March 3, 2025 by Rob Klein
Photographer: Toby Evans
Published on J Wire
In marking its 25th anniversary, Dayenu took to the streets once again, proudly marching in the Sydney Mardi Gras Parade, a celebration of pride, diversity, and unity.
This milestone year was dedicated to thanking the Jewish community for 25 years of unwavering support and acceptance. From its early days to today, Dayenu has flourished thanks to the work of its founding members and the embrace of the wider Jewish community. Their efforts have ensured that LGBTQIA+ Jews are welcomed and included as vital members of Jewish life in Sydney.
“It is due to the love, acceptance, and support of the wider Jewish community that Dayenu shines today,” said David Klarnett, Dayenu President. “The strength of our community has allowed LGBTQIA+ Jewish individuals to feel truly embraced as part of Jewish life.”
Dayenu group ready for Mardi Gras (Photographer: Toby Evans)
The atmosphere was electric as Dayenu’s float and marchers took centre stage, embraced by a sea of cheers and love from spectators along the parade route. Many in the crowd signalled their support with heart-shaped hand gestures, a touching moment that uplifted spirits—especially considering the recent difficulties faced by the Jewish community. The outpouring of kindness and encouragement was a powerful reminder of solidarity, resilience, and the importance of standing together.
“After so many awful events aimed at our Jewish community in recent times, receiving such a warm and loving welcome was incredibly moving,” Klarnett shared. “Seeing so many people supporting us with open hearts was a reminder of how far we’ve come.”
Dayenu expressed its gratitude to The Jewish Board of Deputies and The Executive Council of Australian Jewry, both of which provided crucial support to help cover the costs of participating in the event. Their backing ensured that the Jewish LGBTQIA+ community had a strong and visible presence at one of the world’s most iconic Pride celebrations.
A Season of CelebrationLeading up to Mardi Gras, Dayenu’s 25th-anniversary celebrations included a series of special events that brought the community together.
Workshops were held on Thursday nights in the weeks before the parade, where volunteers crafted blue and white pompoms for the choreographed marchers and decorated the float with sequined Magen Davids. These handcrafted details added a personal and meaningful touch to the float’s dazzling display.
A Mardi Gras Shabbat service at Emanuel Synagogue was a highlight of the season, followed by a sell-out community meal catered by Nora’s Kitchen. Rabbi Jacqueline Ninio led a Shabbat service focused on inclusion, celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community within Jewish tradition.
The evening also featured a special Q&A session with Ilan Buchman and his husband, Oscar Shub, who made history as the first same-sex couple to marry under a religious institution in Australia; a ceremony officiated at Emanuel Synagogue. In a moment of light-hearted humour, Rabbi Ninio shared that there had been some good-natured competition among the synagogue’s rabbis to officiate the momentous wedding.
On the eve of the parade, Dayenu members gathered at The Golden Sheaf in Double Bay for rehearsals and pre-parade festivities. Thanks to the support of the Jewish Board of Deputies, participants enjoyed transportation to the parade and were treated to complimentary nibble platters in a warm, festive atmosphere. The group’s marching chorus, ”’Cause you’re free to be what you want to be,” set the tone for an empowering and joyful performance.
Marching with PrideUnder the official Mardi Gras theme, “Free to Be,” Dayenu led the Jewish community float with its own unique message: “Free to Be Jewish.” This powerful statement, emblazoned along the side of the truck, reflected a celebration of identity, faith, and LGBTQIA+ pride.
The float sparkled with glittering Stars of David and a bold “25 Years” sign, honouring the first Jewish float at Sydney Mardi Gras in 2000. Marchers wore white shirts adorned with rainbow-colored Stars of David and the uplifting messages “Together We Rise” and “Building Community Bridges for 25 years” on their backs.
The Jewish community was proudly represented by Emanuel Synagogue Rabbis Jacqueline Ninio and George Mordechai, Hinda Elton, wife of Great Synagogue Chief Minister Rabbi Ben Elton, and former NSW Jewish Board of Deputies CEO Vic Alhadeff, along with supporters and allies from across Sydney’s Jewish and LGBTQIA+ communities.
Among those working behind the scenes to bring this spectacular event to life were Dayenu Secretary Toby Evans, event coordinator Shayna Slotar from Events With Ease, DJ Nikki (Nikki Stanislav), and dedicated volunteers David Le Quesne, Sarah Johnson, Dan Rooney, and the fabulous drag queen Fifi Glamcox.
Reflecting on the march, Klarnett said, “The energy, the joy, and the incredible sense of belonging were overwhelming. Our presence at Mardi Gras sends a powerful message: you can be Jewish, you can be LGBTQIA+, and you can be proud of both.”
Looking to the FutureAs the parade came to a close, Dayenu members left with full hearts and unforgettable memories, inspired by the overwhelming love and support they received. With eyes set on the future, the group is determined to return in 2026—bigger, brighter, and prouder than ever.
For 25 years, Dayenu has championed inclusion, visibility, and acceptance for Jewish LGBTQIA+ individuals. As they continue to grow and evolve, one thing remains certain: Dayenu will always be a home, a family, and a shining light for all who seek belonging.
“This is just the beginning,” Klarnett affirmed. “Dayenu has come so far, and we will keep pushing forward to make sure every LGBTQIA+ Jew knows they have a place in our community.”
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