We watch events unfold in Iran and surrounding territories with anticipation. Our thoughts and prayers are with the civilians because they are the ones that usually suffer. We empathize with the suffering of the Iranian people and ask all parties involved to show restraint in these challenging times.
Meeting with IDF reservist Pini Bechar and Yossi Mateyahu, CEO of ZDVO and a former IDF Lieutenant Colonel with 25 years of service. Called up on 7 October 2023, Mr. Bechar was deployed to southern Israel to secure the breached border near Kibbutz Be’eri during active combat, where he sustained serious injuries in the line of duty. Their service and stories reflect the resilience and courage of those who protect others—sacrifices that will be respectfully remembered.
With heavy hearts and solemnity, we mourn the unbearable loss of Matilda. She was yet to reach her teenage years; 10 years old. She was the youngest of victims at the Bondi Beach Massacre, murdered in an act of terror. She, together with the other victims, was targeted and killed because of her faith. We will remember their names, defend our values and stand united against hatred and bigotry. Those that perpetuate terror will not intimidate us and their hatred will never prevail.
We forever stand with the victims, their families and the Australian community.
Some have said that Australia lost its innocence at Port Arthur in April 1996, but I say we lost our innocence today when for the first time in our history, a group of people were targeted and murdered at a religious celebration for purely religious reasons. This is un-Australian; this hatred was imported and Australia needs a reckoning.
Over the past two years, I have experienced the loss of numerous personal and professional connections as a result of my support for the Israeli’s taken hostage by Hamas. I wish to state unequivocally that I do not regret this position. Loyalty is a core principle to which I adhere, and I remain steadfast in the beliefs and values that inform my actions.
We extend our deepest gratitude to His Majesty King Charles for standing in solidarity with the British Jewish community in times of need. His visit to the site of the Manchester Synagogue terror attack serves as a powerful and important message that compassion and unity must triumph over hate.
Recent behavior in London wherein a Jewish lawyer was handcuffed and detained for 10 hours merely for wearing a necklace with the Star of David on it is detestable to say the least. The British establishment fought against the Nazi facists some 80 years ago only to adopt this same form of fascism in the 21st Century. How did our society retrogress from an enlightened sophisticated society back to the dark days of the Third Reich?