Israeli advocacy group ISRAEL-is inspires Queensland Christian community with powerful testimony and groundbreaking VR experience.
In April 2025, the Queensland Christian community welcomed a deeply moving and unifying visit from ISRAEL-is, an Israeli-based advocacy organisation dedicated to improving Israel’s image around the world. The visit featured a powerful personal testimony from 25-year-old Christian Israeli, Odelia, (pictured) whose life was forever changed by the tragic events of 7 October. In a story that gripped the hearts of many, Odelia shared the loss of her beloved younger brother, Uria, aged just 20, who was killed in battle following the horrific Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel in October 2023.
The events, held in the Gold Coast and in Brisbane in partnership with the Queensland Jewish Board of Deputies, brought together hundreds of people across faith lines in a remarkable show of solidarity. Central to the visit was ISRAEL- is’ immersive virtual reality experience, Survived to Tell, which presents the testimonies of survivors of the 7 October attacks in a vivid, unforgettable format.
Participants described the experience as life-changing. The powerful combination of cutting-edge technology and raw, unfiltered stories from survivors opened hearts and inspired action.
So profound was the impact, that the community
quickly mobilised to fundraise for the establishment of a permanent Survived to Tell VR exhibition within the Queensland Holocaust Museum in Brisbane.
Jason Steinberg, Chairman of the Queensland Holocaust Museum, expressed heartfelt gratitude:
“We are incredibly thankful to the Christian community and all supporters who have embraced this opportunity to install Survived to Tell in our museum. This installation not only honours those who endured 7 October but ensures that future generations can witness these stories of survival and courage in a way that resonates deeply.”
The National Director Matthew Chivers shares that at Bridges for Peace (BFP), we are always looking for opportunities to show our unwavering, unconditional love and support for Israel and the Jewish community:
“Upon hearing of the opportunity to be part of the broader Christian community in supporting the funding of this incredible project I immediately contacted the Bridges for Peace board and they were unanimous in their support. It is an honour and privilege for BFP to fund the purchase of these state of the art headsets/video equipment so that more and more people can view ‘Survived to Tell’ at the Queensland Holocaust Museum. We see this as another step in the journey towards ‘NEVER AGAIN IS NOW’. This funding is made possible through the generous support of Christians from across our country. I can’t wait to personally view ‘Survived to Tell’ next time I am in Brisbane.
The exhibition will allow museum visitors to experience firsthand accounts from the survivors, reinforcing the stark reality of a day that marked another painful chapter in Jewish history. The message from Odelia and others was clear: remember, share, and stand together against hatred and terror.
Dionne Taylor, Australian Emissary for ISRAEL-is, praised the warmth and responsiveness of the Queensland community:
“We are so touched by the generosity and open-heartedness of those who have made it possible to bring Survived to Tell to Queensland. This is more than just a VR experience—it is a platform for truth, remembrance, and connection. We are thrilled to officially launch this initiative in Australia and are eager to continue sharing it with communities nationwide.”
To date, Survived to Tell has toured more than 10 countries, with over 50,000 people having experienced the harrowing yet hopeful stories of survival. The Queensland launch marks the beginning of the programme’s Australian journey, with ISRAEL-is offering to bring the experience to churches, schools, and community groups across the country.
This initiative reflects a growing bond between Australia’s Christian and Jewish communities and serves as a beacon of
empathy, resilience, and shared humanity. Visitors are encouraged to experience the VR stories, spread the truth, and extend a hand of love and support to the Jewish community in these trying times.
For information on how to donate to the Queensland Holocaust Museum and support the Survived to Tell initiative, including tax-deductible options, please contact the Museum directly and if you wish to bring Survived to Tell to your community, please contact dionne@israel-is.org
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