Vienna Evening Unites Supporters for Israel and Announces New Trauma Center

Dozens of friends of Israel, community leaders and diplomatic representatives gathered in Vienna a few days before Rosh Hashanah for a special evening organized by Christians on the Side of Israel in Austria, led by Marie-Louise Weissenbock. The program featured a performance by the Shalva band—returning to Europe after a hiatus caused by the “Swords of Iron” war—and culminated in a joint rendition of “Hatikva.” Chief cantor Shmuel Barzilai sang “Adon Olam,” followed by “Jerusalem of Gold” dedicated to Holocaust survivors present in the hall.

The Jerusalem Post

During the event Kalman Samuels, founder of the Shalva organization, disclosed a government-backed plan to open a trauma and post-trauma treatment facility in the Ashkelon marina. The center will be named the “Sharabi Family Center-Shalva” in honor of the family of Eli Sharabi, a former hostage released after 491 days of Hamas captivity. Sharabi’s recorded message recalled the loss of his wife Liane and daughters Noya and Yahel on October 7, describing the center as a way to “continue their spirit” and provide healing for families in Israel’s south.

The Jerusalem Post

Rabbi Yaron Engelmayer linked the gathering to the upcoming Rosh Hashanah prayers, emphasizing a shared hope for global peace. Shai Ben-Shoshan, director of the Shalva band, recounted how the ensemble helped him through rehabilitation after injuries sustained in Gaza and Lebanon.

The Jerusalem Post

> “On Rosh Hashanah we pray not only for ourselves, but for the entire world to be blessed with peace and blessings,” — Rabbi Engelmayer

The Jerusalem Post