Community message
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- Community Message
STANDING TOGETHER: REMEMBRANCE, JUSTICE AND ACTION
From arrests to a national call for a Royal Commission, we honour, unite and act as a community.
Dear friends,
STANDING TOGETHER
Tomorrow, Monday 12 January, we will gather for the Bondi Shloshim Memorial Service. Thirty days on from the devastating terror attack on the shores of Bondi Beach, the grief remains close to the surface for many in our community.
We invite you to join us tomorrow evening as we come together to remember the precious lives lost, honour their memories and draw strength from one another. We will hear reflections from Sheina Gutnick, daughter of Reuven Morrison o״bm, and Perele Goldhirsch, sister of Rabbi Eli Schlanger o״bm.
Being present matters. Community matters. Standing together is one of the most powerful responses we have in moments like these. Please join us to honour those lost and to stand together as a community.
POSITIVE STEPS TOWARDS JUSTICE
This week, Victoria Police arrested the man allegedly responsible for the firebombing of a car in St Kilda East displaying a Jewish menorah. This incident, occurring just ten days after the fatal Bondi Beach terror attack, shook our community and forced a family to evacuate their home in the early hours of the morning.
I want to acknowledge the professionalism and determination of Victoria Police in bringing this matter to a point of accountability. Every arrest sends a clear message: antisemitic violence will be taken seriously, investigated thoroughly and pursued relentlessly. While arrests alone do not solve the problem, strong law enforcement is a critical part of keeping our community safe.
WELCOMING THE ROYAL COMMISSION
On Thursday, the announcement of a Royal Commission into antisemitism and social cohesion marked a significant and welcome development. It reflects a growing recognition across mainstream Australia that antisemitism is not an issue affecting only one community, but a threat to our society as a whole.
A Royal Commission provides an opportunity to examine how this hatred has escalated, to understand systemic failures, and to recommend meaningful reform. The JCCV welcomes this process and will assist in whatever way possible. Addressing antisemitism requires seriousness, transparency and long-term commitment, and this is an important step forward.
As Australians, we must ensure our institutions, education systems and civic spaces are resilient to hatred in all its forms. The JCCV is taking action by calling on individuals and organisations to commit to Jewish cultural awareness training in 2026, helping to build understanding, challenge prejudice and create safer communities. We encourage you to share this initiative with friends, colleagues and networks who want to stand with the Jewish community and play a practical role in combating antisemitism in Australia.
UPCOMING EVENT WITH THE HON SUSSAN LEY MP
On Thursday, we will co-host an important community gathering featuring the Hon Sussan Ley MP, Leader of the Federal Opposition, who will address the Jewish community on issues of shared concern and collaboration. This event is another example of constructive engagement between government and the Jewish community, and I encourage you to attend if you can.
As we move through this period of mourning, uncertainty and resolve, I am reminded that we cannot retreat into silence or isolation. We must look after one another, remain visible, and continue to engage with the wider Australian community to shape a safer future.
May the coming days bring comfort, strength and a measure of peace.
