Bayside Council unanimously adopts antisemitism definition

Bayside City Council in Melbourne’s south-east has become the second Victorian local council to formally commit to recognising and addressing antisemitism at its meeting on Tuesday night.

The Jewish Community Council of Victoria thanked Councillor Robert Irlicht for moving the motion and Councillor Andrew Hockley for seconding it, with all councillors present supporting the measure.

“We look forward to continuing to work closely with councillors and staff to produce and implement a strategy for council that supports social cohesion, including addressing antisemitism,” the JCCV said.

The council adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, which has been endorsed by 46 countries including Australia, and pledged to explore implementing a similar model to Waverley Council’s approach.

Councillor Irlicht, who moved the motion, emphasised the local nature of the issue during the debate.