Tuesday, 14 October 2025

 Renee HEATH (Eastern Victoria) (14:20): Yesterday was really an incredible day for the world with the end of the Gaza–Israel war, and I just want to express my thankfulness for the moral courage shown by President Trump in brokering this deal. I join with I know millions around the world who really hope that this will be a lasting peace.

I want to speak particularly about one family today, and that is the family of Omri Miran. His story is one of incredible courage and selflessness. He was in his safe room with his family on 7 October when his next-door neighbour, a young boy, came and knocked on his door because a Hamas soldier was holding a gun to his head. He said that if Omri did not open the door he was going to get shot. Omri then got paraded to the next room, where another girl was murdered in front of him. He ended up taking the most amazing step: in order for them to live, he was taken hostage to Gaza. I met his dad a while ago. His dad was growing a huge beard, and I asked what it was about. He saw that his son Omri had not been given even a razor in Gaza, so he decided that he would grow his beard until his son came home. I was so moved that I just said, ‘May your beard not grow too much longer.’ He handed me this necklace as a reminder to pray every day. Yesterday that prayer was answered, and I am so thankful.