Victoria’s Premier Jacinta Allan and Leader of the Opposition John Pesutto have stood with the Victorian Jewish community as we have observed an overwhelming increase in antisemitic incidents locally in 2023 and 2024. This battle against rising hate continues though and it is not just a battle for the Jewish community but for all Victorians.

With anti-Jewish abuse, assault and vandalism at unprecedented levels in Victoria, the time for condemnation is over. What the Victorian Jewish community is looking for is action, specifically five key activities:

1. Maintain moral clarity. We ask that you continue to speak out with moral clarity to all Victorians making it clear that antisemitic rhetoric and incitement has no place in the great state of Victoria. A speech to a large audience, rather than an obscure tweet, will resonate best through the community.
2. Consequences for government-appointed officers who cross the line. Individuals who are employed by the Government and cross the line must be held accountable. We know those who have engaged in intimidatory, and potentially unlawful behaviour, do not reflect the Premier’s views. It is critical that these handful of individuals are held accountable.
3. Urgent law reform. This Government accepted 34 recommendations to increase anti-vilification laws in September 2021. Only one of those recommendations has been implemented nearly three years on. It is time for an urgent bipartisan effort to implement the remaining recommendations. This Government also appointed an Anti-Racism Taskforce in 2021. The Taskforce’s strategy is now two years overdue.
4. Security funding for schools. Jewish families are paying large security levies to keep their kids safe in school which is increasingly making Jewish education in Victoria unaffordable. The Government and Opposition have supported security funding for the community for many years and the need has never been greater. Meanwhile, government security grants are being paid out to denominational schools with far lower risk profiles.
5. An increased focus on education around respect, antisemitism and the Holocaust. We know that one of the best ways to address antisemitism and intolerance is through education. We welcome the work that has been done already to make Holocaust education compulsory and develop resources and supports for teachers. This is a huge step forward. But we cannot rest. Education is the best way to build lasting social cohesion in Victoria.

The JCCV launched these five key steps in front of an audience last night, including Premier Allan, Mr Pesutto and many Victorian MPs. We will now take these requests to other MPs and Victorian local councillors. There is a role for everyone to play in addressing ongoing anti-Jewish hate in our community.

“This campaign is a response to overwhelming levels of community frustration,” Philip Zajac, JCCV President, said.

“From Jewish schools to universities, from social media to the CBD, it is impossible to escape anti-Jewish hate in Victoria at the moment.”

“We have set out five actionable goals that need to be taken if we are serious about combating anti-Jewish hate.”

“I call on the community to take these requests to their local MPs, to their local councillors and urge them to take action and create a safe and peaceful environment for all Victorians.”