Commemorating October 7 down South

I returned to the place of my birth last week. Sydney, Australia. From my current home in NYC, it was a long, two-flight, 24-hour journey via LA and the Pacific ocean to arrive down unda.

I grew up in the idyllic city of Sydney with its beaches, cafes, large parks, and gorgeous coastline. None of that has changed.

I arrived in time to attend Sydney’s United Together Community Commemoration of October 7. On a beautiful Monday evening as the sun began to slowly set, hues of orange, red, and yellow spread out along the horizon. Across the lawn at the outdoor venue were 7,000 white chairs neatly arranged, facing a stage with large screens on either side. As the band tuned their instruments, the people started to arrive. They came by the tens, hundreds, and thousands. Before long, every single seat was filled and it became standing room only as 12,000 people showed up to pay their respects to the victims and survivors of October 7.

As the program began, the big screens were filled with photos of those taken from us. Each face, name, and age beamed large, reminding us of the enormity of our loss. At times, a drone hovered over us taking footage of the magnificent crowd and transmitting it onto the big screens. Then the speakers took to the stage. We heard from various members of the community including politicians, members of Jewish organizations, clergy, and most importantly, from survivors of the October 7 massacre. There was music, reflection, messages of hope, and unity.

Michal Ohana, one of the Nova Music Festival survivors, was the first to speak. I had watched the videos Michal had taken on her cellphone that unforgettable day practically in real time while trying to make sense of what was happening. Never did I think I would come face-to-face with or have the opportunity to speak with her a year later. But there she was, standing tall, dignified, and in control.

Nova Music Festival survivor, Michal Ohana, with Michelle Daniels

What do you say to someone who has been through hell?

“How are you?” didn’t seem suitable.

“Thank you for being here to share your story,” seemed more appropriate.

I told her how courageous she is; that she has touched the hearts of millions; that she has the support and love of all of us; and that we were thankful she survived.

She feels a responsibility to tell her story – it helps her, she said – and she will continue to share her story wherever and whenever possible. And she will continue to heal.

Michal is the focus of a documentary called “Surviving Nova,” by journalist and filmmaker Gilad Thaler. Her experience from that horrendous day can only be described as beyond traumatizing. Shot in the leg and punctured in the abdomen from shrapnel, she hid under a tank for several hours before being rescued. She lost friends and saw brutality not seen even in the most horrific movies. She is a survivor, and I will continue to follow her healing journey, and the highs and the lows of what her future brings, via her Instagram account.

Another noteworthy speaker at the event was Nova Maree Peris, OAM – an Aboriginal Australian athlete and former politician. Peris was the first Aboriginal Australian to win an Olympic gold medal in Australian women’s field hockey at the 1996 Olympic Games. Coincidentally, I was living in Atlanta during the 1996 Olympic Games and attended several of the games, but having subsequently moved to New York, I only recently became familiar with Ms. Peris’ story and her advocacy on behalf of Israel and the Jewish people. The standing ovation given before and after Ms. Peris’ address was an indication of how respected, loved, and appreciated she is in the community.

Nova Peris, OAM with Michelle Daniels

A loud roar from the crowd and another standing ovation was for Australian politician Peter Dutton, current Leader of the Opposition for the Liberal Party. Mr. Dutton’s moral clarity rivals that of powerhouses such as Douglas Murray, Brigette Gabriel, and Assita Kanko – staunch allies and friends of Israel and the Jewish community – and we are beyond grateful for their voices and strength in leadership.

Despite the massive crowd of 12,000, there was order, there was calm, there was cooperation, and there was love. It was an evening I will never forget. It was an evening that made me proud to be Jewish. We came together, Jews and non-Jews, as one. As our history proves, no matter how much adversity we face, we will rise and we will build. We will educate, we will love, and strive for a better world.

I pray that the surviving victims of the October 7 massacre continue to heal and are uplifted with the support of the community. I pray that our remaining hostages are returned alive and that those already murdered are returned for a proper burial. Ultimately, I pray that the broken world we live in is fixed and that peace reigns throughout the Middle East and the world.

Am Yisrael Chai. God Bless America. God bless Australia. Shabbat Shalom.