At a time when the Jewish community in Australia is grappling with pain and uncertainty following the tragic events in Sydney, an unbelievable story of light has emerged from a Chabad House down under.

Earlier this week, a shliach in Australia sat down to write a letter to the Rebbe, sharing about the difficult events in Sydney while also reporting on the many ongoing activities in his Chabad House. Even amid these challenges, his focus was clear: to increase light, strengthen the community, and continue the meaningful work taking place on the ground.

As he was in the middle of writing the letter, he received an unexpected phone call from his son.

“My son excitedly shared an incredible encounter that had just taken place,” the shliach, who wishes to remain anonymous, told Anash.org. “As he was entering the Chabad House, he noticed a man sitting in a parked car nearby who motioned for him to come over. The man stepped out, handed him flowers, and spoke with deep emotion about how strongly he stands with the Jewish people.”

He expressed his outrage at terrorism and his disappointment with government inaction, explaining that he had traveled more than two hours because he felt compelled to personally come, stand with the Jewish community, and offer his condolences.

When he asked whether the building was a synagogue and was told that it was, the shliach’s son shared with him the Rebbe’s message and the message of Chanukah: that light overcomes darkness.

The young man thanked him for traveling such a long distance simply to express his solidarity.

Before leaving, the visitor asked if there was a way he could donate. The son showed him the campaign supporting the victims in Sydney. Then, unexpectedly, the man took out his cheque book and said, “I would also like to give a donation to your synagogue.”

“He wrote out a check,” the shliach continues the story, “handed it over to my son, shook his hand, and said simply, ‘Please give this to your father. I trust he will use it in the right way.’”

“Only after the man left did my son look at the check and realize the astonishing amount: $100,000!”

The check was deposited that same Tuesday, and by Friday morning, it had fully cleared.

“It was a true and open miracle,” the shliach told Anash.org. “I share it with you in light of the Rebbe’s teaching about the great importance of sharing miracles, which hastens the Geulah.”

“Rabbi Ulman mentioned at the funeral that Eli HYD was passionate about the Sheva Mitzvos. We ought to recognize that now is an eis ratzon, a special time when people are open to truth and ready to do what is right. My story reminds us all that many people see the truth, stand with the Jewish people, and are willing to act.”

Indeed, a ray of light in a world filled with darkness.