Approximately 1,000 people assembled in a Sydney, Australia synagogue last night for a unique solidarity meeting for Israel. The program featured video connections to Israel, the United Kingdom, New Zealand and other cities in Australia. In what one participant called an \"emotional and inspiring evening,\" the audience was treated to video-transmitted speeches by Israeli Chief Rabbi Yisrael Meir Lau, Minister Natan Sharansky, and Jerusalem Mayor Olmert from Israel, as well as by British Chief Rabbi Jonathan Sacks from London. In addition, the Melbourne Jewish community participated by video, as did children from other Australian cities and New Zealand.
The overriding message of the evening was, \"You, the Jews in Israel, are not and will never be alone in your fight for the land of Israel.\" Other features of the precisely-timed event included remarks by Sydney Rabbi Milecki, Rabbi Chaim Gutnick, and Arnold Roth, whose daughter Malka Chana was killed in the Sbarro murders two weeks ago; the family immigrated to Israel from Australia in 1988. In addition, Yechezkel Braun and Ivor Joffe led the singing of traditional passages, and prayers for Israel were recited.
The overriding message of the evening was, \"You, the Jews in Israel, are not and will never be alone in your fight for the land of Israel.\" Other features of the precisely-timed event included remarks by Sydney Rabbi Milecki, Rabbi Chaim Gutnick, and Arnold Roth, whose daughter Malka Chana was killed in the Sbarro murders two weeks ago; the family immigrated to Israel from Australia in 1988. In addition, Yechezkel Braun and Ivor Joffe led the singing of traditional passages, and prayers for Israel were recited.