Pride, love and unity

I am a proud Australian and a proud Jew. On Monday, October 7, 2024, I attended the morning commemoration, marking exactly one year after the horrific massacre and brutalities committed in southern Israel by the heartless terrorists of Hamas.

Many emotions went through my mind that morning. Grief and deep sense of loss, anger that such things should happen in my lifetime.

And yet pride in the resilience of those most affected and in the prayers and support from leaders of our local community.

Prayers were offered for the safe return of the hostages enduring terrible treatment in Gaza, as each and every one was named, one by one. Despite all the atrocities and loss suffered, there was no hint of hate expressed, just sorrow and hope. At the conclusion of the commemoration, we all sang the Australian national anthem.

We were all united as proud Australians. So here is the question I would ask. Why do we not hear our national anthem sung by the other side at their rallies? If pro-Palestinian protesters cannot show any decency or love for the land that gives them refuge, they should leave. I feel these matters are important to restore our country to the accepting country that we love.

Paul Lowinger, Bellevue Hill, NSW