Community message
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- Community Message
OUR STORIES MATTER
In One Voice, Yom Hashoah and an opportunity for our community to share its story.
Dear friends,
CELEBRATING JEWISH CULTURE
Today, like many of you, I will be heading out to In One Voice on Selwyn Street, Elsternwick. This Jewish street festival is one of the most vibrant days on the Victorian Jewish calendar. If you haven’t been before, today is the day!
I want to congratulate all the Jewish singers, artists and community groups that will pitch in to make the day great – and to thank the organisers from Kadimah Jewish Cultural Centre and SKIF
THE OBLIGATION OF ZACHOR
From celebrating to commemorating, it is time to book your tickets for Yom Hashoah 2026.
There is a strong Jewish obligation of zachor (remember). 87 years ago, World War II started, it ended six years later with the tragic loss of six million Jews. The years may pass, but our duty of zachor does not diminish.
As a community, we will mark Yom Hashoah on Monday, April 13. Tickets available now
PROUD JEWISH LIVES
Like me, I am sure you have been thinking about Israel this week and praying for safety and peace.
Reports emerging of deadly cluster bombs attached to ballistic missiles fired into suburbs and towns in Israel confirms again what we know about the brutal and desperate Iranian regime.
I was also horrified to hear of a violent attack on a Jewish community centre, including a preschool, in Michigan in the United States.
This week, I had the opportunity to meet with Dr Dave Rich, a global antisemitism expert and the head of policy at the UK’s Community Security Trust.
While the world remains a frightening place for Jewish people, Dave and I were both absolutely certain of one thing: we do not step away from Yiddishkeit or our community in the face of these threats. We continue to lead active and proud Jewish lives.
Please continue to report any incidents of antisemitism to CSG via the JEAP app or CSG’s hotline 1300 000 274.
On March 23, the JCCV and CSG will jointly launch the 2025 Victorian Antisemitism Report. Please join us for this important event to truly understand the key local antisemitic trends in Victoria.
ROYAL COMMISSION UPDATE
The Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion has now opened and is accepting submissions.
For many in our community, this moment carries real significance. It is an opportunity for Jewish Australians to ensure that the experiences of our community are heard, understood and properly documented.
A number of key Jewish organisations, including the JCCV, have come together to support a joint initiative called ShareYourStory. This initiative provides clear information and practical guidance for anyone who may wish to make a submission to the Royal Commission.
Every experience matters. Whether an incident was large or small, recent or from years ago, personal stories help paint a fuller picture of how antisemitism has affected Jewish life in Australia.
Over the coming weeks, ShareYourStory will provide simple explainers about the Royal Commission process, guidance on preparing a submission, and opportunities to learn more through community briefings and webinars.
If you are considering making a submission, I encourage you to take the time to learn more about the process. The JCCV is also here to support our member organisations and individuals who would like assistance in sharing their stories.
You can find more information, resources and updates on the JCCV website
