BREAKING: In a historic first, Hebrew music filled the Sydney Opera House during the Australia Day Live concert on January 26, 2026, marking a pivotal moment for Jewish representation in Australian culture. The ensemble SHIR, featuring a diverse group of Jewish musicians, delivered a powerful rendition of ‘Od Yavo Shalom Aleinu’, a song promoting peace, followed by the iconic ‘I Am Australian’.
This performance is not just a musical milestone; it signifies a breakthrough for the Jewish community in Australia. SHIR’s appearance comes just weeks after a tragedy at Bondi Beach, where over 20,000 people gathered to honor victims of a terrorist attack on December 14. SHIR’s director, Ben Adler, expressed the profound significance of this moment, stating, “Being part of the Australia Day Live concert is a recognition that we, as Jewish Australians, are welcome, valued, and belong in the cultural center of Australia.”
The performance at the Opera House is particularly poignant for Adler, who reflected on the October 9, 2023, demonstration that marred the venue with hatred against the Jewish community. “We were able to sing our song to the entirety of Australia,” he noted. “It doesn’t get more mainstream Australian than that concert, and I think Australia embraced us.”
In a show of support, Australian singer Bruce Woodley, composer of ‘I Am Australian’, joined SHIR for their performance, flying in from Melbourne to participate. Adler shared, “He had no involvement in the concert but came solely to sing with us for those three minutes.”
This rare opportunity to showcase Jewish culture on a national stage highlights the ongoing journey towards inclusivity in Australia. Adler emphasized the emotional weight of their performance, stating, “We hope that our musical offering on Australia Day will assist in our community’s healing, and in the healing of wider Australia.”
The concert was broadcast nationally, allowing millions to witness this momentous occasion. Adler concluded, “To be part of this concert means we are an indelible thread in the fabric of this country, part of what binds us together and makes us stronger.”
As Australia reflects on its multicultural identity, SHIR’s groundbreaking performance serves as a reminder of the power of music in uniting communities and fostering understanding. Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
