25/07/2025
DAY 4 OF IDENTITY IN THE SUNSHINE STATE 🤗😎🎆
Today, we began the day by volunteering at a local community centre. We were divided into four groups and assigned different tasks, ranging from weeding to cleaning the pool windows. We also had the opportunity to hear from Noga, the vice president of the community centre, who shared the story of how it was founded and answered our questions.
After volunteering, we listened to two inspiring female activists, one originally from America and the other from Iran, who both now live in Brisbane. They spoke about their personal journeys and activism, sharing powerful stories and meaningful advice on how to create positive change in the world. While listening, we enjoyed a delicious homemade lunch, cooked by an extremely generous family who helps at the centre featuring falafel in pita, donuts, and chips, everyone loved it!
In the afternoon, we prepared for Shabbat and walked to the Margaret Street Shule, where we helped set up the hall for dinner. We took part in Kabbalat Shabbat and the Friday night service, which was an incredible and meaningful experience, especially for those who don’t regularly attend shule. We ended the day with a beautiful Shabbat dinner alongside Betar kids who were close to us in age. We got along really well, made amazing new friends, and played games while chatting about their experiences growing up in Brisbane and being part of the Jewish community here.
