7 October 2023, one year ago, was a special Shabbat called Simcha Torah that celebrates the end of the annual Torah reading cycle. In Israel, I was ready for synagogue with my friend and her two daughters, when a siren blasted. From the bomb shelter window I sneaked a look outside and saw men running from their synagogue services. Something was up.
After shabbat the horrors began to unfold, forever etching 7 October in the hearts and souls of every Israeli and Jew worldwide. I returned to Australia, but part of my heart, blood and soul remained there. So as 7 October this year approached, I was compelled to mark it some way.
Hashem orchestrated an event. He gave me the number 200 and indeed 200 people attended that day. Incredible musicians and artists offered their talent. Gd gave me the name of the event that slipped off the tip of my tongue during a conversation about the mood and theme I wanted to convey – a ‘Celebration of Hope’.
As Jewish festivals spread from sunset to sunset, Simchat Torah began Friday evening, 6 October, full of fun, coming together, festivities, eating, dancing and sharing with family and friends. But ended with fear, mutilation, rape, aggression, unbridled hate and death on the 7th.
‘Celebration of Hope’ reflected both sentiments.
Talented Jenn Routley volunteered, leading music with keyboard and voice. Warren Woodland sang his own composition, ‘Ariel’. Kelly Murphy sang her own composition ‘O Holy One of Israel’ (Ps 71) with harmonious vocals by Maryah Pesu. A stunning rendition of ‘How Great Thou Art’ by Rex Eggmollesse gave us goosebumps.
Rabbi Shalom Bonnardel of Chabad, spoke of the tragedy when Jews were ruthlessly murdered “for just being Jews”. He challenged us to ask, “what am I going to affect, what am I going to do, how can I make for unity and peace?” A memorial candle was lit.
Senior Pastor Lawrence Seiuli powerfully declared “Never again is now” referring to the fight against rising antisemitism worldwide and prayed for the Israeli people, Benyamin Netanyahu, the Israeli government and military, every Israeli and that the Australian government should stand with Israel.
One minute of reverential silence was followed by the Israeli national anthem, ‘Hatikva’ (The Hope) whilst the Israel flag flew at half-mast.
Messianic Jewish guitarist Bar Graham harmonised with Jenn, leading a melody of well-known Israeli songs, lifting spirits in hope and solidarity with Israel.
Israeli Osnat Patton shared a tearful account of loss of family and friends and her dear niece who survived the worst of atrocities. Osnat said “the world altered. Humanity broke. Israel changed. The world spun off its axis. Love changed”. Not many eyes were dry. Osnat urged us to “choose light and hope, stand together, and turn unity into love.”
Also Israeli, Osnat Berstein, and Israeli friends danced to ‘Lifenei ha’zericha’ (Before the Sunrise), choreographed post-7 October 2023. The song, a reminder of hope in dark times. Osnat’s voice faltered with emotion explaining that the song accompanies many ‘reunion’ videos of IDF soldiers surprising their loved ones, their children, their wives and husbands, their parents and siblings.
The Jubilee Dance Ministry group, led by Gwenda Brooks, glided and waved white flags in harmony to Release the Prisoner (Ps 61:1-3), Am Yisrael Chai (Israel Lives) and the Aaronic Blessing, sung by Messianic Jewish believer Susanna Galer, capturing everyone’s hearts.
Maryborough’s Family First candidate, Kerry Petrus spoke about “upholding Judeo-Christian heritage, ethics, and morals” and standing with Israel.
Llew O’Brien Federal MP for Wide Bay said “Terrorism must never be tolerated or justified”. “Antisemitism must be condemned”.
Messianic Jewish Dave Hoffmann chanted the Aaronic blessing in Hebrew and English followed by resounding blasts of three shofa. Dave, alongside Rabbi Shalom, and Christian Tim Watts, blew powerful, piercing notes that reached everyone’s core – a call to reflect, repent, renew and a reminder of spiritual commitments to stand for Israel.
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