Hashem Hears Our Cry—A Call to Strength and Light

Friday 21 February 2025

23 Shevat 5785

Dear Community,

The past few days have been filled with unbearable pain. The horrors in Israel, the lives lost, and the ongoing antisemitism here at home weigh heavily on all of us. We mourn with the families of the fallen, we pray for the wounded, and we cry out for peace and security for our people.

Among the tragedies, the confirmation of the brutal murder of little Kfir Bibas, his brother Ariel, has shaken us to the core. Their suffering, along with that of all the hostages and their families, is unfathomable. At the same time, we cannot ignore the open miracles we have witnessed—this week, three buses packed with explosives detonated in Tel Aviv, yet by the grace of Hashem, there were no injuries.

Hashem says: “I have surely seen the affliction of My people… and I have heard their cry” .

As we face today’s struggles, we must know that Hashem hears us too. He sees our tears, feels our anguish, and, through our unity and mitzvot, He strengthens and uplifts us. Now, more than ever, we must turn our pain into action.

Let each of us take on an extra mitzvah—whether lighting Shabbat candles, putting on tefillin, giving tzedakah, or deepening our Torah learning. Every mitzvah is a beacon of light that pushes back the darkness.

The Rabbinical Council of Victoria calls on our community to stand strong together. We will not be defined by fear but by faith. We will not be broken by hate but strengthened by our commitment to Yiddishkeit and to each other.

May Hashem hear our cries, protect Am Yisrael, comfort the bereaved, and bring peace to Israel and the world.