Excerpt from Weekly E-Torah Newsletter
"In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina (August 2005), looting, violence and other criminal activity became serious problems. With most of the attention of the authorities focused on rescue efforts, public security in New Orleans degraded quickly. By August 30, looting had spread throughout the city, often in broad daylight and in the presence of police officers." (see more)
In December 2010 "Selfish Sanitation Department bosses from the snow-slammed outer boroughs [of New York City] ordered their drivers to snarl the blizzard cleanup to protest budget cuts -- a disastrous move that turned streets into a minefield for emergency-services vehicles." (see more)
In January 2011 "More than 55,000 volunteers registered to help clean up the streets of Brisbane, with thousands more unregistered volunteers wandering the muddy streets with gumboots and mops. Prime Minister Julia Gillard said the volunteering effort showed tremendous 'Aussie spirit' and that "Right across Queensland today people have got up, marched out of their homes and gone to find people to help," she said. All across the state people have opened their houses, their hearts and their wallets to help. 13 year old Jordan Rice gave his life so that his 10 year old brother be saved from the flood waters before him. He has been dubbed by the public as an Australian hero." (see more)
WHAT A CONTRAST!
I am so proud to say "I am an Aussie." I am so proud to say "I am a Queenslander." And so should you be.
What a shining light we are to the world at large, when they watch 75% of our state - the size of Gemany and France - announced as a disaster zone, and what is the response? Thousands of people get out there and volunteer themselves to help another human being. No matter what colour, race or creed, we showed the world that we can put our differences aside and reach out to our fellow man.
"To Love Your Fellow Jew" is also a Mitzvah in the Torah, and the outpouring of love for fellow Jews has been overwhelming. Participating in numerous teleconferences over the past week with other community organisations, to help those affected by the devastating floods, and to hear of the assistance and care being offered is simple out of this world.
Thank you to every one of you Brisbanites and Queenslanders for making me so proud to be associated with you. Thank you to the Jewish community for showing your deep care and commitment to our community.
As we read the Torah portion in Shule tomorrow, Parshat Yitro (Jethro) and we read about the revelation at Sinai and the Ten Commandments, let us recommit ourselves to G-d and His Torah.
In the merit of this outpouring of love for one another, may G-d A-mighty reach out to us in love and once-and-for-all send us our Righteous Redeemer, Moshiach, speedily.
With blessings for a Shabbat Shalom.