Incoming Melbourne Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece and City of Melbourne Councillors Roshena Campbell and Kevin Louey visited East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation this week to help find solutions to ensure the CBD is a welcoming place for all, including Jewish people.

The visit, hosted by the Jewish Community Council of Victoria (JCCV), began with a discussion with Rabbi Dovid Gutnick about the growing Jewish community in and around the CBD and inner-northern suburbs. Rabbi Gutnick also shared his experiences building positive relationships with other religious leaders in East Melbourne. They were then briefed by AIJAC’s Executive Manager, Joel Burnie, who has recently returned from an extended visit in Israel.

The councillors listened with concern and understanding as JCCV CEO Naomi Levin relayed the continuing concerns held by many in the Jewish community about the aggressive and intimidating weekly anti-Israel demonstrations; the boycotts of, and even violence against, Jewish-owned businesses; and the proliferation of offensive and antisemitic graffiti.

Councillor Campbell explained that there is a new mechanism within the City of Melbourne where offensive graffiti is required to be removed within one hour. She urged any CBD visitors, residents or workers to report offensive graffiti by phone to (03) 9658 9658.

Councillor Louey explained that regular protests are having an impact beyond the Jewish community. Other traders, including restauranteurs, are frustrated that business is suffering as a result.

All councillors reflected on the recent ceasefire motion that was put before Melbourne City Council, noting that for all of them it was an extremely challenging time.

Deputy Lord Mayor Reece thanked the many Jewish people who contacted councillors ahead of the vote to highlight the impact of the proposed motion on them and the broader community. He said that these letters and emails made a significant impact on councillors’ decision making.

“The JCCV appreciates the ongoing support we have received from Deputy Lord Mayor Reece and councillors Campbell and Louey, as well as other councillors in the City of Melbourne,” Naomi Levin, JCCV CEO, said.

“There are a number of initiatives that we will continue to work on with the City of Melbourne because our number one priority is ensuring that Jewish people feel safe and comfortable to go to the city.”

“Our community has always had a presence in the City of Melbourne. The first synagogue was built there in 1844 and we had the first Jewish Lord Mayor, Edward Cohen, in 1862. The city needs to be a welcoming place for all, regardless of a person’s heritage, views or faith.”