For the first time an important inaugural gathering of Jewish and Christian communities was organised on December 18. The gathering represented the strengthening partnership between the Jewish, Assyrian and Hellenic communities, together with the NSW Ecumenical Council. The event had a spiritual focus and also served to educate about our brothers and sisters in these countries. The celebration took place at Sydney Jewish Museum and was attended with more than 100 people. Guests of honour were The Hon. Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Social Services, Rev The Hon Fred Nile MLC, Assistant President of the Legislative Council, The Hon. David Clarke MLC, Parliamentary Secretary for Justice Councillor Petros Kalligas, Rockdale City Council, and Mrs Karen Boss from Christian Faith and Freedom. Mr Jeremy Spinak, President of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, welcomed all the attendees, followed by Reverend John Barr, President of the NSW Ecumenical Council, Rabbi Gad Krebs, then Mr Ninos Aaron, Chairman of The Young Assyrians of the Assyrian Universal Alliance, Panayiotis Diamadis, Secretary, Order of AHEPA NSW-NZ and Mr Peter Wertheim AM, Executive Director of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry. The prayers of peace were conducted by Fr Shenouda Mansour the General Secretary of NSW Ecumenical Council and Rabbi Zalman Kastel the founder of Together for Humanity.

The Assyrian representatives included Mr Hermiz Shahen , Deputy Secretary General of the Assyrian Universal Alliance (AUA) , Mr Praidon Darmo, Former Secretary General of the AUA visiting from England, Mr David David, president of the Assyrian Australian National Federation, Mr Simon Essavian, President of Assyrian Charity and Educational Community, Mr Ninos Aaron, Chairman of the Young Assyrians, Mrs Carmen Lazar from the Assyrian Academic Society and over 40 members of the Assyrian community. Celebrating together Christmas and Chanukah provides opportunities for the Assyrian, Hellenics and Jewish communities to explore the cultural diversity together. It aims to develop intercultural understandings and celebrate together many different kinds of traditions within their communities.