscriptions on the signs read: “200 innocent civilians brutally abducted from their homes in ­Israel. Men, women and children were wounded, raped and murdered by Hamas.”

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan and Victoria Opposition Leader John Pesutto lit candles at the special gathering on Friday night and offered their support for the wider Jewish community in Victoria.

Both Ms Allan and Mr Pesutto were seen watching on as selected members shared the tragic stories of loved ones lost or captured last weekend.

Zionist Federation of Australia president Jeremy Leibler was unabashed in his support for those grieving, adding he would stand with the community through the “difficult times to come”.

“We have all gathered here today to bring in Shabbat and tell you that we stand with you,” Mr Leibler said.

“We stand with the people of Israel and we stand with the brave soldiers of the IDF.”

“And we will continue to stand with you for the difficult times to come,” he told the crowd.

Mr Leibler said he didn’t have the words to comfort those who were suffering “unbearable pain” or respond to those who had shared their anguish and disbelief.

Loud cheers were heard as the Israeli national anthem was sung at the end of proceedings, with those in attendance told to stay “strong” as a community.

There was a notable police presence surrounding the park and the cordoned-off event area was heavily guarded with officers.

Free Palestine Melbourne have declared their intentions to rally in support of Palestine at the State Library of Victoria at midday on Sunday.

The protest follows hundreds of Palestinian supporters who marched through the CBD on Tuesday evening.