Community message
- Published February 25 2024
- Community Message
Community message from JCCV President, Philip Zajac.
DO THEY "GET IT"?
A question I am often asked is do our political leaders and police really “get it”? Do they understand the challenges our community is facing? Can they comprehend the level of anxiety that some are feeling? Is there any way of really explaining how personally impacted we are by what is happening in Israel?
The honest answer is “no”, a lot of them don’t get it. But I am encouraged that almost all of them are willing to listen and learn.
JCCV board members and staff are meeting with leaders across our community every day to help them better understand what we are dealing with.
The JCCV is seeking additional information from the Police Minister Anthony Carbines about incidents that took place outside Melbourne Town Hall on Tuesday evening. I know there are many in our community who are frustrated that the CBD feels like a “no-go zone” for the Jewish community, and we need help to change this.
I was heartened that Premier Jacinta Allan delivered a strong condemnation of the recent doxxing of community members in Parliament. She said Victoria Police were investigating possible criminal behaviour by those responsible. We urge Victoria Police to expedite their investigations.
MELBOURNE CITY COUNCIL
We welcomed the defeat of a motion put to Melbourne City Council on the Israel-Gaza conflict. Local councils have no place commenting on international conflicts, particularly those that are not consistent with the Australian Government.
A lot of work was done by our community to help councillors understand the impact that motions like these have on Jewish residents, workers and visitors to the City of Melbourne.”
We need our elected officials to develop plans to unite our community, not support motions that divide.
We thank the councillors – those who supported and opposed the motion – for engaging with the JCCV. It is important that all voices are heard, including that of the Victorian Jewish community. I especially would like to thank acting Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece for his leadership.
SCHOOLS
This week, we have been in contact with the Department of Education about material being posted in government schools calling for another student strike for Gaza.
We have been informed that activists are entering school grounds, which are accessible to the public outside of school hours, and posting flyers and stickers. It is not thought to be the work of staff or students.
The Department is working with principals at impacted schools to ensure the material is removed from school grounds promptly and that student wellbeing remains a priority.
The JCCV is hoping to host further forums to provide opportunities for our community to receive detailed updates and ask questions on a range of topics. Keep your eyes out for coming invitations.
MEETING THE GOVERNOR
The Governor of Victoria Margaret Gardner AC reached out to me recently and I met her at Government House this week.
The Governor was keen to understand how the Victorian Jewish community is faring and I updated her on all the amazing shows of unity we have seen, but also the troubling rise in antisemitism.
EVENTS
There are some remarkable events being planned in our community, including Midnight in Paris musical performance at Toorak Shule, Kadimah’s upcoming season of Yentl, opening on February 29, and Zionism Victoria’s We Will Dance Again Festival on March 5.
I urge you all to look through the community notices after my message and choose a couple to attend. There is no better way to combat hate then to show our Jewish pride.
For media inquiries, please contact the JCCV on +61 3 9272 5566 or email community@jccv.org.au
