Community message
- Published November 17 2024
- Community Message
A YEAR OF RESILIENCE: REFLECTING ON 2023–2024
This past year has tested the Victorian Jewish community like never before. From the devastation of October 7 to a surge in local antisemitism, the JCCV stepped up to lead through these challenges, standing with our community and securing vital support.
The 2023–2024 Annual Report captures how we united in solidarity, safeguarded Jewish Victorians, and advocated for our community amidst unprecedented adversity.
Click the button to read the full annual report, or keep reading for highlights from the report.
MEETING THE NEEDS OF OUR COMMUNITY POST-OCTOBER 7
In the wake of the October 7 attacks, the JCCV mobilised swiftly to support Jewish Victorians amidst an unprecedented rise in antisemitism.
The Need
- Trusted, timely information for the community
- Immediate response to anti-Jewish hate
- Collaboration with authorities to secure and reassure the community
Action Taken
- Launched a community-wide WhatsApp group for reliable updates, reaching over 2,000 members.
- Introduced weekly email updates from JCCV President Philip Zajac, engaging over 5,000 subscribers.
- Hosted four expert-led community forums attended by over 1,000 participants.
- Advocated for increased protection through regular meetings with Victoria Police and other key stakeholders.
- Partnered with grassroots activists and 10 Jewish organisations to streamline support initiatives.
The Impact
- Heightened police presence in Jewish neighbourhoods.
- Strengthened ties with Victoria Police, ensuring direct communication channels.
- Created taskforces, including one focused on antisemitism at universities, leading to critical support for Jewish students.
IMPACT BY NUMBERS
ADVOCATING AGAINST ANTISEMITISM
The Need
In November 2023, Victoria experienced record levels of antisemitism, with 92% of Australian Jews identifying it as a major problem. The JCCV responded swiftly, working with government, police, and community leaders to protect Jewish Victorians and demand action.
Action Taken
- Engaged with Premier Jacinta Allan, MPs, and Victoria Police leadership in over 14 meetings.
- Hosted roundtables with Jewish Victorians impacted by antisemitism, attended by the Premier and Chief Commissioner.
- Collaborated with government departments to tackle antisemitism in schools and communities.
- Published the Victorian Antisemitism Report, sharing insights with 200+ key stakeholders.
The Impact
- Victoria Police launched Operation Park to enhance community security.
- The Premier publicly condemned antisemitism, including doxxing incidents and violent graffiti.
- Interventions at schools led to resolution of antisemitism cases.
- Coordinated efforts resulted in arrests related to antisemitic incidents, now before the courts.
PARTNERING WITH GOVERNMENT TO ADDRESS ANTISEMITISM
The JCCV continues to work closely with the Victorian Government to combat antisemitism through research, education, and resilience-building initiatives. We thank the Victorian Government for its three-year funding commitment to support this vital work in collaboration with Zionism Victoria and the Melbourne Holocaust Museum.
Key Initiatives
Research
- Published the 2023 Victorian Antisemitism Report with CSG.
- Developed a practical guide to defining antisemitism in Victoria.
- Released a report on the impact of antisemitism locally.
Education
- Delivered Jewish cultural training to 80 teachers at a local government school.
- Engaged 60 councillors and senior council staff in Jewish cultural outreach.
- Created flexible education delivery methods for greater reach.
Resilience
- Identified needs among Jewish students in non-government schools.
- Partnered with United Jewish Education Board to address these gaps, with funding set to roll out in 2025.
As we reflect on this challenging year, we remain deeply grateful for the strength and solidarity of our community. The JCCV is proud to have led efforts to protect and support Jewish Victorians, and we look forward to continuing this important work with your ongoing partnership. We invite you to read the full Annual Report to learn more about our achievements and the steps we’re taking to secure a brighter, safer future for our community.
We also encourage you to register for our Annual General Meeting and join us in shaping the future of the Jewish community in Victoria.
