In response to the tragic October 7 attack in Israel by Hamas terrorists, over 5000 people from diverse communities gathered in Sydney, organised by the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies and the Executive Council of Australian Jewry. This vigil honoured the 1400 lives lost from over 40 countries.
Leaders from various backgrounds, including Surinder Jain of the Hindu Council of Australia and Andrew Mencinsky from the Ukrainian Council of NSW, spoke passionately about solidarity and peace. A symbolic act saw six multicultural community leaders pin yellow ribbons on a Magen David, uniting different communities in support of Israel and the Jewish people.
Representatives from Sydney’s multicultural communities included, Tica Lee from the Chinese Australian Services Society, Teresa Pirola of Catholic Religious Australia, Hermiz Shahen of the Assyrian National Council of Australia, Khaleda Alrubaie as the Iraqi representative, Panayiotis Daimides from the Australian Hellenic Education Progressive Association of NSW, and Daniel Gobena of the African Australian Advocacy Centre.
These leaders stood together, showcasing the multicultural support against terrorism. The event underlined the need for global unity against groups like Hamas and ISIS, emphasising peace over violence.
This gathering was more than a vigil; it was a firm statement against terror and a collective call for peace and humanity. The message was clear: in the face of terror, unity and solidarity are our strongest weapons.
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