Community message
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- Community Message
SOLIDARITY AND SECURITY
Together we breathe a collective sigh of relief, and continue our work to protect and uplift our community.
Dear friends,
THE MOMENT OF JOY WE HAVE BEEN PRAYING FOR
Continuing on our theme of trying to shift from “oy” to “joy”, I am sure you will agree that there is no greater feeling of joy this week, than the news that soon all the hostages will be home.
All of the Jewish world – indeed all good people – will share a collective sigh of relief that this dreadful ordeal, which began on October 7 2023, is at an end.
Join us tomorrow, Monday evening, for special community gathering to mark this momentous occasion.
OUR STORIES ON SCREEN
Next week, the Jewish International Film Festival (JIFF) begins in Melbourne and around Australia. Storytelling is in our DNA as Jews and this year’s program includes some amazing stories – true and fantastical – from Jewish Australia and around the world. The full program is available here.
Speaking of films, a documentary about three of our community’s bravest women – Dassi Erlich, Elly Sapper and Nicole Meyer – is now screening on Stan. The documentary, Revealed: Surviving Malka Leifer, has been written and directed by local Jewish filmmaker Adam Kamien. You can watch it now on Stan.
LEADERSHIP THAT STANDS WITH US
“Some are choosing today of all days as a day of protest. Today should not be a day about protest. It is not in the spirit of multiculturalism. It is not in the spirit of wanting peace.” This was the response from Premier Jacinta Allan, after seeing graffiti glorifying Hamas and celebrating the brutal attacks two years ago on Israel, in Melbourne on Tuesday morning, October 7.
She continued: “We should be wrapping our arms around
members of our community, our Jewish community. We have all been so deeply distressed by the conflict that is causing the loss of life, and the loss of Jewish life two years ago on this day was the greatest since the Holocaust, that’s what we need to remember today and wrap our arms around those who are grieving.”
Her Opposition counterpart, Brad Battin said: “Graffiti glorifying a terrorist organisation has no place in our community. On this day especially, it’s disgraceful. I stand with Victoria’s Jewish community and remember those who lost their lives in the October 7 attacks.”
Police are continuing their investigations to find the culprits who celebrate and glorify terrorists here in Melbourne.
SECURITY AND VIGILANCE
In other police news, an 18-year-old who sent death threats to Melbourne Hebrew Congregation – Toorak Shule – has been refused bail as he faces four terrorism related charges. You can read more about this incident here.
All Jewish organisations and individuals should report any threats to Victoria Police on 000 and CSG Victoria via the JEAP app.
CELEBRATING TOGETHER
Finally, chag sameach! I hope you have all had a chance to spend time with loved ones in a Sukkah. I encourage you to visit a shule on Simchat Torah (Tuesday evening/Wednesday). It is a beautiful occasion to connect, celebrate and spread joy.
