Today we farwelled Ari and Mendel, who recently completed a 6 week, 12,000 kilometer trip through three states, travelling from Melbourne to Western Australia, with over 180 visits made along their route.
For the two young rabbis, it was an incredible experience, being able to witness the beauty of the Australian outback first hand, while simultaneously being welcomed by so many families in regional areas.
Ari and Mendel came to bring connection to distant families, and to give a listening ear to people living in areas where there is little to no Jewish community.
From Geraldton to Esperance, and everywhere in between, they met with people they agreed with, with people that they disagreed with, with people of their age, and people 80 years their senior. Whether seeing eye to eye, or even not, a close connection was made.
And although the two did receive a great deal of hate online, as was widely reported, on the ground was a very different experience. It was heart-warming to be stopped by strangers on the street, and shoppers in Coles, as locals offered words of support and encouragement. It really is true that there are more good people out there than bad.
Ari and Mendel extend a big thank you to all those that welcomed them through their doors, hosted them overnight, and made them feel welcome.
Pictured here from left to right, Ari Segelman, Mendy Mendelzon, Rabbi Menachem Aron, Saul Spigler, getting together in Melbourne last night post the big trip to celebrate the 12,000 kilometer trip.
