Community message
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- Community Message
FROM ISRAEL TO VICTORIA: OUR PEOPLE STAND TOGETHER
Israel, new hate-speech laws, and a moment of renewal at East Melbourne Shule.
Dear friends,
ISRAEL AND OUR GLOBAL JEWISH FAMILY
We are all watching events in the Middle East with deep concern. Our hearts are with Israel because for us, this is not a distant conflict. It involves family members, friends and loved ones living through an uncertain and difficult period.
We pray this current operation helps bring greater freedom, stability and peace to Israel. We also hope for a future in which the people of Iran can live with greater freedom and opportunity, and where the region can move toward a more peaceful and secure future for all.
The bond between Jewish communities around the world remains strong, and we stand firmly in solidarity.
SECURITY AND VIGILANCE AT HOME
Tensions in the Middle East can have flow-on effects for Jewish communities around the world, including here in Victoria. Reflections shared recently by Israel’s President Isaac Herzog through the Voice of the People initiative highlighted the importance of vigilance and unity among Jewish communities.
In this environment, it is essential that we continue to follow the security principles that help keep our community safe. Please remain aware of your surroundings, report suspicious behaviour, objects or vehicles to CSG, and ensure that site-specific security procedures are followed carefully.
These measures are not about fear. They are about preparedness and responsibility. Our community has shown remarkable resilience, and unity remains one of our greatest strengths.
REMEMBERING HELEN "HELSIE" BRUSTMAN OAM
We are deeply saddened by the passing this week of Helen Brustman OAM, a formidable, bright and iconic presence in Melbourne’s Jewish community.
Helsie, as she was known to all, dedicated decades of service to communal life, including her time as Communal Affairs Director of the Jewish Community Council of Victoria. A tireless advocate and generous leader, she was recognised with the Medal of the Order of Australia for her contribution to the Jewish community, particularly through her work with the Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council.
Her impact on communal life in Melbourne was profound, and her warmth, determination and leadership will be remembered by so many whose lives she touched. On behalf of the JCCV, I extend sincere condolences to Helen’s family and loved ones.
May her memory be a blessing.
STRENGTHENING PROTECTIONS AGAINST HATE
This week, the Victorian Parliament passed a new law that will allow police to more quickly charge those accused of serious hate crimes.
This important reform delivers on a commitment that Premier Jacinta Allan made to the Jewish community following the Bondi terror attack to strengthen protections against antisemitism, hate and extremism.
Ensuring that our laws are fit for purpose and capable of delivering real consequences for those who spread hate is an essential step in building a safer Victoria.
RENEWAL AT EAST MELBOURNE SHULE
We all remember the deeply distressing attack on the historic East Melbourne Shule last July, when an arsonist set fire to the synagogue on Shabbat while around 20 worshippers were inside.
This week we will gather again at East Melbourne Shule, not to provide comfort as we did last year, but to celebrate the beginning of the synagogue’s expansion and the construction of a new community centre.
This project will not only restore and revitalise this historic synagogue. It will also ensure that the Jewish community in central Melbourne and the northern suburbs has a welcoming home able to meet growing communal needs for generations to come.
Kol hakavod to Rabbi Dovid Gutnick and president Danny Segal for their leadership in bringing this important project to life.
As we move into the coming week, may we continue to draw strength from our shared values and from one another.
