For the first time since 7 October 2023, this newsletter does not begin by marking the days since that devastating morning, nor by tallying the number of hostages still waiting to return. For the first time, there are no numbers left to count. The counting has ended.

This week, Ran Gvili was brought home.

Ran was the final Israeli held in captivity since 7 October. His remains were recovered and returned to Israel, bringing a long, painful chapter to a close. Ran was killed on that day while defending his community – returning to the front despite being on medical leave. His actions reflected courage, responsibility and a deep commitment to others.

His return allows his family the dignity of mourning and burial. For months, numbers stood in for names, and statistics for stories. Ran’s return reminds us that behind every number was a human life – a family, a future, a world interrupted. It is a moment of sorrow, but also of truth, clarity and collective reckoning with the cost of this tragedy and the resilience required to endure it.

Looking ahead, we are honoured to welcome His Excellency President Isaac Herzog to Australia in the coming weeks. This official state visit is a moment of real significance, underscoring the enduring relationship between Australia and Israel and offering an important opportunity for connection and solidarity within our community. Further details about communal events will be shared shortly.

And finally, if you have not yet been to the tennis, there is still time. Today, Friday, we are proud to be cheering on Rotem Ashkenazi and Guy Sasson as they compete at the Australian Open. If you’re heading along, we invite you to show your support and stand with them.

As we move into Shabbat, thank you for your continued engagement, strength and solidarity.

Shabbat Shalom.

Australia Day Honours

Mazal tov to the Victorian honourees recognised in this year’s Australia Day Honours!

There are so many incredible people who give so much to our community through philanthropy, volunteering, knowledge, medical advancement and through their work who truly deserve this honour. We thank you all for your tireless efforts and thank you for all that you do and for inspiring us.

The State of Israel wants to hear from you!

The Prime Minister's Office together with the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration are currently promoting a new initiative to develop solutions and incentives designed to help those interested in Aliyah make the decision to move to Israel.

In order for us to create new solutions for you that will truly make a difference – we need to understand what is of importance to you in moments of deliberation.

Take the survey and make your voice heard to help us build the bridge home: https://go.gov.il/israel-survey-en