Community message
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- Community Message
THE POWER OF PARTICIPATION
What the Royal Commission, Gen26 and an evening with Lior Raz have in common.
Dear friends,
Showing up for community
Last week, I attended the Magen David Adom Australia event featuring actor and Fauda creator Lior Raz.
Like many in the room, I was interested to hear his reflections on Israel, Jewish identity and the challenges facing Jewish communities around the world. What struck me most, however, was the sense of connection among those gathered. At a time when so much attention is focused on division and conflict, there was something reassuring about seeing people come together in support of an organisation whose mission is fundamentally about saving lives.
Community is often spoken about as an abstract concept. In reality, it is built through participation. It is strengthened when people show up, whether that is by attending an event, volunteering, supporting a cause, sharing their experiences or helping shape the future.
Royal Commission updates
That brings me to the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion.
Today is the final day to make a submission to the Royal Commission. It also marks six months since the Chanukah attack at Bondi Beach, in which 15 Australians lost their lives.
As we reflect on that terrible day, our thoughts remain with the victims, their families and all those whose lives were forever changed by the attack. While six months have passed, the grief and loss remain profound.
The Royal Commission was established in the aftermath of that tragedy, but its work has made clear that antisemitism did not begin on 14 December 2025. The experiences shared by thousands of Australians have helped paint a broader picture of the challenges facing our community and the work required to strengthen social cohesion.
The level of engagement with the Royal Commission has been remarkable. As of this week, it has:
- Received more than 14,700 submissions;
- Responded to 390 phone enquiries;
- Heard evidence from 83 witnesses;
- Recorded more than 19,700 livestream views.
Behind every one of these figures is a person who chose to participate. Whether sharing a lived experience, offering an expert perspective or simply taking the time to listen, these contributions will help shape the Commission’s work and recommendations for years to come.
I want to thank everyone who has taken the time to contribute. If you have not yet made a submission, there is still time to do so today.
Shaping our future together
The same spirit of participation is central to Gen26, which will launch in the coming weeks.
Gen26 will provide an updated of picture of Jewish life in Australia. The information gathered will help guide long-term planning for community organisations, schools, service providers and leaders make better decisions and plan for the future.
When the survey opens, I encourage everyone to take part. The stronger the participation, the stronger the evidence base that will guide our community’s future.
Built for moments like this. Powered by community.
Finally, I want to thank those who have already contributed to the JCCV’s End of Financial Year Appeal.
Over the past few years, I have been reminded time and again that understanding cannot be taken for granted. It must be built through conversation, education and genuine engagement.
Often, the impact of these efforts is not immediately visible. A single meeting or presentation may seem small in the moment. Yet each one creates an opportunity for someone to better understand the Jewish community, challenge a misconception, or become an ally when it matters most.
That impact extends far beyond the initial interaction. It influences workplaces, schools, community organisations and the broader society in which we live.
Helping build that understanding is an important part of creating a safer and more inclusive Victoria, and I am grateful to everyone whose support enables the JCCV to continue this work.
Whether you have shared your story with the Royal Commission, attended a community event, contributed to our appeal or are preparing to participate in Gen26, thank you. Communities are strongest when people choose to get involved, and this week I have been reminded just how many people across our community continue to do exactly that.
