9/11 Commemoration in Melbourne
The President of the Rabbinical Council of Victoria (RCV), Rabbi Meir Shlomo Kluwgant, today addressed dignitaries and community leaders at an annual commemoration of the events of 11 September 2001 held at the U.S. Consulate General in Melbourne.
Invited by U.S. Consul General Michael Thurston to represent Victoria’s Jewish community, Rabbi Kluwgant noted in his address
U.S. Consul General Michael Thurston with Rabbi Klugwant
that “the terror that struck New York City and other sites around the U.S. eight years ago did not discriminate. Its victims included men, women and children of various faiths and backgrounds. In commemorating those terrible events, it is incumbent upon us as human beings to unite in a spirit of peace and harmony and to oppose and reject terrorism in all its forms.”
Rabbi Kluwgant also recited the Jewish memorial prayer and expressed the hope that “the coming Jewish New Year will herald an age of peace and tranquility for all”. He shared his message of hope with visiting New York fire battalion Chief Jay Jonas, who was one of only fourteen people who emerged alive from the World Trade Centre’s North Tower after its collapse. Rabbi Kluwgant congratulated Chief Jonas on the courage shown by him and all the heroic fire fighters on that day.
Taking the opportunity to meet with Victorianparliamentarians and fire fighters from around Australia, Rabbi Kluwgant said that “we would do well to emulate the example set by Chief Jonas and all the fire fighters here today. The selflessness they display in their work is something to which we should all aspire. We pray for their safety and express our gratitude for their contribution towards creating a better world”, he said.
NYC Fire Chief Jay Jonas with Rabbi Klugwant
