The Night The President Came to Town

Last Monday night I attended the Sydney Communal Function for President Herzog.

The atmosphere in the packed auditorium was in stark contrast to what was unfolding on the streets outside. The chasm between those protesting and those of us welcoming the President is the fault line that is driving much of the social unrest in Australia today. A cursory glance at my phone this morning confirms this is clearly being further weaponised by the media and social media.

We decided to catch public transport into the city, given the timing of the event at the end of the Monday workday. Coming out of Town Hall Station was always going to be challenging emotionally. Despite the Supreme Court decision to dismiss the Palestinian protesters’ application to march, the protests proceeded. I understand approximately 6,000 protesters took part. In my opinion, this number reflects the core of the protest movement. Allowing for absences for various reasons, it is my assertion that the maximum they would likely number is no more than 10,000. My point being that a vocal minority are driving the anti Zionist message.

Having said that, protest is a democratic right, but it must be peaceful and respectful of the law. In both cases, it was not.

We entered a sea of keffiyehs as we left the station. The air was filled with hate and aggression. Perhaps I am being over-sensitive, but I cannot but express my lived experience as honestly as I can. We walked head high, with purpose and avoiding any unnecessary contact. The further from the station, the lighter the atmosphere.

Darling Harbour was full of police. Their job is much easier here. I lost count of how many times we said thank you, always reciprocated with a smile, a wave or a spoken salutation. Lining up to go through the security checks felt like arriving at the concourse of Ben Gurion Airport. How reassuring it is to be surrounded by community, to be embraced in the safety of our people.

In a packed auditorium, we came together to listen, to cry, to celebrate.

Shir, the Australian Jewish Music Festival, provided us with a soundtrack to the evening which was both uplifting and uniting. Ben Adler, Shir’s director, is an inspirational leader whose activism on behalf of our community goes beyond his music. His activism led to the first performance of a Hebrew song, Shir HaShalom, on the steps of the Opera House at the Australia Day Concert, telecast nationwide. A fitting reclaiming of a site infamous for its “Gas the Jews” protest against Israel, only a day after October 7.

There were many memorable moments during the night. A few stand out:

The President: For me, the moment was his entry into the auditorium. It was filled with the joy of connection. Connection with Israel. The circle was complete, the Jewish people united together. The epicenter of this reunion-Sydney. We stood, we clapped. Everyone was smiling. His speech was heartfelt and appropriate. I am hoping that his trip will do more than bring comfort. I want to hear him speak of peace, renewing relationships, finding solutions for all Jews, in Israel and the Diaspora. Feeling sympathy for the Palestinians. Probably I am asking too much.

Mimi Baron: An Australian Union of Jewish Students member. A budding poet. Her emotional letter to Matilda was powerful. Presented in a performative style, the many silences between her prose spoke to me as much as the words themselves. She was mesmerizing and received the appropriate accolades.

Shaina Gutnick, the daughter of Reuven Morrison, who died bravely confronting the gunmen, has become an unofficial spokesperson for the families of the victims of Bondi. Rightly so, given her eloquence and strength. She has become an activist, advocating for justice for those who perished on December 14, and perpetuating their memory. Her tears flowed easily, even as time has brought healing.

Chris Minns, Premier of New South Wales, remains a clear crowd favourite. One of the few politicians who has not hesitated to show strength against the haters and empathy to our community. His words are strong and defiant, even as he must have known that post the event, he would face the inevitable controversy from the aftermath of the protests outside.

The event over, the Presidential entourage exited, and we were requested by police to remain in the auditorium due to ongoing challenges with the protesters, who had failed to obey police requests to move on. Outside, provocative behavior led to rolling melees with police. Inside, the auditorium buzzed, bathed in the afterglow of coming together as a community, and the message of support from our brethren in Israel, delivered, appropriately, by their head of state.