Scene of Jewish Pride at Sydney Opera House

In front of the iconic Sydney Opera House, where antisemitic protests took place just days after the horrific October 7th attacks last year, the JewQ Australia competition finalists representing 57 schools from 15 communities in three Australian states gathered for a Jewish pride rally and group photo at the close of an unforgettable weekend — the first Australian CKids National Shabbaton culminating with the annual JewQ championship.

These champions, many of whom are the only Jewish students in their schools, stood proudly in front of the Opera House, offering a prayer for peace in the Holy Land and the safe return of the hostages. Rabbi Nochum Schapiro of Chabad North Shore and President of the Rabbinic Council of Australia sounded the Shofar and the children broke into spontaneous dancing and singing of “Am Yisroel Chai” and “I’m a Jew and I’m Proud.”

“The best way to fight hate is by living as proud Jews,” said Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky of Chabad World Headquarters. “We’ve seen the knowledge these young scholars have gained give them the confidence to stand tall, share their heritage with their classmates, and show the world what being Jewish truly means.”

The weekend was filled with inspiration, from interactive workshops and spirited activities to the grand championship attended by hundreds of locals and fans. The winner will proudly represent Australia on the world stage in New York this March against the finalists from 4,000 competitors in 25 countries.