Written by Mira Hasofer, College Principal

It is so exciting to be back at school!  

Some of our students started last Friday. My personal highlight was standing at the school gates, welcoming them and seeing them arrive with smiles, walking with confidence, embracing the start of their day with a quiet but unmistakable strength.

Inside our College, the energy was electric. Israeli music played as students greeted each other with warmth and encouragement, welcoming the new year – not with hesitation – but with dancing, joy, laughter and an unshakable spirit.

Our security personnel and the police officers who were there to provide reassurance saw a community undeterred, standing tall in their identity, proud in who they are, and filled with hope for the future.

This is who we are. And this is how we face challenges—with pride and unwavering spirit, while taking all available measures to keep our community safe and secure.

While these are challenging times for the Australian Jewish community, history has taught us that we are resilient and have the strength and unity to enable us to take these challenges in our stride. 

We are blessed to have a strong community and so many Australians who stand beside us. 

Our students are safe, our routines remain intact, and it’s business as usual as we continue to provide the excellent education and vibrant Jewish environment that defines Moriah College.

Last week, at the 80th commemoration of the liberation of Auschwitz, Ronald Lauder delivered a powerful message about ensuring that we remember, because we must, and that we act, because the future depends on it. 

I encourage you to set aside 20 minutes to listen to his speech. 

As we embark on this new academic year let us climb higher and work together in a collective effort to raise, educate, and inspire a confident generation of young people, empowered to shape the future.

Let us begin the year with confidence and with joy.