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FROM PROTESTS TO PROTECTION: HOW THE JCCV IS RESPONDING
Updates on safety, leadership, and community action in Victoria’s Jewish community.
ZERO CONSEQUENCES, GROWING DANGER
Last weekend’s scenes in Melbourne’s CBD were appalling. Watching neo-Nazis march through our city emboldened and unafraid, should alarm every Victorian.
Let’s be clear: they have faced zero consequences for their antisemitic rally outside Parliament last December, nor for their ongoing activity before the election. And now, they are getting bolder. What starts with the Jews will not end with us, as history has taught us time and again. When antisemitism is tolerated, it erodes the safety and cohesion of the whole of society.
It is time for government and police to act. We need laws to prevent face coverings at protests, stronger measures to stop intimidation, and meaningful consequences for those who spread hate. Silence and inaction will only embolden them further.
This is also why the JCCV’s work is so vital. We are at the heart of our community’s response to antisemitism, supporting families, guiding schools and workplaces, amplifying our voice to government, and standing strong in moments of crisis. That is why I ask you to support our upcoming Annual Appeal on 16 September. Together, we can strengthen our community’s resilience and ensure we are never alone.
ENGAGING FOR IMPACT
This week, our Director of Strategic Operations, Sebastian Inwentarz, represented the JCCV at three important engagements.
At a roundtable hosted by the Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council with Ted Deutch, CEO of the American Jewish Committee, Sebastien joined representatives from the US Consulate, Victoria Police, CSG, Australia’s Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism, and the Victorian Multicultural Commission. Together, they discussed the importance of protecting our community amidst rising antisemitism, ongoing CBD protests, and recent attacks linked to the Iranian Regime. The JCCV continues to work closely with these organisations to represent and support our community, ensuring our voice is heard and our safety remains a priority.
Sebastian also took part in the AUJS Impact Leadership Program, sitting on a panel with leaders from C Care, UJEB, and NCJWA Vic. The program gave participants the opportunity to understand the communal landscape and the challenges we face, while sharing their own insights as the next generation of Jewish leaders.
Finally, Sebastian attended the annual Shmooze with the Blues, hosted by CSG and Victoria Police at the Sassoon Yehuda Sephardi Synagogue. This gathering highlighted the strength of our partnerships with law enforcement and security organisations, partnerships that are vital every day of the year, but especially as we approach the High Holy Days.
COUNCILS ON THE FRONTLINE OF THE FIGHT AGAINST ANTISEMITISM
JCCV CEO Naomi Levin and I travelled to the Gold Coast to attend the Australian Mayors Summit Against Antisemitism, alongside more than 80 local councils from across the country. The summit highlighted the pivotal role of local government in shaping safe, inclusive communities, at the school gate, on the sportsground, and in our neighbourhoods.
Australia’s Special Envoy for Combatting Antisemitism, Jillian Segal, reminded us that antisemitism is not just a threat to the Jewish community, but an existential threat to democracy itself.
I was proud to speak with many councillors during the summit, learning from their experiences, sharing the Victorian perspective, and expressing our gratitude for their leadership and allieship. I want to particularly thank those councils already taking meaningful steps to protect Jewish Victorians and to strengthen social cohesion.
