For the first time in my life I saw the real face of anti semitism. Read More
Ironically, I was rehearsing the role of Yente in a local Merimbula, NSW production of ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ on 7 October 2023. Read More
But when I think of the last 12 months it is the reinforcement of three parts of my identity that have stood out: my core Jewish identity, being a parent of Jewish children, and my sense of being part of a chain of (family) history. Read More
The conflict in Israel and the fight against anti-Semitism continue to dominate my thoughts. In the early hours of each morning, I habitually seek news updates, articles, podcasts and social media headlines from Israel. Read More
On the evening of October 6th, I boarded a plane at Ben Gurion airport. After 30 years of living in Israel, I was going home. Read More
I own a lovely little Magen David pendant. My grandmother bought it for me in Israel many moons ago and I don it around my neck at the start of every year’s High Holidays. Read More
Has my life changed since 7 October 2023? Irrevocably. Totally and completely. I measure what I say now, weighing up my words against what I have to lose. I choose not to argue with people who live in an echo chamber instead of embracing a more holistic understanding. I find myself fighting against polarities and binary notions in a world that has become more polarised and divisive. Read More
A Palestinian flag flies above a building right in the centre of my picturesque rural town of Castlemaine. It has been there for almost a year. It demonstrates, for those who raised it, a commitment to peace, love and support for the victims of a devastating war on the other side of the planet. Read More
Covid closed down my Israeli dance class permanently so I signed up for ‘Circle Dance’ which offered dances from around the world Read More
I can’t get the images of the three Israeli women hostages who were released over the weekend out of my mind. Read More
At the start of 2023, we decided to celebrate my son’s barmitzvah in Israel the following year. Read More
Ziemba was born in the Lodz Ghetto on September 9, 1942, one day before 13,000 children under ten were to be sent to an extermination camp. Arrangements were made for the infant to be hidden in a garbage truck and smuggled outside the Ghetto where a Christian Polish farmer retrieved him and took him home to be raised as his own. Read More