Community to mark virtual events
'While we cannot come together physically, it is still vital that we come together as a virtual community'.
WITH COVID-19 restrictions in place, the Melbourne and Sydney Jewish communities will gather online to commemorate two key dates on the calendar – Yom Hazikaron and Yom Ha’atzmaut.
In place of a commemoration at Monash University’s Robert Blackwood Hall, which usually draws more than 1000 people, Zionism Victoria (ZV) executive director Jean Katzen said a video will be shared online to mark Yom Hazikaron on Monday, followed by an online celebration of Yom Ha’atzmaut on Wednesday.
“The hard work of staff and volunteers at Zionism Victoria which is usually invested in the physical tekes [ceremony] has now been diverted into the development of a poignant video ceremony, which will be shared online so that everybody in our community and beyond can engage with it,” she said.
In addition, ZV has offered anyone who wishes to commemorate a fallen loved one with the opportunity to do so via its social media channels. Members of the community are invited to send in information about their loved one and an appropriate commemoration will be part of ZV’s social media during Yom Hazikaron, she said.
ZV president Sharene Hambur stated, “While we cannot come together physically to remember those who gave their lives in defence of the State of Israel and as victims of terrorism, it is still vital that we come together as a virtual community to remember those who paid the ultimate price.
“By logging on to our Yom Hazikaron tekes, members of our community can show that they stand with the people of Israel at this difficult time for Australia, Israel and all the world, and can send a message to the people of Israel that the sacrifices made by so many Israelis are not forgotten.”
Addressing the new arrangements for Yom Ha’atzmaut, Katzen noted that “there will be an amazing online celebration, one that will feature all of the incredible entertainment you would have been able to see [at the Memo Music Hall in St Kilda] but instead, members of our community will enjoy it in the comfort of their living room”.
The event will feature a live performance by Friends of Shalom Hanoch and Arik Einstein, heading a line-up that includes Simon Starr, Ohad Rein, Amir Paiss, Anita Lester, Adam Starr, Scott Griffiths, Jonathan Skovron and Lior.
For the Yom Hazikaron tekes, log on to www.facebook.com/zionismvictoria on April 27 at 7.30pm.
To commemorate a loved one, please send information to Josef Wilkinson at communication@zionismvictoria.org.au.
For the Yom Ha’atzmaut celebration, log on to www.facebook.com/zionismvictoria on April 29 at 8pm.
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