Solidarity Shabbos in Australia

Release from the Rabbinical Council of Victoria:

With the recent and very current tragic events transpiring in the Holy Land, our hearts and prayers go out to our brothers and sisters living through this crisis. We pray that the Almighty protect and safeguard them from harm and that He bring peace and security to the region.

Our deepest heartfelt prayers go out to our brothers and sisters in the TZAHA”L (Israeli Defence Force), who put their lives on the line for the safety and security of our People. May the Almighty protect them and ensure that each and every one of them be delivered unharmed from these horrific circumstances back to the hands of their families in health, safety and in security.

The Rabbinical Council of Victoria condemns all acts of terrorism, particularly those perpetrated against the innocent Jewish civilians in the region by Hamas terrorists. Whilst we certainly do not rejoice at the loss of life and destruction our soldiers in the TZAHA”L are compelled to inflict, we recognise that in the face of unremitting and incessant daily provocation by the ruthless Hamas targeting Israel’s civilian population, the overwhelming restraint shown by Israel could simply not continue. Despite all Israel’s efforts to avoid this outcome, it is now clear that there simply remains no alternative.

The Rabbinical Council of Victoria proclaims this Shabbat a Shabbat of Solidarity with our brethren in Israel and calls on all Synagogues and Congregations in the State of Victoria to recite chapters of Tehillim (Psalms) after the Prayer Services on Shabbat morning.

May the Almighty comfort the families of those who have been murdered at the hands of the Hamas terrorists and may He bring an end to all wars. May The Almighty in His infinite Wisdom inspire wise counsel in the hearts and minds of the Jewish Leaders who make the important decisions affecting so many.

Rabbi Meir Shlomo Kluwgant
President, Rabbinical Council of Victoria