Wednesday, 18 October 2023

 David SOUTHWICK (Caulfield) (09:36): I want to put on record my thanks to Victorians that have sent their support and outpourings of love to the Jewish community and the people of Israel. Many have asked how they can help. United Israel Appeal (UIA) at the moment is running ‘Send a virtual hug to Israel’, which sends a video message, and I encourage those that are listening that want to record a message to do so. Natasha Blumenkranc has organised a fantastic project called Project 10,000 – 10,000 letters are being sent to Israeli soldiers and to the victims of terror. I want to thank particularly Gaby Davis from Bialik College, who organised that school to get involved. A number of other schools are getting involved as well.

There are a number of donation drives being run at the moment. Maccabi, at the Kfar Maccabiah site, which is their basketball stadium, has been converted into a shelter to accommodate 600 displaced people in safety. Thank you to Maccabi Victoria for the work that you are doing there, and there is an opportunity to help by donating there as well. Magen David Adom is doing a fantastic job providing medical needs for their ambulance service into Israel. The Jewish National Fund Hadassah hospital and Australian Friends of Sheba Medical Centre are running appeals as well, and of course 100 per cent of UIA’s donations are going to the victims of terror.