Community message
- Published February 11 2024
- Community Message
Community message from JCCV President, Philip Zajac.
HARNESSING THE ENERGY
I was so glad to see hundreds of people join our community forum on Wednesday night to discuss the Victorian Jewish community after October 7.
The two big talking points were, first, how our Jewish community organisations are collaborating to maximise impact, and second, how we can best harness the energy of the enormous amount of grassroots activity taking place. We have seen wonderful unity and initiative from the broader Jewish community – which we appreciate and want to acknowledge. Without our community banding together to take action and stay strong, things would look very different.
For all the organisations involved – JCCV, Zionism Victoria, CSG, AUJS, AIJAC, as well as our moderator Amanda Miller OAM – it was important to pass on the very clear message that the safety and unity of the Jewish community continues to be the priority. It has been a time to come together to support, collaborate and advocate for our people.
JEWISH PRIDE
A large Jewish contingent marched in Sunday’s Midsumma Pride march in St Kilda, including JCCV Vice President Hayley Southwick and our immediate past vice president Doron Abramovici.
The crowd showed incredible support for the Jewish marchers and the day was a terrific success. I would like to thank Michael Barnett OAM and Colin Krycer OAM for all their hard work in leading the Jews of Pride group.
ARTS AND CREATIVE INDUSTRIES
The arts and creative industries have been particularly hard hit by antisemitism. This week, the JCCV met with leadership at the Jewish Museum of Australia and Kadimah to discuss ways we can work together to make sure Jewish performers, creatives, crew and audiences are all culturally safe. It is the responsibility of festival producers, venue owners, Creative Victoria and others in the industry to prevent discrimination and harassment of Jewish people.
LAW REFORM
This week, the JCCV met with Ro Allen, Victorian Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commissioner, to highlight the level of antisemitism in the Victorian community. Commissioner Allen suggested ways the JCCV and VHREOC can work more closely together, and the need to ensure VHREOC, which also collects hate crime data, has access to antisemitism reports.
The JCCV also received an update on the progress of the Victorian Government’s anti-vilification law reforms. We urged the Attorney General to act as quickly as possible to strengthen hate crimes laws in Victoria, which are clearly not fit for purpose.
DOXXING OF OUR COMMUNITY
Personal details and conversations from private WhatsApp groups have continued to be leaked this week, exposing our community members to harassment and death threats. I reiterate that Jewish people have the right to hold private discussions amongst themselves without fear for their safety and livelihood. The JCCV is advocating for law reform in this area because current laws seem insufficient to protect citizens from this kind of attack. For anyone affected, CSG has released some sensible advice.
For media inquiries, please contact the JCCV on +61 3 9272 5566 or email community@jccv.org.au
