Community message
- Published April 14 2024
- Community Message
Community message from JCCV President, Philip Zajac.
TRAUMATISED YET STRONG
I returned from Israel this week with a renewed sense of purpose for my role as JCCV President.
During my visit I was struck by the gracious welcome that every visitor to Israel receives. Israelis cannot overstate how appreciative that we have travelled to show our support during this extremely difficult time.
Israelis are traumatised but strong. They know what needs to be done: the hostages need to be returned and Hamas needs to be defeated. It is as simple as that.
Our community is also traumatised and we need to stay strong. We know what needs to be done: we need to support Israel and we need to live proud Jewish lives.
With Pesach around the corner, I know many of us are cleaning frantically, choosing recipes for seder night and shuddering at the price of Kosher for Pesach groceries, but please take time to reflect on our Jewish brothers and sisters all around the world doing the same. We really are “am echad”, a single nation, that has stuck together for thousands of years.
SIX MONTHS ON
While I was in Israel, Vice President Hayley Southwick represented the JCCV at Sunday’s candlelight vigil in St Kilda for the remaining hostages still imprisoned in Gaza.
The JCCV was also pleased to assist event organisers in their interaction with local Victoria Police command. There is a real effort being made by Victoria Police to improve their engagement with the Jewish community, which is appreciated.
It is so important that we keep Australia’s focus on the hostages. Everywhere you turn in Israel, are photos, tributes or prayers for the safe return of the hostages. Six terrible months have passed and they still are not home. It is beyond our imagination what they must be going through.
OUTREACH
The JCCV thanks the Never Again is Now coalition as it plans a large rally against antisemitism in Melbourne on Sunday May 19. This coalition has been formed by Christian Australians to stand against antisemitism.
www.neveragainisnow.com.au
JCCV executive members are also continuing their important engagement with other faith communities. Frank Greenstein and Natalie Gunn attended a large Sikh celebration last weekend, and Frank attended Iftar dinners hosted by the Ahmadiyya community in Langwarrin and also Australian Muslim Business Council.
RECOGNITION OF PALESTINE
As I flew back to Melbourne, I was shocked to hear Foreign Minister Penny Wong’s comments that recognition of a Palestinian state would somehow help bring peace.
I have just witnessed the reality on the ground: burnt-out homes, families begging for the return of their daughter, brothers and grandfathers, continuing rockets fire in the north from Hezbollah. How, under these circumstances, could Australia consider recognising a Palestinian state?
The JCCV echoes the statement made by the Executive Council of Australian Jewry President Daniel Aghion KC: “The reason the current Israel Government is less than enthusiastic about a two-state solution is because they have never believed the Palestinians are serious about living in peace and coexistence. October 7 proved they were right.”
COMMUNITY KOVED
This weeks’ Community Koved goes to the team behind J-United, who have created an incredible grassroots movement. What started as a group for support, has developed into a mobilised community.
Last Sunday we attended the emotional Six Month Vigil they organised. We thank them for the efforts they put into creating a meaningful, moving event.
“Leadership is not about a title or a designation. It’s about impact, influence, and inspiration.” Robin S. Sharma
Please send your nominations for Community Koved to community@jccv.org.au
For media inquiries, please contact the JCCV on +61 3 9272 5566 or email community@jccv.org.au
