TBI Stands with Israel
On 7 October 2023, terror reigned upon our Jewish homeland. Since that fateful day, Israel has been fighting its longest war in the history of the Jewish State. The remaining hostages have yet to be released. Hundreds of rocket and drone attacks continue to threaten the nation almost daily. Sixty thousand Israelis are displaced and no Israeli family remains untouched—each bearing the loss of loved ones. The number of injured and maimed continues to grow, contributing to the ongoing trauma.
As Israel fights a physical war for its survival, we face another battle here in Australia and across the Diaspora. A pandemic of antisemitism is becoming normalised, as the line between legitimate critique of Israel’s government and the vilification of the Jewish people is increasingly blurred. Double standards and overt bias against Israel are on full display on the streets of Melbourne, leaving many of us feeling distressed, angered and deeply saddened.
And yet, amidst these challenges, our community has come together in solidarity. Many have found solace in coming into the synagogue, including those who had been distant from Jewish community. Our partnership with Zionism Victoria has brought incredible Israeli musicians into our space, filling our souls with music and our hearts with joy, hope and connection to Israel. We march together. We cry together. We laugh and dance together. We support Israel and her people through countless acts of love, generosity and advocacy.
In these moments, we draw inspiration from the resilience and courage of the Israeli people, who continue to face immense challenges with unwavering strength and resolve. As they defend against physical threats, we stand against an existential threat to our Jewish homeland.
Throughout history, our people have prevailed against adversity—and we will again. Let us find comfort and strength in the timeless words of Israel’s national anthem, Hatikvah:
כֹּל עוֹד בַּלֵּבָב פְּנִימָה נֶפֶשׁ יְהוּדִי הוֹמִיָּה
. וּלְפַאֲתֵי מִזְרָח קָדִימָה,עַיִן לְצִיּוֹן צוֹפִיָּה
עוֹד לֹא אָבְדָה תִּקְוָתֵנוּ ,הַתִּקְוָה בַּת שְׁנוֹת אַלְפַּיִם
.לִהְיוֹת עַם חָפְשִׁי בְּאַרְצֵנוּ ,אֶרֶץ צִיּוֹן וִירוּשָׁלַיִם
As long as the heart within the Jewish soul yearns forward toward the East,
an eye looks to Zion, our hope is not yet lost. Our hope is two thousand
years old: To be a free people in our land, the land of Zion and Jerusalem.
Your team at TBI are here and available to support you however possible. We encourage you to utilise the resources we have collected, which includes ways to assist those affected, as well as resources to support you and your family through these difficult times.
