By COLlive reporter
Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull danced with members of the Jewish community at a synagogue in Sydney on Friday night, as part of Chanukah celebrations.
Turnbull and his wife Lucy joined the gathering at Central Synagogue and were hosted by the Shul’s Rabbi Levi Wolff and his wife Chanie to mark the seventh night of Chanukah.
“As the candles of the Chanukah are lit each night we are reminded of the enduring resilience and courage of the Jewish people in the face of the darkest adversity,” Mr Turnbull wrote on Facebook.
“Australia would not be the remarkable nation it is, the most successful multicultural society in the world, without the extraordinary contribution of the Jewish community.”
Rabbi Wolff reported that he received a phone call from the Prime Minister earlier in the day. “He related that our Jewish community was in his thoughts during this turbulent week for Israel and the Jewish people,” he said.
14 countries voted on the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2334, which condemned Israeli settlements. The United States abstained with Secretary of State John Kerry justifying the uncommon move in a lengthy speech which was condemned by Israel.
“This past week, Israel found itself isolated by foes (and declared allies) alike,” Rabbi Wolff stated. “And yet, there was one voice of morality and justice that refused to be silenced – it vibrated loudly and clearly across the world – and that was the voice of Australia, under the leadership of both our Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and our Minister for Foreign Affairs, Julia Bishop.”
Australia is not currently a member of the Security Council and therefore could not vote on the resolution. But Bishop told the Sydney Morning Herald that Canberra would likely have voted against it.
“Israel and the Jewish community have a true friend in you,” Wolff told the Prime Minister. “In fact, Israel and the entire Jewish world know you are a true leader who stands up for justice and truth, even when it may seem you are swimming against the proverbial tide.”
“Mr. Prime Minister, for your daily, positive work and for all that you have already achieved, May G-d bless you! May G-d bless your government! And May G-d bless your family! Thank you for gracing us with your presence!”
VIDEO:
Nice to see the shliach say the truth that the Rebbe always stressed should be publicized to the whole world and that would save bloodshed on BOTH sides: “The land of Israel is an everlasting gift from the everlasting G-d to the everlasting Jewish people,” as recorded in the BIBLE countless times.
“Making the goy for a gazlan,” the Rebbe always said, will not succeed and is not fair but is dreadful for him.
wonderful to see this video. Very heart warming !!
It makes me even prouder to be an Aussie !
Thank G-d for those among the nations with moral clarity! Hatzlacha Rabba, Freilichen Chanukah! We want Moshiach Now!!!
Amazing work by Rabbi Wolff!
Beautiful KAH Hatzlocho
Such a wonderful friend of the Jewish people, may he be blessed from the source of blessings, great work Rabbi Wolf and family.
God, of course, has a very special place in His Heart (so to speak) for the righteous of the nations. God bless him & his.
For moral dignity and righteousness in places on this earth!