Community message
- Published May 26 2024
- Community Message
Community message from JCCV President, Philip Zajac.
Despite declarations, hate continues
MOUNT SCOPUS
Yesterday, I was shocked to receive photos showing a death threat graffitied on Mount Scopus College, Victoria’s oldest and largest Jewish school. This attack has left our community devastated and in shock.
I have listened and learned this week from meeting with dozens of Jewish Victorians at a range of events.
Last Sunday, I attended the Progressive Judaism of Victoria (PJV) AGM. PJV is the roof body that supports our Progressive institutions, including the Progressive synagogues, Bet Olam Funeral Service and The King David School, among others.
I was pleased to hear from President Maureen Barten that the group’s strategic objective is advocacy for the whole Jewish community, including the Progressive Jewish community. We need strong, diverse and proud Jewish advocates more than ever.
I was also at the Never Again Is Now rally to support the organisers say “no” to racism and hate. My Vice President Hayley Southwick thanked all those who attended from across Melbourne, including representatives of other faith and cultural groups. The coalition of those who say no to hate, must always be louder and stronger than those who seek to do us harm.
This week, Rabbi Ralph Genende and I met with Anglican Bishop Philip Huggins, a leader of interfaith dialogue. We all agreed that more needs to be done to combat a general decline in respect, decency and empathy in our community.
ALP CONFERENCE
In the lead up to last weekend’s ALP Victorian Conference, I contacted ALP officials and delegates urging them to reject motions on Palestine that went against the ALP’s own stated values of social justice and fairness.
While it was dejecting to see so many ALP members vote in favour of these morally-void motions that failed to even once mention the terrorist acts of Hamas, I was heartened to receive a handful of very supportive messages back, including from one senior ALP official who wrote to me “I acknowledge the deep hurt and pain in the Jewish community following the terrorist attacks on October 7, the continued holding of hostages by Hamas and the rise of anti-Jewish hate incidents here in Victoria. I stand in solidarity with you and members of the Jewish community.”
I will continue to work hard with our allies in the ALP – and other political parties – to educate and inform. We must provide balance to the hateful messages that are being spread against Israel and Zionism.
SCHOOLS
The JCCV continues to work with the Victorian Department of Education and JCCV member organisations, including UJEB, the Jewish Museum of Australia, Courage to Care and the Melbourne Holocaust Museum, to find impactful ways to address antisemitism in non-Jewish schools.
This week, Naomi Levin, JCCV CEO, attended a Combatting Antisemitism with Education consultative group meeting. There was good dialogue between the Jewish community and departmental staff and there are a number of positive initiatives being planned by the Victorian Department of Education to better combat antisemitism.
UNIVERSITIES
The JCCV is speaking regularly with AUJS, CSG and others in the community to ensure the wellbeing of our university students is a priority. Many Jewish students are now heading into exams or assignment time following a period of significant stress. We urge our students to look after themselves and access services provided by Hatzolah and others to support their mental health, if they need it.
As a community, we will continue to advocate for the following happen:
- Encampments dismantled for good.
- University codes of conduct enforced. Students who have breached university policies, including for hate speech, must be sanctioned.
- Universities resist pressure to enact antisemitic Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) policies.
UPCOMING PLENUM: ADDRESSING ANTISEMITISM ON CAMPUS
You are invited to join our upcoming plenum on Monday, 3 June, 2024. We will be hosting a panel of academics and students who will be discussing how antisemitisim is currently being addressed on campuses.
Spots are limited, so please reserve your seat today.
Please note: the evening will commence with plenum formalities for JCCV members and delegates. If you are not a member or delegate, you are welcome to reserve a seat just for the panel and arrive a bit later. Only book 1 ticket per person and not a ticket for each session.
Our last Plenum sold out TWICE, so don’t delay, reserve your seat today!
COMMUNITY KOVED
This weeks’ Community Koved goes to Hallely Kimchi, Habayit Director and part of the Zionism Victoria team. The always energetic Hallely was a driving force who led successful community events for Yom Hazikaron and Yom Ha’atzmaut in challenging times. Hallely has also worked hard to ensure our Jewish community responds to the needs of the growing number of Israeli-born Victorians.
We thank you Hallely for never giving up, for putting in your heart and soul into everything you do!
Please send your nominations for Community Koved to community@jccv.org.au
