Dear friends,
Our hearts are shattered.
A brutal terrorist attack has struck our community. Beloved and dear friends of ours have been murdered. Many others are injured, shaken and traumatised. Families are grieving. Children are frightened. The pain is raw and real, and none of us should have to carry it alone.
At moments like this, words feel small. And yet, silence feels worse. So we want you to hear this clearly. You are not alone. We are a family, and we are here for you, fully and unconditionally.
If you need to talk, please reach out. If you are struggling, confused, angry, numb, or scared, that is all normal. If you know others needing extra support, reach out to them or let us know. We have caring professionals in our community who have volunteered to listen, to support, and to help you through this. You do not have to be strong by yourself.
Tonight, we ask everyone to light your Menorah and think of our dear friends Rabbi Eli Schlanger, Yaakov Levitan, Reuven Morrison, along with all the other victims who lost their lives, may Hashem avenge their blood.
If you don't have a Menorah please let us know and we will get you one. Rabbi Schlanger gave his life for Jewish light, Jewish pride, and Jewish life. Nothing could give his soul greater comfort than to know that people are doing a mitzvah for him.
Please pray for the victims, for the injured, for the traumatised, and for their families. Say Tehillim . Give tzedaka. Every act of goodness matters now more than ever.
We want you to know something else, clearly and without hesitation. We will not withdraw. We will not hide. We will not let fear decide who we are.
We intend to continue services at shul as normal. We need each other. We need community. We need to stand together, visibly, proudly, with strength and faith.
If you are able, there is a link below to help support the grieving families. Practical help is another way we bring light into a very dark moment.
Our people have been here before. We cry, we mourn, and then we rise. Together. With faith. With love. With stubborn hope.
TOHELPFAMILIESOFVICTIMS: https://www.charidy.com/supportsydney
FOREMOTIONALSUPPORT:
Expert psychotrauma specialists from United Hatzalah of Israel are available in Sydney. For confidential support or referrals, contact Darya Rubenstein at darya@israelrescue.org or +61 456 812 859.
Social workers from the Nefesh community have offered their time to anyone who needs to talk.
And we are here for you in any way we can.
We love you. We are here for you. Please reach out.
With broken hearts, and unbreakable spirit of Chanukah,
Rabbi Aron and Nechama Dina
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