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TURNING POINT: A COMMUNITY TRANSFORMED
Unpacking the impact of October 7 on Jewish life in Victoria — and how we rise with resilience, pride and purpose.
OUR HEARTS ARE IN ISRAEL
We are all watching the situation in Israel closely. The entire Victorian Jewish community stands in unwavering solidarity with Israel. Our thoughts and prayers are with all Israelis, and we hope for peace and protection for the nation and its people.
TURNING POINT
On Monday night, we will launch our latest report, Turning Point: The Victorian Jewish Community After October 7. This report details profound changes within the community over the past 18 months.
The report captures the period following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, which deeply impacted Jewish Victorians. Beyond the trauma of the attack itself, the community has faced an unprecedented surge in antisemitism across Victoria, as documented in the 2023 and 2024 Victorian Antisemitism Reports.
Despite these challenges, the report reveals a powerful rise in Jewish pride and community engagement. However, it also uncovers troubling trends: increasing exclusion of Jewish individuals from public spaces such as workplaces, creative industries, and LGBTQIA+ communities, alongside a marked decline in mental health across all age groups.
Compiled from both published and original research, the report draws on contributions from Jewish Care Victoria, the Community Security Group, the Australasian Union of Jewish Students, and the Online Hate Prevention Institution. It also includes insights from 17 interviews with leaders across religious, youth, cultural, and service sectors.
While the report makes no formal recommendations, its findings are already shaping the JCCV’s strategic direction.
I urge all Jewish community leaders to reflect on its insights and see how your organisation can meet the challenges outlined.
The JCCV will also be working with leaders in politics, councils and other sectors, to find ways for them to use the information in Turning Point to best support Jewish Victorians.
TURN YOUR GENEROSITY INTO ACTION
Since October 7, 2023 there have been several cases of antisemitic behaviour in schools, workplaces and on the streets. JCCV has been taking action, and has created a case management system to better assist those in need.
This end of financial year, your generosity will help more people stand up to antisemitism.
