UPDATE: A special Unity Farbrengen took place at Chabad of Bondi, Sydney, on December 17, offering solace and strength to the Jewish community reeling from the tragic Bondi Beach terror attack that occurred just days earlier on December 14. This intimate gathering aimed to foster connection and healing in the wake of the devastating incident that claimed the lives of 15 individuals during a Chanukah celebration.
Rabbi Pinchus Feldman, who has served as the personal emissary of the Lubavitcher Rebbe in New South Wales since 1968, emphasized the urgent need for a close-knit community event, contrasting it with the recent large-scale Chanukah festival that attracted over 20,000 participants. “We needed a space where people could come together, share their feelings, and draw strength from each other,” said Feldman.
The Unity Farbrengen, coordinated by Chabad Youth NSW, featured a catered dinner and was led by Rabbi Elimelech Levy. The evening commenced with solemn Chabad nigunim, performed by chazanim Rabbi Menachem Feldman and Rabbi Chaim Koncepolski, which set a deeply emotional tone for the gathering.
A poignant video featuring the Lubavitcher Rebbe from the 1970s was shown, addressing the incomprehensible nature of the Holocaust. The Rebbe articulated that understanding it intellectually or emotionally is impossible, instead highlighting the eternal nature of the soul and the fleeting relationship between body and spirit.
Rabbi Feldman spoke about the critical importance of unity during challenging times, encouraging attendees to provide support and encouragement to one another. Rabbi Yoram Ulman, Rav of Chabad of Bondi, offered words of comfort, reminding participants of the community’s resilience.
The evening featured a heartfelt address from guest speaker Rabbi Mendel Lipskar, head Chabad shliach to South Africa, who traveled to Sydney to inspire the community with messages of resilience and faith. His passionate words emphasized the enduring strength of the Jewish people in the face of adversity.
Rabbi Nochum Schapiro, Rav of Chabad North Shore and president of the Rabbinical Association of Australasia, concluded the evening by urging attendees to bring menorahs into their workplaces to spread light and Jewish pride.
This Unity Farbrengen not only honored the memory of those who lost their lives in the Bondi Beach attack but also aimed to uplift those who were impacted, reinforcing the community’s resolve to stand strong together. As the community continues to process the aftermath of this tragic event, gatherings like this play a crucial role in healing and solidarity.
The Bondi Beach terror attack, which occurred during a Chanukah celebration, has deeply affected the local community and beyond. Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident, and more details are expected to emerge in the coming days.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops and as the community finds ways to support one another during this challenging time.
