TELL May-June 2020

My friend Farren Terlich surrounded by his blackened land
explains how the fire came from all three sides
soon not going to be possible as
we all have to self-isolate. But
my community will continue
to need help and support. The
news cycles may move fast –
but the rebuilding of 100’s
of 1000’s of acres of burned
land and structures will take
years to recover. You may not
know that the daughter of
one of the founding members
of Emanuel Synagogue,
Susan Bear, lost her home in
Cobargo on New Year’s Eve.
I would encourage people to
realise that there are many
Jewish families that live “out
bush” – who still connect to
city synagogues and these
communities still need your
help. Nearly every year, our
family hosts Seder at Pesach and
we have up to 30 people here.
So, I want to ask, if you are able,
after the Coronavirus outbreak,
come down on a weekend –
or a week, and help a family
with fencing – or clearing, or
anything they may need help
with. Or just come and talk
to people. All these fire struck
communities need to know they
are not forgotten. If you are a
psychologist, perhaps you can
organise a group session here for
people. If you are a musician,
perhaps you could gather and
help by donating instruments to
families. And please, continue
to donate money. This is not
a “once off I’ve donated and
done my bit”. The damage and
rebuilding is ongoing. Hallie and
I would be happy to host you
in our home. We were lucky.
Our home was still here.
Scenes of devastation after the fires
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