Community message
- Published September 1 2024
- Community Message
Community message from JCCV President, Philip Zajac.
A BUSY, IMPACTFUL WEEK
Happy Fathers’ Day to all the Dads, Abbas, Tates, Papas and Zaidas in our community.
Today, we celebrate the incredible fathers and father figures who bring love, guidance, and strength into our lives. Your dedication and care are deeply appreciated and cherished.
For those who may be missing a father or facing challenges today, please know that you are in our thoughts. May you find comfort in the memories and support from those around you.
Jewish Immersion in Government School
The JCCV, in partnership with UJEB, had the privilege of hosting a Jewish Immersion Program for nearly 80 staff members at Bentleigh Secondary College this week. The school has a large number of Jewish students, as well as some Jewish staff.
Staff were given an opportunity to learn a bit more about the local Jewish community, our heritage, our faith, and the challenges we face, including antisemitism. Staff were divided into four groups where they participated in discussions, facilitated by expert leaders.
It is the first time the JCCV has run its successful Jewish Immersion Program in a government school, and we look forward to continuing our relationship with Bentleigh Secondary College, as well as running the program in other local schools. We thank the Victorian Department of Education for its ongoing support for the JCCV.
Launch of the 2023 Victorian Antisemitism Report
Thank you to all who attended the JCCV’s community launch of the 2023 Victorian Antisemitism Report. The JCCV thanks CSG, including CEO Justin Kagan, for co-hosting the presentation.
Among the topics for discussion were questions about education programs to prevent antisemitism, antisemitism and the media, how to most effectively report antisemitism and challenges around antisemitism and the law.
As well as being attended by representatives of so many JCCV member organisations, we were pleased that the Plenum was also attended by David Southwick MP, Victorian Multicultural Commission chair Vivienne Nguyen and commissioner Jennifer Huppert, Cr Simone Zmood (City of Glen Eira), Cr Marcus Pearl (City of Port Phillip) and representatives from the Department of Premier and Cabinet, Department of Justice and Community Safety and Cities of Yarra and Banyule.
Lunch with Jillian Segal AO
The JCCV, with our partners at the Gandel Foundation, hosted a leaders’ roundtable with the new Australian Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism, Jillian Segal AO.
The Special Envoy is currently working with the Senate Committee looking into antisemitism in universities and AUJS Vic President Holly Feldman led a conversation on the best way to support Jewish university students. The group held a productive discussion around security infrastructure funding, led by CSG CEO Justin Kagan, and Zionism Victoria CEO Zeddy Lawrence updated the Special Envoy on community plans for the October 7 anniversary.
The JCCV will continue to work alongside the Special Envoy to address antisemitism and promote a stronger Jewish community and we thank her for making the time to speak with local community leaders.
Victorian Multifaith Advisory Group Discussions
Natalie Gunn, JCCV board member, and Naomi Levin, JCCV CEO, both participated in Victorian Multifaith Advisory Group discussions this week.
They were pleased to meet with representatives from a wide variety of local faith communities. Discussions focussed on a new proposal to improve the delivery of school education about world religions in order to break down barriers and promote common understanding. The group also heard from John Hendry OAM, an educator whose focus in on building strong relationships. John’s message that, strong relationships are based on trust, forgiveness, integrity, hope and compassion, is especially true in the interfaith space, where we have seen the fragility of some existing relationships over recent months.
