Community message
- Published
- Community Message
FROM CRISIS TO CONNECTION: SUPPORTING OURSELVES AND EACH OTHER
In a time of fear and grief, we honour our pain, draw on our resilience, and find strength in community.
FACING CRISIS WITH COURAGE
Like you, I have been watching the news closely out of Israel. We are all so distressed to see Israeli civilians targeted in their homes, in hospitals, even a synagogue has been hit with an Iranian missile.
We grieve with the families of those killed, we pray for the full recovery of those injured and we send strength and courage to all Am Yisrael.
Earlier this week, during a panel discussion at the JCCV Plenum, psychologist Dr Kate Gould reminded us that Jewish people have always turned hardship into opportunities to reflect and connect. We have never forgotten, but we have a unique way of surviving. Consider how we spoon charoset onto matzah as a tangible symbol of our slavery in Egypt, or eat delicious hamantashen at Purim to never forget the evil of Haman. Kate posed the question, how will we, as a community, look back on this time in Jewish history?
CARING FOR YOURSELF AND THOSE AROUND YOU
The JCCV convened a roundtable discussion this week involving representatives from CSG, Jewish Care and the Orthodox and Progressive communities, to consider how we address feelings of anxiety, fear and trauma that many are currently experiencing.
HELP IS AVAILABLE.
Speak to a rabbi
Rabbis in our community have been trained to provide pastoral care to congregants needing support.
Jewish Community Crisis Management
Professional support from social workers and psychologists is available from Jewish community service providers including Jewish Care, Hatzolah and Australian Jewish Psychologists.
ERAN Israel
For the Hebrew speaking community in Victoria seeking help, ERAN has a live chat available worldwide. The team of volunteers offer empathy, resilience and a compassionate connection from afar.
Community events
We also know that strong connections and community involvement have a positive effect on mental wellbeing. There are so many opportunities to engage in the Jewish community. From mah-jong lessons, to Jewish art exhibitions, from pickleball, to musical Shabbat services, now is the time to immerse yourself in all that is positive in our community.
JEWISH VOICES THROUGH TRAUMA AND RESILIENCE
As I mentioned earlier, the JCCV launched our latest report, Turning Point: The Victorian Jewish Community After October 7, with a panel discussion on Monday at Beth Weizmann Community Centre.
The panel featured Paris Enten (lead researcher and author of report), Dr Kate Gould (clinical neuropsychologist), and multidisciplinary artist Anita Lester. Together, they explored the deep and lasting impacts of October 7 and the rise in local antisemitism on the well-being, safety, and identity of Jewish Victorians.
Paris presented key findings from the report, indicating that our community is experiencing unprecedented levels of anxiety, exclusion, and distress.
Anita shared her professional experience of being marginalised within the arts community because of her Jewish identity. She warned of a cultural void, with the silencing of Jewish stories and voices, if this trend continues unchecked.
Kate reflected on the psychological toll within the community—feelings of fear, abandonment, and trauma—and the importance of recognising our shared emotional responses. She encouraged us to seek support early and to draw strength from cultural resilience.
But Turning Point is not just a report, it’s a call to action. The JCCV has asked our member organisations to engage with the findings, identify what resonates with their own community’s experiences, and use the insights to inform planning, support, and advocacy efforts moving forward.
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.
