UPJ Co-Presidents David Knoll and Brian Samuel have urged the UPJ community to "dig deep" to provide support to those who have been devastated by the bushfires, especially those who have lost family members, and they expressed deepest gratitude to the fire fighters who have put their own lives at risk to save lives and property.

Normally Australians enjoy a relaxing summer break following a hard year of work, but this year unprecedented tragedy has struck, with bushfires raging in most states, leading to tragic loss of life and millions of dollars of damage to property. Our hearts and prayers go out to those who have been devastated by the fires, especially those who have lost family members. We express our deepest gratitude to the fire fighters who have put their own lives at risk to save lives and property. UPJ congregations have been organising donations of clothing, furniture and appliances to those who lost homes and property, including a Go Fund Me Appeal for an Emanuel Synagogue member family who lost their home and all possessions in Conjola Park. The UPJ is urging our Jewish community to dig deep and assist those affected during these troubled times.