Page 119 - October 7 - Teresa Pirola

which include regular giving to the wider Australian society and outreach to other religious and cultural groups. This is what Jewish communities have been doing in response to the unprecedented pressure they have been under since October 7. And it should make us ‘think again’ before we uncritically accept every accusation we hear touted in the media about how Israelis conduct themselves in the war in Gaza.
And now this: the voices of Israeli hostage families calling for a ‘Week of Goodness’. May its spiritual power lead not only to the return of hostages but spur every person of faith and goodwill to take a clear stand against antisemitism, including the genocidal antisemitism of Hamas.
Closer to home, my ardent hope is that, as a sign of respect for the Jewish people, and conscious of the antisemitic frenzy unleashed in the past nine months, Australians will express solidarity with this ‘Week of Goodness’.
It is the least we can do for the Jewish community, who has contributed so generously to all that is good, indeed best, about our nation, Australia.
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