I was deeply honoured to be a finalist from the 97 nominated for the National Esther Awards for Allyship to the Jewish Community, presented by The Governor General and NCJWA at Admiralty House Sydney.
Esther Awards, Presented by the National Council of Jewish Women of Australia (NCJWA)
With your support, ICEJ have maintained a steadfast voice for the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of Jewish people, using our platform to advocate for understanding, solidarity, and meaningful action, walking side by side with genuine friendships and enduring bonds.
This was an incredible recognition by the National Council of Jewish Women of Australia and highlights the outstanding dedication and meaningful work as a Christian Ally by the ICEJ Australian Branch.
Our allyship goes beyond words. Our unwavering commitment to active advocacy, providing $50,000 in financial support to the families of the Bondi attack victims, fighting antisemitism at all levels and deep commitment to building strong, supportive bridges across Christian, Jewish and wider communities rooted in our Judeo-Christian values.
We also extend our heartfelt congratulations to all other finalists. Each nominee has demonstrated extraordinary commitment, courage, and care in standing with the Jewish community, and their contributions deserve recognition and celebration.
You can be an advocate too – Why not follow us on socials and share God’s inspiration and truth:
or scroll down and assist us promote the Local Government Summit Against Antisemitism.
The days ahead
A calendar to pray through, wherever you are.
Saturday 12 September — Yom Teruah
The Feast of Trumpets when the shofar is sounded. Among other connotations, it is thought of as a wake up call to prepare for the coming Day of Atonement. It is also called Rosh Hashanah, the New Year that dates from creation.
Monday 21 September — Yom Kippur
The Day of Atonement, the most solemn day of the Jewish year, given over to fasting and repentance.
Saturday 26 September — First day of Sukkot
The Feast of Tabernacles begins, seven days dwelling in temporary shelters in remembrance of the wilderness years.
Friday 2 October — Hoshana Rabbah
The last great day of Sukkot, marked with prayers for rain and for the coming year’s provision.
Saturday 3 October — Shemini Atzeret
The eighth day, a day of joy that concludes the cycle of Torah reading and begins again from Genesis.
REMEMBER, REPENT REJOICE!
The Bible commands a special month of appointed times before the onset of the new (northern hemisphere) agricultural year. It is to reaffirm our belief that the LORD is the sole force behind the fate of the coming season. We do not look to nature, nor do we let the perceived changes of climate control us. We put our trust in God who decides how the rainy season will unfold.
So, it is in the Seventh Month – called Tishrei, of the Biblical calendar when prayers begin for rain, that there is a heightened awareness of dependency on God. Trust in Him permeates the whole holiday season. During Succot, to remember God’s protection in the wilderness journey, people are commanded to get out of their comfortable dwellings, be exposed to the elements, and trust in God rather than man-made protection. We cannot rely on our real estate, our money, even on our skills or health. We are fully dependent on God.
This period of special appointments with the LORD begins on the 1st day of Tishrei with the Feast of Trumpets – also known as Rosh Hashanah. It acts as a wake-up call to prepare for the coming Day of Atonement ten days later when the nation stands before God in repentance, seeking forgiveness. The Ten Days are known as the Days of Awe and are ongoing days of repentance and putting things right between fellow men, preparing hearts and lives to stand before a Holy God.
SUKKOT
The Feast of Tabernacles is the final biblical festival, held five days after the Day of Atonement. Meaning “booths” it commemorates God sheltering Israel after Egypt (Leviticus 23:42-43) and prophetically points to a future when God will dwell —or tabernacle—with His people (Revelation 21:3). It also celebrates the final harvest as the Festival of the Ingathering.
“Go deeper, click here to discover the significance to your faith today” The Feast of Tabernacles: ‘The Restoration Of All Things’ – ICEJ Australia
No wonder the Rabbis call it – ‘The Season of Our Rejoicing’. Be part of the rejoicing by registering for the online celebration of sukkot…
2026 Local Government Summit Against Antisemitism and For Social Cohesion
📍 Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs
🗓 26–27 November 2026
Join hundreds of mayors, councillors, GMs and council staff from every state — two days of practical work on responding to hate and building cohesion, closing together at Bondi Beach. Backed by the Commonwealth & NSW Governments, chaired by David Gonski AC. Every council in Australia is invited.
💰 Tickets are $599 (ex GST)✈️ Travel, accommodation & registration subsidies available for regional and rural councils — cost shouldn’t stop anyone attending.
For any questions or subsidies please email: australia@combatantisemitism.org
KINGDOM FESTIVAL
Kingdom Festival 2026 – Feast of Tabernacles, as we gather for a powerful time of worship, fellowship and celebration.
📅 25–30 September 2026
📍 Twin Rivers Centre, Eagleby (Brisbane/Gold Coast)
Register now: kingdomfestival.com
ICEJ SUMMIT
Catch up on all that took place at the Jerusalem Summit 2026! From inspiring conversations to powerful moments and insights from leaders around the world, discover what happened and hear the key highlights. Stay tuned, subscribe to our YouTube channel, and don’t miss what’s coming next!
140 William Street, Level 40, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
Thank you for your support,
Sarah Way
ICEJ Australia National Director
