“Those who committed these atrocities, whose names deserve to be forgotten, made their own decision,” he remarked. “They chose to sacrifice their lives and freedom just to see Jewish people perish.”

He continued, “They decided to destroy worlds, leaving parents without children, spouses without partners, and a community bereft of its cherished rabbi. For what purpose? To what end? What did they gain?”

“There is no rationale. It holds no significance. What truly matters now is the choice we make, how we decide to live, and how we collectively restore the light, dignity, and love that those lost contributed to this world.”

Despite the fear and uncertainty that now clouds the lives of Australian Jews, he declared he would not retreat.

“I have resolved to return and stand again on that now-hallowed ground on the first night of Chanukah next year, alongside my three daughters, to light the candles and praise the Almighty, proudly as both an Australian and a Jew, because I am certain that is what my friend Eli would have wished.”

— Josie Harvey