Lutherans standing with our fellow Australians of the Jewish faith
On Tuesday evening, I was privileged to join multifaith representatives and leaders to support those of the Jewish faith who were gathering in Melbourne at Federation Square. In the wake of the horrific acts of Sunday night, the close-knit Jewish community is profoundly impacted, and in many cases directly suffering the loss of leaders, family and friends.
Rabbi Gabi Kaltmann spoke of the loss of his best friend’s father-in-law and another fellow Rabbi of 20-years friendship. A period of silence was observed. Rabi Gabi then spoke of the dream of being able to be who they are, as people of faith, in Australia. He spoke against speaking of hate or retaliation – having come here as a faith community to leave that behind. And then he sang. Light will always push away darkness – Hannukah celebrates resilience, joy and ongoing faith and hope…, he sang. He sang as Menorah candles were lit – symbolizing oil that burned when relit in the temple many, many years ago; he sang as he led leaders in dance.
And, led by the choir, the community also sang. They joined in Hebrew in songs of tradition. Songs of light of day falling on their faces, songs of peace – for the Jewish community and the world. They sang, they danced, and they clapped along – a profound strength of faith despite their grief. Those standing around me took time to explain to me what the songs meant – they welcomed and embraced.
As we talked, they began to talk about the grief – those who were not there with them, those too scared to be out in public, mothers who had left the kids at home – the heartache of celebration and spiritual meaning without those the community fears to lose by their sides.
Older people told me: they were old, it didn’t matter if something happened to them – but they’d asked that their grandchildren stay away.
Leaders told me of their exhaustion – they are a small community, and the responsibility of responding has meant they have not had time to stop and retreat to a space of quiet themselves. For some, they had spent more time supporting the Rabbi in his role than they had with their partners and children, at a time that is for family.
Please pray for this community who worship the same God we do, but without recognising the gift of Jesus, God with us in human form – our light. We, the Christian Church, head towards Christmas, celebrating and spending time with family – let us also carry in our hearts and prayers our sisters and brothers of Jewish faith in these days.
For further reading:
VCC Statement on Bondi Beach Shooting – Request for Support and Prayer:
The official statement from the Victorian Council of Churches (VCC) regarding the shootings at Bondi Beach: HERE (PDF)
We invite you to join us in showing support and solidarity with the victims and their families during this difficult time.
We encourage all churches to uphold them in prayer and to seek God’s guidance for unity, peace, and healing within our communities.
Communications from the LCA:
