Around 150 Jewish people are living in Darwin, a tiny semi-tropical city that lies north of Australia’s expansive Simpson Desert. Yet on Friday afternoon on the foreshore of the Arafura Sea, the community held a protest calling for the immediate, and unconditional release of all hostages, particularly the children. “It's ridiculous that there are a whole bunch of kids who are stuck in a dark tunnel, away from their family, and loved ones,” said Rabbi Menachem Aron. After over a month of the children being held hostage, the community felt that a public display was critical, and could no longer remain silent. “The Northern Territory is Australia’s equivalent of the Wild West, so we had no idea how people would respond. There are the cowboys to the west, bikie gangs to the south,” Rabbi said. As people wandered by, many stopped momentarily to look at the faces of the children in the posters. Not one poster was ripped, there was no abuse, the police didn’t have to be called to help. The only comments were to show support for the release of the hostages taken by Hamas terrorists and their families. The Darwin Jewish community is a small community that meet a few times a year to celebrate Jewish festivals and other celebrations. There is no synagogue, no permanent Rabbi, and absolutely no resources. Without a community structure, the Government wouldn't have approved permission to hold the protest. Thankfully the Zionist Federation of Australia came to the rescue sponsoring the event. They offered to organize security even though only a handful of people were expected to turn up. "Darwin Radio 1049Mix gave their time to interview me about the event. We were amazed as people drove from the other side of town to show support.", Rabbi said. Support came from members of a local church, and a First Nations woman whose grandfather was Jewish. She said she felt very connected to the Jewish people and held the Israeli flag high for all to see. “For the people of Israel, from the outback of the Northern Territory of Australia we send our love,” said Marilynne, an American, British Jewish Australian. ---- Well done to the local Darwin community for putting this incredible display of support together! Pictured: Members of the Darwin Jewish community stand near a display of posters depicting children that are being held hostage in Gaza
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Diana Mellett wrote...