Commonwealth Jewish leader “devastated” at damage
Lord Mendelsohn says unified Jewish response needed
The president of the Commonwealth Jewish Council (CJC) has called for a coordinated global response to rising antisemitism after seeing the Adass Israel synagogue in Melbourne firsthand.
Lord Jonathan Mendelsohn, who is also a member of the British House of Lords, said, “I’m devastated about the damage to the Adass synagogue.”
He described the attack as an “utterly heinous crime of terrible intent” that had been massively destructive, but he praised the resilience of the congregation in the face of adversity.
“I am very encouraged by the response of the community, which has gone on with the job of building and celebrating Jewish life as best they can and starting to look at the future and how they can build back better,” he said.
Lord Mendelsohn also commended the support shown by the wider community and by the political and governmental authorities in Australia.
Speaking exclusively to The Australian Jewish News, he said that the challenges facing Jewish communities across the Commonwealth have intensified since October 7, particularly in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and South Africa.
“We are clearly facing a challenge for which October 7 represents, in my view, a change, not something where we will revert to October 6,” he said.
“What we have to address are all the challenges we face as a community and also within society.”
The Commonwealth Jewish Council, originally established as an umbrella organisation for Jewish communities throughout the Commonwealth, has been working to coordinate responses to these shared challenges.
Lord Mendelsohn revealed that the organisation is increasingly focused on addressing common threats and trends affecting larger Jewish communities.
During his Australian visit, he has held discussions with the Jewish Community Council of Victoria (JCCV), and says the CJC is in constant contact with the Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ).
He noted the strong connection with ECAJ President Daniel Aghion, who serves as a vice president of the Commonwealth Jewish Council.
Lord Mendelsohn stressed the importance of a unified approach.
“We must understand that this is a problem which affects all of world Jewry, and unless world Jewry decides that it’s going to deal with this properly, take it seriously and ensure the full protection of Jews everywhere in the world and the flourishing of Jewish life anywhere in the world, we aren’t taking this seriously,” he said.
He highlighted the need for policymakers in democratic states to address concerns about antisemitism, extremism, and social cohesion more effectively.
“We cannot meet what is a big change for world Jewry with a tactical response when we are faced with a big strategic challenge,” Mendelsohn warned.
Despite the current challenges, he maintains an optimistic view of Australian Jewish life, describing it as “one of the great jewels in the crown of the Commonwealth.”
Mendelsohn praised the community’s enduring spirit and commitment, while acknowledging the tragedy of recent events.
“What is most heartening to see here is a continuing sense of Jewish spirit, Jewish life and Jewish commitment. And in that, the Commonwealth Jewish Council will always wish to play a strong and vital part,” Mendelsohn said.
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