Members of Australia's Jewish community have voiced significant disappointment with the national broadcaster, the ABC, after a poignant tribute projected onto the Sydney Harbour Bridge was barely visible during its live New Year's Eve fireworks coverage.
A Tribute Lost in Transmission
The controversy centres on a giant menorah, a Jewish candelabrum, which was projected onto the bridge's pylons during a 'Moment of Unity'. This tribute was organised to honour the 15 victims of a tragic attack at a Hanukkah event on Bondi Beach earlier in the year. The projection followed a campaign by more than 30 cultural leaders, including singer Deborah Conway and documentary filmmaker Danny Ben-Moshe.
However, viewers tuning into the ABC's widely watched broadcast were left confused. The menorah was scarcely seen, with social media users quickly dubbing it the 'invisible menorah'. One observer noted, 'It's on the pylon - impossible to see and ABC did not show it at all.'
Community Leaders Voice Their Concerns
Speaking to the Daily Mail, award-winning filmmaker Danny Ben-Moshe described the moment as 'very touching' but questioned the production decisions. 'I'm still left wondering why there was no camera turned on to get a tight shot of the menorah,' he said. 'Surely that would be the most obvious and appropriate thing to do? That's what that minute of silence was about.'
Mr Ben-Moshe stressed he did not believe the omission was 'hateful' but suggested it was 'unthoughtful'. He linked the incident to broader concerns within the Jewish community about visibility and consultation, particularly since the October 7 attacks. 'This is very much a feeling of Jewish voices being silenced,' he added, calling it a 'nefarious form of Jew-phobia.'
Broader Issues of Consultation and Symbolism
The issue extended beyond the broadcast itself. Violinist Ben Adler, director of the Australian Jewish Music Festival, revealed that offers from the Jewish community to consult on the tribute's design were not taken up in time. He had recommended using a more widely recognised seven-branch candelabra instead of a nine-branch menorah.
'It's common practice for cultural minorities to be consulted whenever mainstream or global bodies present their culture,' Mr Adler stated. 'We don't seek special treatment... What we seek is just to be treated the same as any other minority in the country.' He emphasised that the Bondi attack was a story belonging to the Jewish community and should be told with their appropriate symbols.
In response to the criticism, an ABC spokesperson defended the broadcast, describing the tribute as a 'powerful and emotional moment' that captured community support. 'The broadcast included a tribute honouring the victims of the attack that included a projection of the Menorah,' the spokesperson said, adding that the ABC was proud to broadcast the celebrations.
A City of Sydney spokesperson said the Moment of Unity was an 'incredible display of harmony and togetherness', with the harbour glowing white as the menorah was projected during a minute's silence.
Despite the late inclusion of the symbol, community leaders like Mr Ben-Moshe and Mr Adler expressed a desire for future collaboration, hoping to build a stronger relationship with both the City of Sydney Council and the ABC to ensure proper consultation on the presentation of their cultural symbols and stories.
