Dear Friend,

March of the Living Australia would like to wish you, your family and loved ones a
Chag Same'ach / חג שמח
and a Shana Tova U'Metuka / שנה טובה ומתוקה

There is no denying that on both a local and global scale, 2021 followed in its predecessor's footsteps and has been one of the most challenging, confronting and difficult years we have experienced in recent living memory. And yet, despite all the challenges and uncertainty, there have been countless displays of hope, solidarity, kindness and unity, all of which we have endeavoured to highlight in these monthly newsletters and through our various online events throughout 2021.

And so, while the Chaggim this year will once again feel different to what we know and love, it is our sincere wish that you may have a safe, joyful, happy and prosperous new year ahead - may we all be inscribed in the book of life for another year and have the opportunity to continue expressing and exemplifying kindness, compassion, peace and light in our households and communities.

In this edition (if viewing this on a desktop, click on each heading to skip to that section):

"Islamist Extremism and Antisemitism" - Online Event Recording
"Lockdown versus Locked Away" - Online Event Recording
"Take the Child and Disappear" - Nina Bassat AM Book Launch Online Event Recording
Athletes Say NO to Antisemitism - Global Campaign
Speak Up Against Hate - Online Petition
Alumni Spotlight
Articles of Interest

Islamist Extremism and Antisemitism:
A short history over the last 4 decades
Online Event Recording

For those who were unable to join us at our recent event, we warmly invite you to view the recording of Islamist Extremism and Antisemitism: A short history over the last 4 decades with Fiyaz Mughal OBE FCMI.

In his riveting address, Fiyaz gave us deep insight, and renewed hope for the state of interfaith affairs. Fiyaz's address was so moving he received these impassioned words from one of our attendees:

"Fiyaz I just wanted to tell you how absolutely amazing that session was. I can't even put into words how much I just learned, how much better informed I feel, and how deeply moved I am by the work that you do and you're incredibly broad perspective on these very delicate issues.

As the child of a Holocaust survivor, I cannot express sufficiently how deeply your work affects me and how much it means to me in memory of all of those who were lost in the Holocaust.

I feel deeply distressed to know that your own life, health and the safety of your family has been affected. I pray for you to stay in good health and to remain safe.

Inshallah we should all see peace amongst the peoples of the world.

Please know that what you do is so important and so deeply appreciated.

I believe that each one of us can make a difference, and throwing your hands in the air and saying there's nothing you can do is not true.

And you are an example of this, you are doing so much for all of us.

Ma salaam aleichum,

Your friend with much love and respect"

Click on the image below to view the recording of this amazing event:

Lockdown versus Locked Away -
A Survivor's Perspective
Online Event Recording

At the tender age of just 8 years old, Associate Professor Richard Haber was committed to the open-air prison that was the Warsaw ghetto. Harrowed by the sights of everyday death and degradation, it was at this time that Richard resolved that he would live to become a doctor and to help any in need. He spent the years of the war attempting to evade capture and certain death, forced to live an unimaginable existence of fear and desperation.

On the evening of Sunday 29 August, March of the Living Australia had the esteemed honour of welcoming Prof. Haber as the featured guest speaker for our online event, where he shared his incredible story of survival, and his invaluable perspective on the challenges we currently face today in light of the global pandemic.

We warmly invite you to view the recording of this greatly moving event by clicking on the image below:

Take the Child and Disappear -
Book Launch
Online Event Recording

On Sunday 22 August, the Jewish Community Council of Victoria (JCCV) hosted an online event in honour of the recent release of Take the Child and Disappear, a new memoir by Nina Bassat AM. The book was launched by Bram Presser, author, with the participation of Daniel Aghion, President of the JCCV.

We warmly invite you to view the recording of this special event by clicking on the image below:

Click here to purchase a copy of Nina's book

Athletes Say NO to Antisemitism -
Global Campaign

#NeverMeansNever

#AthletesAgainstAntisemitism

In keeping with the theme of our upcoming online event (see above), and to coincide with the Olympic Games, International March of the Living, Maccabi World Union and the Maccabiah have launched a global campaign to combat the exponential rise of antisemitism around the world.

Athletes, among them Olympic medal winners, are taking part in the campaign as agents of change. The aim of this campaign is to raise awareness of the importance of participating in the fight against antisemitism, by having athletes take a public stand for this critical cause at this pivotal time.

March of the Living Australia emphatically encourages athletes at all levels to take a public stand against antisemitism, racism, and all forms of hate, in the hope of inspiring millions of people around the world to make a lasting change. We show our support for the campaign, and ask for yours, in light of the recent explosion of antisemitic incidents across the world. Now, more than ever, it is incumbent upon all of us, especially those with a public voice, to stand together and announce our opposition to antisemitism and all forms of hate.

Click here to learn more about this global campaign

CLOSE TO 6,000 SIGNATURES AND 30 PARTNER ORGANISATIONS

Antisemitism is on a global rampage. We cannot allow history to repeat itself - verbally and physically - on our streets, in our neighbourhoods, and in our cities.

We have learned and witnessed with our own eyes the brutal and inhumane consequences of unchecked antisemitism and unbridled universal hatred.

Many of us, alumni and friends of the International March of the Living, of many faiths and backgrounds, have personally marched on the blood-stained grounds of Auschwitz-Birkenau and heard first-hand testimony from survivors of these atrocities.

We have all painfully learned how "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good people to do nothing."

Hatred, Racism, Bigotry or Intolerances of any form have no place in our world.

We invite all who believe in our message to join us by clicking here to sign our petition ensuring a better future for all.

#NeverMeansNever #SpeakUpAgainstHate

Click here to sign the petition

Every few months, International March of the Living (USA) celebrates a different alumnus from around the world, highlighting the accomplishments they have achieved to date while crediting March of the Living as inspiration.

This month's featured alumni are Yehoshua and Jordyn Stauber ('15) from Broward County, Florida, USA. Click here to read the full article.

If you feel your MOTL experience has greatly influenced and inspired you, your work and life's path, we would love to hear from you! Please send an email to admin@motl.com.au to express your interest.

Here is a selection of recent articles and videos from around the world, many of which we have shared across our social media over the past few weeks:

As always, we warmly invite you to follow us on social media by clicking on the various

Socials bubbles below, so you may keep updated with all our daily posts and news.
We also kindly invite you to share this Newsletter and encourage members of your networks who may be interested in receiving it to subscribe via the bottom of the
homepage on our website - www.motl.com.au

Once again, wishing you a Chag Same'ach, Shana Tova and Chatima Tova -

looking forward to being in touch again next month!