Community message
- Published September 22 2024
- Community Message
Community message from JCCV President, Philip Zajac.
UPDATES FROM POLICE CHIEF COMMISSIONER
Thank you to everyone who donated to the JCCV Giving Day this week. With your support, the JCCV will be able to:
- Enhance wrap-around community case management for people impacted by antisemitism or discrimination.
- Increased advocacy to government to better address antisemitism in Victoria.
We deeply appreciate your generosity.
POLICE UPDATE: CHIEF COMMUSSIONER SHANE PATTON
Chief Commissioner Shane Patton addressed CSG’s annual Victoria Police-Jewish community lunch. He specifically called out the strong relationship between Victoria Police and the JCCV, including the work we did to connect Jewish student leaders with police during the university encampments earlier this year.
The Chief Commissioner noted that since October 7 last year, Victoria Police has investigated more than 260 prejudice-motivated crimes and more than 60 people have been charged with offences. Of those 60+ individuals, 80% were motivated by antisemitism.
He said more than 450 pro-Palestinian rallies have been held in Melbourne’s CBD, including the violent Land Forces demonstrations last week. The Chief Commissioner did not shy away from acknowledging that antisemitic slogans are used at these rallies, and added that Victoria Police is committed to enforcing the law and arrests continue to be made.
Thank you to CSG for bringing together police leadership, Minister for Police Anthony Carbines and community police for a productive and worthwhile event.
POLICE UPDATE: MCKINNON GATHERING
The JCCV has spoken with Victoria Police about reports a McKinnon café hosted a gathering of neo-Nazis. Police are investigating whether any offences were committed. It is important to note that laws prohibit the public display of Nazi symbols or gestures, however this event was held privately.
The nature of this event has understandably caused distress and concern to both our Jewish community and the broader community. There is no place for people who promote or spread bigoted, hateful and violent views.
Local police have also told the JCCV that detectives are continuing their investigation into the assault on two Jewish teens at Caulfield Station earlier this month. Police attended the scene following the incident to speak to witnesses and to collect available CCTV footage. I urge police to do everything possible to track down the individuals responsible.
CREATING A SAFE ENVIRONMENT FOR JEWISH STUDENTS
The JCCV also continues to provide outreach to non-Jewish schools. A government school principal reached out to the JCCV for guidance on how to deal with students advocating against Israel at school.
He was genuine in his desire to create a safe environment for Jewish students in his school, but equally admitted he was finding it a challenge to work with students who hold loud anti-Israel viewpoints.
The JCCV introduced him to the IHRA working definition of antisemitism as a guidance tool to help school leaders determine when criticism of Israel veers into anti-Jewish hate and help them to draw red lines on acceptable student conduct. We will continue to work with the school in this complex area.
