Hello,


It's Sam from SB Creatives Photography....


There’s something genuinely powerful about a room full of people singing together. It’s more than just music — it’s shared memory, connection, and community. That’s exactly what I had the privilege to witness and capture Motzei Shabbat a week ago, at a very special Shira Betzibur event held at a shul in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs.


Shira Betzibur (שירה בציבור), meaning “singing in public,” was the perfect way to mark a joyful and meaningful milestone — the 77th birthday of the State of Israel. It was an evening where voices rose in unity, generations came together, and a strong sense of pride and love for Israel filled the room.

The event was organised by the Zionist Council of NSW (ZCNSW) and brought to life with care and precision by Events With Ease, who managed every detail to perfection. From the welcoming atmosphere to the smooth program flow, their work allowed the night to unfold in a way that felt effortless — both for the participants and, thankfully, for me as a photographer.


Adding even more heart to the evening was the involvement of Hatzofim, the Israeli Scouts, who played a key organising role. Their energy was infectious and their leadership impressive. You could see how much this night meant to them — and how deeply connected they are to both their heritage and their community here in Sydney. They helped lead songs, engaged with attendees, and brought that unmistakable Israeli spirit to the forefront of the evening.

The music itself spanned decades — from timeless Israeli folk classics to more modern tunes that had the younger crowd singing right along. Songbooks were handed out, but by the end of the night, many people weren’t even looking at the pages — they were simply immersed in the moment, letting the melodies and memories guide them. It was that kind of night — organic, warm, and emotionally rich.


As a photographer, I’m always watching for moments — not just the obvious ones, but the quiet, intimate glances; the smiles exchanged between generations; the proud tears that sneak up when a beloved song brings back a flood of memories. Shira Betzibur was full of these moments. It wasn’t a performance — it was a shared experience, and I felt lucky to capture that from behind the lens.


There was one moment in particular that stuck with me: a child, no more than seven or eight, standing on a chair, waving a small Israeli flag, singing at the top of their lungs with their parents beside them. That image, to me, summed up the entire night — pride, joy, and the passing on of culture and identity through the simplest, most beautiful act: singing together.


Shira Betzibur wasn’t just a celebration of Israel’s 77th birthday. It was a celebration of who we are as a community — diverse, connected, and full of heart.

Three scout group members stand together on a red carpet wearing scout uniforms with patches and casual outerwear.
Three friends wearing cozy winter outerwear smile together while standing indoors in a warmly lit space.
Two smiling men stand together at an event, one wearing a navy button-up and one in a white polo shirt embroidered with a logo.
A group of four people wearing casual clothing and scout uniforms pose together in an indoor setting.
Two colleagues sitting comfortably in an auditorium wearing business attire and sharing a friendly moment together.
Two men smile together for a photo, with one wearing a black leather jacket and the other in a burgundy sweater.
Two men pose together indoors, one wearing denim shirt with curly hair and one in casual button-down smiling at camera.
Three people pose together at an event, one wearing a blue shirt, one in a leopard print coat, and one in a green sweater.
Two attendees sit together in a conference audience with other participants visible in the background.
Two people smiling at a social event, with one wearing a beige sweater and another in a navy blue Thomson Reuters logo jacket.
Group seated in an auditorium including person in blue blazer and white shirt smiling at camera.
Two attendees engage in animated conversation during a networking event with a crowd in background.
A speaker wearing a gray cap and beard gestures expressively while talking during an indoor presentation.
Audience members smile and engage while watching an event in a casual indoor setting with orange walls.
An audience member in a gray hoodie smiles during a presentation in a crowded conference room.

Until Next Time...


Sam Babus


Founder and Photographer at SB Creatives Photography