Community message
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- Community Message
HOW IS JCCV SHOWING UP?
From government and police to local councils and Gen26, we are building connections and making sure Jewish Victorians are heard.
Dear friends,
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Showing up, beeing seen
It is important to me that the JCCV is visible and active across the Jewish and wider community. By meeting, listening and sharing ideas, we build strength, cohesion and understanding.
In recent weeks, JCCV board members and staff have had many impactful conversations, built relationships and worked to create a vibrant Jewish future.
The Victorian Premier’s Multicultural Gala was a fantastic opportunity to connect with friends from local faith and cultural communities. It was an honour to sit beside Premier Ben Carroll and share a dance with Deputy Liberal Leader David Southwick at this large and colourful event.
I also met with NSW Premier Chris Minns when he visited Melbourne. Premier Minns already had a good understanding of the NSW Jewish community, but tight bonds have been forged as Minns and his Government have sought to support the Jewish and wider Bondi communities after the tragic events of December 14.
The JCCV continues to meet regularly with Victoria Police, including in the lead-up to the High Holidays. Together with CSG, Victoria Police oversaw a largely calm and peaceful Rosh Hashana. CSG’s annual police lunch was a good opportunity to catch up in a more casual environment with those police who protect us day and night.
Showing up, beeing heard
We continue to work hard to build understanding of the Victorian Jewish community among key decision-makers.
JCCV CEO Naomi Levin met this week with Pam Anders, Victoria’s Chief Officer for Mental Health and Wellbeing, to discuss community recovery after a traumatic period. Pam and her team were receptive and keen to explore how they could help.
Naomi, together with JCCV Director of Strategic Operations, Sebastian Inwentarz, also met with Victorian Public Sector Commissioner Brigid Monagle. The Victorian Public Sector Commission is an independent body that guides more than 300,000 staff working in Victoria’s public sector. We spoke about ways that the Commissioner can help to ensure that there is no discrimination, intimidation or vilification of Jewish public sector staff.
JCCV CEO Naomi Levin recently addressed more than 50 senior staff at City of Stonnington’s Leadership Forum. This was a key opportunity to speak about progress on the Royal Commission into Antisemitism and Social Cohesion, best practice among Victorian local councils in addressing antisemitism and how to best support Jewish people in Stonnington.
The JCCV also continued delivering regular Jewish Immersion Programs to staff at Bayside Care and Support, a council-run service for older residents of Bayside and Glen Eira, including many Jewish elders. Staff learned how to navigate a kosher kitchen, what to say on Jewish holidays and how contemporary local antisemitism affects the community.
Showing up, having your say
Have you completed the Jewish community survey?
Gen26 – the Australian Jewish Community Survey – is still open and every Jewish Australian, aged over 18, is encouraged to take part.
Unlike the Australian Census, where one person completes the form on behalf of the household, every adult should complete Gen26 individually.
Whatever Jewish life looks for you, Gen26 is for you. Every experience and every perspective helps to create a more complete picture of Jewish life in Australia.
If you haven’t yet participated, it is time to add your voice.
