One table – one thousand diners
Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove has hosted a Harmony Day lunch in the grounds of Government House in Canberra.
Over 1,000 guests sat at one long table…327mtrs long.
Chasia and Rabbi Shmeili Feldman with Israel’s ambassador to Australia Shmuel Ben Shmuel
Rabbi Shmueli Feldman attended the function with his wife Chasia. He told J-Wire: “We attended this fabulous event representing the Jewish faith. It was attended by over 1000 people including ambassadors from a raft ofdifferent countries and hundreds of other cultural and faith leaders.
Everyone was asked to bring a cultural dish. We brought Hamantashen and pastries in the spirit of Purim.
Yael Cass and Rabbi Alan Meltzer
I explained that whereas King Achashverosh (possibly Xerxes 1) of ancient Persia made a feast for all of his subjects in the year 366 BCE, he and the wicked Haman did not allow for multiculturalism and were upset that the Jews were different, however in our beautiful modern-day Australia it is wonderful how far we have come that we are encouraged to bring our own kosher pastries to the feast hosted by the Queens representative – the first of its kind to be held on harmony day – on the week of Purim no less!”
Also representing the ACT Jewish community were Rabbi Alon Meltzer and Ms Yael Cass, president of the ACT Jewish Community who were seated with the German Ambassador and his wife, along with local Aboriginal High School Students and other dignitaries. Rabbi Meltzer remarked said: “To join over 1000 people for a meal and to go through the process of breaking bread, are simple but effective acts that each of us do. We do it day in day out, and was a perfect example of how to sit and talk with one another in complete harmony.” Anita & Alan Shroot represented the National Council of Jewish Women of Australia.
