Community message
- Published
- Community Message
FROM SINGAPORE TO SPRING ST
A historic synagogue, important changes to Victoria's multicultural framework, and the next stage of the Royal Commission.
Dear friends,
Treasured Jewish communities
I have been travelling this week, including davening at the Chesed-El Synagogue in Singapore.
This beautiful synagogue was built in 1905 by the great Singaporean Jewish community builder, Sir Manasseh Meyer. I treasure visiting Jewish communities around the world, joining a minyan and feeling truly part of Am Yisrael.
Rethinking Victoria's multicultural policy
Of course, activity has continued at the JCCV even while I have been travelling.
In September last year, Victoria’s Multicultural Review, led by senior multicultural leaders including our community’s Miriam Suss, handed down its report. It recommended that government rethink its multicultural policy and institutions to recognise the value and better support the needs of our multicultural and multifaith communities.
In response, the Victorian government has committed to a range of actions including abolishing the Victorian Multicultural Commission and establishing a new entity, Multicultural Victoria.
The new Multicultural Victoria is expected to deliver:
- Strengthened community consultation;
- Better connect community feedback with policy and program delivery;
- Influence outcomes across government portfolios.
The JCCV has been involved in consultation on the Multicultural Victoria Amendment Bill, which is expected to come before Parliament in coming weeks. The Bill will update the Act’s multicultural principles, set up Multicultural Victoria with new leadership roles (including a Multicultural Coordinator General and two deputies), strengthen place-based engagement, and introduce new whole-of-government planning and reporting requirements.
Antisemitism response: A reminder
If you witness or experience antisemitism help is available.
- In an emergency, call 000. Otherwise report to CSG via the JEAP app or 1300 000 274.
- Contact the JCCV Antisemitism Support Service for further assistance.
ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE – JCCV ANTISEMITISM SUPPORT SERVICE
- Help making a police report
- Support to escalate complaints in a workplace or school
- Referral to mental health and wellbeing assistance
- Referral to legal assistance
- Referral to victims of crime services
- General advice and guidance on antisemitism
Royal Commission updates
The Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion will begin its third public hearing block next week in Sydney.
Hearing Block 3 focuses on antisemitic and other hateful content in online environments and in traditional media and broadcasting, including issues such as prevalence, platform policies, regulatory settings, and law enforcement.
From Monday 13 July to Friday 17 July 2026, Hearing Block 4 will take place in Melbourne and will focus on antisemitism in Australian universities. The Commission will hear from students, academics and universities in regard to:
- The lived experience and impact of antisemitism on Jewish students and staff
- How universities have responded to complaints and safety concerns
- What further steps may be needed to ensure campuses are safe, respectful and inclusive for everyone.
If you have been called to give evidence or are affected by what comes out in the hearings, support is available. Please contact ShareYourStory and the team will help connect you with the right people.
Built for moments like this. Powered by community.
Over the past few weeks, we’ve shared just some of the ways JCCV has been supporting our community, from helping individuals experiencing antisemitism, to educating organisations, to ensuring Jewish voices are heard where important decisions are being made.
None of this work happens in isolation. It is only possible because of a community that believes in standing together and supporting one another.
As we approach the end of the financial year, I invite you to consider making a tax-deductible contribution to JCCV if you are able. Your support helps us continue responding to the challenges of today while building a stronger, safer and more connected future for Jewish Victorians.
On behalf of the Board, our staff, and the many individuals and organisations we work alongside every day, thank you for your continued trust and support.
