Community message
- Published March 9 2025
- Community Message
YOM HASHOAH COMMEMORATION 2025
For decades, the JCCV has been the custodian of our community’s Yom Hashoah commemoration.
This is a responsibility we take very seriously. We cannot and will not ever forget the six million Jews who died during the Shoah.
Yom Hashoah is also an opportunity pay tribute to the thousands of survivors who showed strength, fortitude and boundless energy to build the Victorian Jewish community we enjoy today.
As we prepare to come together for this year’s Yom Hashoah commemoration on 23 April 2025, we reflect on our theme: What Was Lost and What Endures.
This theme acknowledges both the immense loss and destruction of the Holocaust, as well as the resilience and survival that followed. Inspired by the words of Hatikvah—”Od Lo Avda Tikvatenu” (Our hope is not yet lost)—we recognise that hope, even in the darkest times, has carried our people forward.
Last year’s event was fully booked. We urge you to secure tickets for yourself and family members now.
SECURITY IN OUR COMMUNITY
This week, the JCCV hosted leaders of JCCV member organisations at our Council of Presidents. The topic was community security.
I listened closely and heard how many Jewish organisations are adapting to heightened security concerns—introducing stronger measures while grappling with the financial burden this brings. Some have seen attendances at events drop, while others continue to thrive, showing just how varied the impact has been across our community.
A key theme was the challenge of balancing safety with ensuring our spaces remain welcoming and vibrant. We also discussed the need for greater government transparency and expanded security funding to protect all Jewish community spaces—not just synagogues but schools, cultural institutions, and community hubs too.
What stood out most was the resilience of our community. Despite the challenges, we continue to support each other, adapt, and find ways to move forward together.
I want to personally thank everyone who took part in this discussion, particularly Justin Kagan, the CEO of our remarkable Community Security Group (CSG). Your insights and dedication were invaluable, and I look forward to continuing these conversations with you.
ANTISEMITISM AND HEALTHCARE
In collaboration with the Australian Jewish Medical Federation, I took part in a discussion addressing the concerns facing Jewish medical professionals with Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mark Butler.
In light of the deeply disturbing incident involving two NSW nurses bragging about harming Israeli patients—an event that has now gained global attention—the issue of safety within the healthcare sector has become even more pressing. Many now feel increasingly unsafe accessing public health services, fearing discrimination. The message from the Jewish community was clear: healthcare must be a safe and accessible space for all, free from prejudice and harm.
I note that the two NSW nurses have now been charged with a range of offences
LEARNING FROM THE FIGHT AGAINST ANTISEMITISM AROUND THE WORLD
Immediate past-President of JCCV, Daniel Aghion KC, represented the Australian Jewish community at the Anti-Defamation League’s Never is Now summit, the world’s largest conference on antisemitism and hate.
Watch the panel discussion at ADL’s Never is Now summit featuring Daniel.
If you would like JCCV to deliver a training session for an organisation you are involved in—whether in the workplace, education, or a community setting—please get in touch with our team.
