Community message
- Published February 16 2025
- Community Message
EMPATHY THROUGH EDUCATION
I am a firm believer that education and connection is the best way to blunt the force of antisemitism.
The JCCV continues to deliver our high-quality Jewish cultural education to more and more non-Jewish people across Melbourne. For many participants in our program, it is the first time they have met with Jewish people.
We build empathy by sharing with them stories of how Jews settled in Melbourne after fleeing persecution in dozens of countries by different regimes. We give them a taste of the riches and colour of our Jewish faith. And we brief them on the current antisemitism crisis.
We have run five programs already this year, with another three groups booked in next week. And we have capacity to do more. If your workplace, a non-Jewish community group you know or an organisation you have interactions with is interested in participating in the Jewish Immersion Program, please email our office community@jccv.org.au
POLICE UPDATE
The JCCV, together with CSG, has held two productive meetings with senior Victoria Police over the past week.
We have been updated about police efforts to keep our community safe, including the frequency and timing of extra patrols around Jewish suburbs. CSG provided additional information to police based on community reports. Police were appreciative and will continue to adjust their response to address our community’s needs. I ask that you continue to report any incidents of antisemitism to CSG via the JEAP app or call 1300 000 274.
Naomi met with new Liberal Party Leader Brad Battin, a former police officer himself, at the Adass Israel synagogue, to brief him on the damage caused and progress towards rebuilding.
You may also be aware that Chief Commissioner Shane Patton spoke on radio on Thursday about the progress of this investigation. His comments in the tiles below.
SECURITY UPGRADES
JCCV board members and staff are reassured that, as we move around our community, security grants are being put to good use by different organisations. These grants were made available by the Commonwealth Government, via our parent organisation the Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ). We hope that community members notice these upgrades as they enter and exit shuls, schools and other community facilities.
TU BISHVAT
This week, we marked Tu BiShvat – the ultimate expression of Jewish environmentalism. These special Jewish days create rhythm to our lives that is unique and to be valued. I hope you took the opportunity to eat a traditional fruit, to plant a tree or just to enjoy the natural environment – even though it was a hot and sticky day.
