News

Chag Shavuot Sameach!

Last week we commemorated 2 significant days in history. One is D-Day, June 6, 1944 that symbolises the turning point of the Second World War when the Western allies counter attacked Nazi Germany and the Axis forces leading to Germany’s surrender within less than a year.

The other is Jerusalem Day , that symbolises the “reunification” of Jerusalem on 5 June 1967, following 3 weeks of Syrian and Egyptian troops gathering on the borders, accompanied by threats from Arab leaders, leading to great fear of a second holocaust.

Both events symbolise in my eyes the victory of the “free world” representing liberal values of freedom and democracy, seeking peaceful co-existence against authoritarian and oppressive regimes with less values to individual human rights. This links to current events. Despite all the hardship we are facing I believe we must maintain hope and aspire for a better world that will see freedom and liberty winning over fundamentalism and extremism. (more…)

Dear friends,

Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan and Opposition Leader John Pesutto were keynote speakers to a reception this week marking the 76th anniversary of the State of Israel. The two party leaders were joined at the function by numerous state and federal politicians, representatives of other nations, VIPs from all walks of Victorian life and various senior faith and community leaders. (more…)

Passover

Chag Pesach is also known as chag Ha cherut or Chag Cheruteinu – The festival of our freedom.

The struggle for freedom is woven into Jewish history and identity for thousands of years.

It is true about the collective freedom of the Jewish People as a whole to be accepted for who they are and for the individual to practice their beliefs and way of life according to their set of values. (more…)