Our hearts are broken by the horrific act of antisemitic terrorism in Bondi Beach, Australia, which has left at least 11 innocents dead and at least 29 injured – at the very moment we are meant to celebrate the triumph of light against overwhelming darkness by lighting the first Hanukkah candle. Included among the injured is Arlen Ostrovsky, brother-in-law of MERCAZ USA delegate to the 39th World Zionist Congress last month, Rabbi Menachem Creditor. We are grateful to God that Arlen’s prognosis is good and he will, God willing, recover. We ask that you keep him, Yechezkel Ben Zoya, and all those who were injured in your prayers. And of course, we keep all those whose lives were so viciously taken from us and their families in our hearts and prayers for comfort as well.
Even in the depths of grief and fear, we find comfort and purpose in our obligation to keep our lights kindled. We will always be firmly dedicated to shining the light of Jewish life and Zionist values in our community and beyond, and to combating antisemitism in all its forms, wherever it appears.
Wherever you are lighting your candles this evening, we stand together with you and with the Jewish Community of Australia. May our world be a place where the light triumphs over darkness and may the memories of the murdered be a blessing.
Rabbi Hillel Skolnik, President, MERCAZ USA
Sarrae Crane, Executive Director, MERCAZ USA
