A meeting of faiths
ECAJ co-CEO Peter Wertheim said there is growing warmth between the two communities.
Victorian Hindu and Jewish leaders recently met to explore opportunities for greater collaboration.
The meeting, initiated by Hindu leader Geeta Devi and Rabbi Ralph Genende on behalf of the Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council (AIJAC) and Jewish Care, brought together representatives from various Hindu temples, organisations, and associations.
“Hinduism and Judaism are among the oldest religions in the world. The two share some similarities including a respect for the written word and an enduring sense of tradition,” Rabbi Genende said.
“We of course have many differences, but despite the plethora of images and gods it can be argued as several Jewish thinkers have, that Hinduism is not a form of idolatry or polytheism; in fact, Hinduism believes in one Supreme Creator,” he said.
Jewish Community Council of Victoria CEO Naomi Levin presented insights into the Jewish community’s structure and services.
“The Hindu leadership was particularly interested in how we take care of our community from aged care through to youth engagement,” Rabbi Genende said.
AIJAC executive manager Joel Burnie discussed Australia-Israel relations and Jewish advocacy efforts. The Hindu representatives noted India’s historically close ties with Israel.
Devi highlighted key takeaways from the evening, including “our global responsibility to make the world a better place and how we can join together to combat antisemitism and racism”.
She expressed hope for strengthened relations between the communities, building on foundational work by the Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ).
ECAJ co-CEO Peter Wertheim said there is growing warmth between the two communities.
“The relationships we have built with the Hindu community over recent years has blossomed into a warm friendship with deep mutual understanding,” he said.
Wertheim pointed to recent collaborative efforts in shaping legislation, such as the ban on public display of the Nazi Hakenkreuz while respecting Hindu use of the swastika as a religious symbol.
“By working together, a potentially acrimonious situation was avoided and the result was a win for both communities,” he added.
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