Emotional send-off for Maccabiah athletes
THE NSW contingent of Australia’s Maccabiah Games team was farewelled last Sunday at Moriah Auditorium during a moving ceremony which also saw tributes paid to the four Australians killed in the Maccabiah Bridge tragedy 20 years ago.
THE NSW contingent of Australia’s Maccabiah Games team was farewelled last Sunday at Moriah Auditorium during a moving ceremony which also saw tributes paid to the four Australians killed in the Maccabiah Bridge tragedy 20 years ago.
Federal MP Josh Frydenberg shared his own recollections of the 1997 disaster. He was representing Australia that year in tennis with his dad.
“My father said why don’t you stay with me [instead of entering Ramat Gan Stadium early] – that was a very fateful decision,” Frydenberg said. “He was a surgeon, and I remember him starting to tend to those who were injured.
“We lost four of our wonderful athletes – it should never have happened, and I know in the days after there was a lot of consideration as to cancelling the Maccabiah Games, but I have to tell you I’m pleased they didn’t.
“Because what the Games represent is a celebration of sport, of the Jewish community and the strength of the Diaspora.”
Memorial candles were lit by the children and grandchildren of athletes Yetty Bennett, Greg Small and Warren Zines, while Ron Weiser from the Zionist Federation of Australia lit one in honour of Elizabeth Sawicki.
Reciting the opening lines of the Jewish song “the whole world is a very narrow bridge … and the essence of life is to have no fear at all,” Zines’ son, Adam, said, “These words gave me a lot of strength.
“By continuing to hope, to dream, to love and to live towards our highest aspirations of a strong Jewish community, we can act in spite of our fears.”
Zines added his nephew, Josh Jackson, will be playing football at the Games, “completing the journey of my dad, as Josh Small did on two separate occasions for his dad, Greg.”
Track cyclist Sean Bloch was announced as Australia’s captain and flag bearer, and he carried the Maccabiah torch to a standing ovation.
Australia is sending the third- largest team to the Maccabiah, which starts in July. Of 570 athletes, 280 are from NSW.
SHANE DESIATNIK
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