“Mah Nishtana Halayla Hazeh? How is this night different from all other nights?”
These may be the most compelling words of the Pesach story and the Haggadah itself, but they have a particular resonance beyond Passover. This year on Anzac Day, we in the Australian Jewish community, may well be asking ourselves: How is this Anzac commemoration different from other years? After December 14, in a post-Bondi world, how do we feel as Australians, how are we regarded by our fellow Aussies, and are we still equal and vital partners in the commemoration of Anzac Day?
These are still early days. We are in the first stages of our grieving, the Royal commission is yet to run its course, and the war with Iran complicates and confounds our position as Australian Jews. Despite these realities, Anzac Day is an opportunity to reflect on our proud history and the contribution of the Jewish community to our beautiful, larrakin land.
The resurgence of antisemitism in Australia has been frightening, if not eviscerating. It has caused real fear and sometimes paranoia, questions about our future, despondency at the response of many we regarded as friends and allies, concerns about government and official ineptitude, perplexity at a hostile media and simple pain at the visceral hatred of us by so many. Indeed, we ask: how is this dark night any different from all those other black and frightening nights of Jewish history?
Despite all this, I am still an optimist – although I do ponder whether I am more of a cautious optimist or a hopeful pessimist! I still call Australia home. My optimism comes from the wide range of Australians I come across in my work in the interfaith and multicultural communities. There is a horror amongst them at the naked aggression we are experiencing as Jews and a strong spirit of support for us.
One could expect this from those in leadership; from like-minded individuals who seek out connections with other faiths. However, there does seem to be growing recognition of our condition and support for us from amongst grass root members of these communities.
‘Ordinary’ people are reaching out to their Jewish neighbours or to the local shul to express their solidarity. This is not only my experience, but it’s also evident in the incredible support experienced by the many Jewish individuals and organisations seeking to create links to the diverse range of communities in our multicultural society.
It is also most evident in regard to Anzac Day in my role as Senior Rabbi to the ADF, leading a team of six exemplary Jewish Chaplains across Australia. Our work is of course focused on the Jewish men and women in the ADF, but as members of the Multifaith Chaplaincy we rarely encounter antisemitic incidents or sentiments. When there are such incidents they are dealt with promptly and professionally, with care and with concern. We feel heard and recognised as a community which calls Australia home.
The Australian Defence Force has a long memory and an abiding respect for one of its greatest members and leaders, Sir John Monash. While I often wonder what Sir John would have made of the acute antisemitism in Australia today, I’m pretty sure he would’ve recognised it for what it is and probably been unsurprised at its ugly re-emergence in public. I like to think that the spirit of Sir John is what animates the nationwide commemorations and celebrations of Anzac Day. I, for one, will evoke his name this Anzac Day.
We need to ensure all Australian children are taught about this remarkable man because it will also teach them what it is to be an Australian. We need to be sure to educate our Jewish kids about this confident Jew who cared not only for himself, but contributed to the good of his country, and arguably, humanity.
In his own words “adopt your fundamental creed that you will equip yourself for life, not solely for your own benefit, but for the benefit of the whole community”.
May the memory of this strategist of skill and innovation, military leader of courage and vision, diplomat of distinction, and fighter for freedom, continue to be a touchstone for Australians. May he be a resonant reminder to all of us that you can be both a proud Australian and loyal Jew – as true multiculturalism recognises. May we hold onto his memory this Anzac Day as a model of inspiration, an example who inspires us to dream and to achieve, to work for the common good and to be committed citizens.
Rabbi Ralph Genende OAM is Senior Rabbi to the Australian Defence Force and Interfaith and Community Liaison to AIJAC.
Parashat Shemini