In front of the iconic Sydney Opera House, where antisemitic protests took place just days after the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks, JewQ Australia competition finalists representing 57 schools from 15 Australian communities in three states gathered for a rally showing their Jewish pride and group photo at the close of a jam-packed weekend—the first Australian National CKids Summit culminating with the annual JewQ championship.

These champions, many of whom are the only Jewish students in their schools, stood proudly in front of the Opera House, offering a prayer for peace in Israel and the safe return of the estimated 100 hostages that are still being held captive by Hamas in Gaza nearly a year later.

Rabbi Nochum Schapiro of Chabad North Shore and president of the Rabbinic Council of Australia sounded the shofar, and the children broke into spontaneous dancing and singing of “Am Yisroel Chai” and “I’m a Jew and I’m Proud.”

“The best way to fight hate is by living as proud Jews,” said Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky of Chabad World Headquarters. “We’ve seen the knowledge these young scholars have gained give them the confidence to stand tall, share their heritage with their classmates and show the world what being Jewish truly means.”

The weekend was filled with inspiration—from interactive workshops and spirited activities to the grand championship attended by hundreds of locals and fans. The winner will proudly represent Australia on the world stage in New York this March against the finalists from 4,000 competitors in 25 countries.