This past week, our team from Chabad of RARA – Rural and Regional Australia travelled to Darwin to spend time with members of the Jewish community living far from larger centres of support and connection.
During the trip, we ran two community events that brought people together for meaningful conversations, support, and connection. We also held one-on-one counselling and support sessions with individuals who deeply appreciated having someone there to listen and help during challenging times.
Sheina Gutnick, who lost her father in the Bondi attack, spoke passionately about Jewish identity in todays age, and how we can be more resilient, while maintaining our daily lives and connections.
Our second event, held in conjunction with the Combat AntiSemitism Movement, was open to the wider community, and brought people of all backgrounds together to learn how we can move forward together as a united community.
A highlight of the trip was meeting with individuals and connecting in a very real way, something which we could see was very much needed after recent events.
Alongside the community programs, we met with MPs, community leaders, and dignitaries to discuss the needs of Jewish people living in remote and regional Australia and the importance of ensuring that nobody feels forgotten because of where they live.
One of the most powerful parts of regional outreach is seeing the strength of Jewish identity in places thousands of kilometres from major communities. Sometimes, simply showing up reminds people that they matter and that they are part of something bigger.
Thank you to the dedicated team that made the trip up to the Top End: Rabbi Menachem and Shevi Aron, Amanda Gecelter, Sheina Gutnick, Mushkie Gordon and Candice Wainstein.
And a big thank you to everyone in Darwin who welcomed us so warmly and helped make the visit so meaningful - we will definitely be back for another visit.
