Community message
- Published September 8 2024
- Community Message
Community message from JCCV President, Philip Zajac.
IN HONOUR OF THE LIVES LOST
We came together
Am Yisrael has endured yet another tragic week, with the horrific murders of six innocent Israelis in Gaza.
We mourn with the families of Carmel Gat, Eden Yerushalmi, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Alexander Lobanov, Almog Sarusi and Ori Danino. All were young people, in the prime of their lives, tortured and mutilated by Hamas.
I thank the community for coming out in their hundreds, at very short notice, to commemorate the lives of Carmel, Eden, Hersh, Alexander, Almog and Ori at Caulfield Shule on Monday night. It was comforting to be able to come together.
Incident at train station
Unfortunately, on the local front, we have been shocked by an antisemitic assault on two Jewish teens at Caulfield Train Station last weekend.
The continued normalisation of anti-Jewish hate in our community is leading to violence against our children; enough is enough.
A report has been made to police, although unfortunately police did not attend the incident despite being called. I urge police to use all tools at their disposal to find the perpetrators of this incident and deal with them.
Charges laid
I was heartened this week that charges have been laid against a protester who allegedly attacked a Jewish man at a pro-Palestinian rally in the CBD earlier this year. Police have charged the man with theft, recklessly causing injury and assault. His case will be heard in October.
We also read that a young man faced court this week for the dangerous antisemitic attack against the office of Josh Burns MP.
Our state does have laws available to use against those who are causing harm towards Jewish people. We continue to urge police to use all tools at their disposal.
Meeting with Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
I met this week with a senior representative at the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. No doubt, the community is aware of the troubles at that organisation since a performer unilaterally decided to use his platform at an MSO concert to advocate for Palestinians.
It was a productive meeting and it was clear that MSO leadership is aware the situation was poorly handled. They are awaiting the recommendations of an independent review of the incident and hope that these recommendations will strengthen the organisation, as well as provide a blueprint to other cultural organisations facing similar challenges.
Ending on a sweet note
On a more upbeat note, I was pleased to hear from Eylon Levy this week, a former Israeli Government Spokesperson, and one of Israel’s most effective representatives. Eylon reminded us that in the Diaspora, we cannot remain silent. Our community is also on a symbolic “frontline”, the battle against anti-Zionism, and we must be active in the fight.
I would also like to congratulate JCCV’s member organisation Stand Up on its 30th anniversary. A terrific crowd gathered to celebrate the work Stand Up has done with First Nations people and refugees, and its commitment to improving the world. Congratulation to Dean Levitan and the team at Stand Up.
