Tight security at vigil for Jewish community in Sydney
One of Australia’s peak Jewish organisations has called for leadership — from the top to the bottom — to ensure “hatred does not take hold of our society” following a peaceful vigil attended by thousands, in Sydney’s east.
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The co-CEO of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry has called for leadership from the top to bottom to ensure “ hatred does not take hold in our society”, following a peaceful vigil in Sydney’s eastern suburbs on Wednesday.
More than 10,000 people gathered in Dover Heights to honour those killed in Israel after Hamas’ brutal attacks.
“At a time like this leadership is paramount and with the Prime Minister who made very strong statements in support of Israel and the Jewish community when this event first appeared and the Premier has been exemplary,” co-CEO of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry Alex Ryvchin said.
“But it needs to go all the way down to school and family and community leaders to make sure that this hatred does not take hold in our society.”
Mr Ryvchin said the community is “anxious” after a rowdy pro-Palestine rally descended into protesters burning an Israeli flag, lobbing projectiles at police and chanting “f*ck Israel”.
“I will not deny that we are anxious at the moment and there are concerns and to see that there are Australians amongst us, no doubt a very small number who look at those scenes of carnage and atrocity from Israel and revel in this and feel joy and pride and happiness,” Mr Ryvchin said.
“And then chant gas at the Jews at the steps of our most iconic monument, that was a national humiliation broadcast throughout the world.”
INCREDIBLY MOVING VIGIL
Thousands of people from the Jewish community assembled in Sydney’s east on Wednesday night, holding flags for a sombre vigil mourning those killed in Hamas’ brutal attacks in Israel.
Security was in high alert as dozens of police and private CSG security lined the streets near Rodney Reserve in Dover Heights. The road leading to the park was blocked off by police, with cops on horseback patrolling the area.
More than 9000 people waving the Israeli flag stood sombrely at the music filled vigil. Many held up photos of family and friends who were killed in Saturday’s attack.
The mother of Tzvika Gershowitz, who is fighting on the front line in Israel, joined other family members at the front of the crowd, holding photos of the Australian man.
Jewish and political leaders addressed the crowd all condemning Hamas.
Jewish university student Rachel Palmer said they were “absolutely shocked” by the level of security at the vigil.
“There are security guards and police on every block, even a four-minute drive away,” they said.
“I’ve never seen anything like it.”
Rabbi at Cremorne Synagogue, Chaim Koncepolski, said the attacks by Hamas meant the community was living in fear for family living in Israel.
“It’s a new level, it’s scary for all of us that live here, and scary for all our families that live there and we’re here to support and show our solidarity in a respectful and peaceful way,” he said.
POLITICIANS PAY THEIR RESPECTS
Federal Health Minister Mark Butler has come to pay his respects, as has Premier Chris Minns and NSW Opposition leader Mark Speakman.
Senator Maria Kovacic and NSW Vaucluse MP Kellie Sloane are also in attendance.
Opposition leader Peter Dutton stood sombre next to Mr Butler who was representing the Prime Minister while Mr Albanese spoke at a Melbourne synagogue.
NSW Liberal MPs Natalie Ward, Matt Cross, Mark Coure, Matt Kean, Alistair Henskens, Damien Tudehope and Scott Farlow are also in attendance.
Liberal senator Andrew Bragg also paid his respects.
‘WE ARE IN MOURNING’
Alon Beran from the Jewish community in North Sydney said he was worried about his family living in Israel.
“My mum’s family lives over there, her sister lives over there and she’s walking around the house lost and scared,” he said.
“Her nephew is going into the army in the reservist.”
“It’s our homeland, this is home but Israel is home too.”
Executive Council of Australian Jewry President Jillian Segal said the Jewish community was grateful for the support of the broader community in the face of the events in Israel.
“We have felt it in our bones and we all mourn together for all those lives lost, for all those babies who have been slaughtered and all those people who have had our throats slit,” she said.
“We are in mourning.”
‘I DIDN’T FEEL SAFE’
Palmer said life in Sydney has become dangerous for Jewish members of the community, particularly in parts of Western Sydney where celebrations from pro-Palestinians attracted condemnation from religious and political leaders.
“Last night I finished work at 9pm in Western Sydney, and I had to get my mum to pick me up because I didn’t feel safe getting the bus home,” Palmer said.
“I am literally terrified.
“But our people’s grief and pain has overtaken the fear.”
PM VISITS SYNAGOGUE, CONDEMNS ATTACK
The vigil in Sydney came as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, in Melbourne, told the Jewish community that his government unequivocally condemns the attacks by Hamas.
Speaking at a Melbourne synagogue on Wednesday afternoon, Mr Albanese said: “The images we have seen from Israel, I believe, have taken a toll on all Australians”.
“The government and the people of Australia unequivocally condemn the attack,” he added.
Mr Albanese’s visit the synagogue to show support for the Jewish community came as the death toll from Hamas’s horror attack on Israel continues to rise.
Earlier, Mr Albanese met with his cabinet and revealed that flights to bring home Australians stranded in Israel have been arranged by the government and Qantas.
Originally published as Tight security at vigil for Jewish community in Sydney
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