I recently returned from an incredible time in Perth and along with many of our WA supporters, was encouraged and inspired.
The pre-event at the Perth Hebrew Congregation (PHC) was for me the most impacting. Rabbi Marcus Solomon, Justice of the Supreme Court of Western Australia, spoke of Biblical ethics. He began with the creation of Adam as an individual created in the image of God. Therefore, the individuality of all humanity forms a fundamental lesson of Judaism which is the ethical and moral aspect of Adam’s creation, that is, the value of human life and the individual.
One of the early great Jewish sages from the post temple period Rabbi Akiva, famously stated: “Beloved is man for he was created in the image of G-d…” Rabbi Solomon emphasised that especially beloved is he who KNOWS that he was created in the image of G-d. Rabbi Solomon challenged us about how today’s society views ‘responsibility’ as a burden, but responsibility should be seen as a gift and a privilege! In his closing remarks he said that if humanity disconnects itself from God, evil becomes empowered resulting in horrific consequences.
We were privileged to view the sacred scrolls of a Sefer Torah when Rabbi Daniel Lieberman (Rabbi of the Shul) discussed how Judaism is both ancient and modern at the same time.
The evening continued at Victory Life Centre, where Rabbi Riesenberg articulated great teaching and insights, Pastor Margaret Court delivered a heartfelt address,his Excellency Ambassador Amir Maimon (The Israeli Ambassador to Australia) again declared his appreciation to Christians in STANDING WITH ISRAEL and historian Kelvin Crombie gave an insightful recount of the Aussie involvement in the restoration of the State of Israel in the lead up to 1948. It was wonderful to share our Judeo-Christian Biblical values in an atmosphere of warmth and celebration.
The next evening I was invited to attended the United Israel Appeal Gala Dinner with guest speaker, Naftali Bennett (Israel’s 13th Prime Minister) and an inspiring IDF choir. It marked one year since the Russia-Ukraine conflict and we learned first-hand testimonies about the tremendous work of Aliyah and absorption, particularly from rescue efforts in Ukraine. It was incredibly moving to hear the work of the Jewish Agency that ICEJ directly supports though your donations.
Did you know last year ICEJ assisted over 6,000 olim (immigrants), mostly from Ukraine and Russia, including rescue and flights for over 200 Holocaust survivors? Today we have a great responsibility (i.e. a gift and privilege) to partner with the most prophesied event in the Bible – the return of the Jews to their homeland. Please prayerfully consider a generous gift to support Jews fleeing war, famine and persecution.
‘Todah’ means ‘thank-you’ in Hebrew. The Thanksgiving Sacrifice in the Temple was called Todah. I say ‘Todah’ to you all for your encouragement, prayers and financial support of our Aid, Aliyah & Advocacy work dispatched from Jerusalem to all corners of Israel’s land and peoples.
To watch a recording of the historical evening at Victory Life Centre, click the link below.
Special Thanks to SCAFI team, Perth Hebrew Congregation and Ps. Margaret Court’s Church – Victory Life Centre & United Israel Association.
Shabbat Shalom,
Sarah Way
ICEJ Australia National Director
