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- Community Message
SUPPORTED IN A CHALLENGING WEEK
From a call from the Premier to interfaith connections and education, this week, the JCCV felt supported by our allies.
WHEN THE PREMIER CALLS
On Sunday, after we learned that Toorak Shule had been graffitied, yet again, with antisemitic slurs, Premier Jacinta Allen rang me.
The Premier expressed concern about the welfare of our community and offered support from the Victorian Government. It was a gesture that I appreciated during a very tough time. The Premier also made public remarks, saying:
To the Jewish community here in Melbourne and particularly the members of that synagogue… That was just a disgraceful, senseless attack. It was good to see how quickly it was addressed, but it was senseless. It was disgraceful. Whatever conflict is going on overseas… we must never let conflict and violence and hatred overseas come to our streets and suburbs here in Melbourne.
JCCV was in touch with Quentin Miller, president of Toorak Shule, after the incident and it was heartening to hear that board members and the rabbi had received many warm expressions of support.
Yet again, we see that the vast majority of Victorians stand with our Jewish community and against bigotry, racism and hate speech.
INTERFAITH EXAMPLE
On that note, the staff and students at Bulleen’s Marcellin College demonstrated leadership and a commitment to cohesion, hosting an interfaith panel earlier this week.
Josh Goodman, the JCCV’s Community Engagement Manager, joined representatives from the local Buddhist, Hindu and Muslim communities. Josh spoke to the boys about Jewish identity and connecting to faith and community through different phases of life.
I truly believe that the more people we get out and meet, the more barriers we can break down and the stronger our society
TEACHING THE TEACHERS
This week, the JCCV delivered another of our Jewish Immersion Programs to teachers at a local government primary school. This school has a number of Jewish students enrolled.
The feedback from our facilitators was really positive. The teachers participated enthusiastically and learnt a lot about the local Jewish community, Jewish identity, and also antisemitism.
The JCCV has sessions booked in coming weeks with diverse audiences, and we are currently training a new group of facilitators. I am incredibly proud of the work we are doing with our Jewish Immersion Programs.
