CSG says incident on Melbourne bus is ‘isolated’
A number of Jewish school students were on board a bus when a man, believed to be in possession of a knife, began behaving erratically and shouting offensive antisemitic comments.
The Victorian Community Security Group (CSG) has labelled a confrontation in which students from Leibler Yavneh College were threatened on a bus in Elsternwick last week “an isolated incident”.
It is understood a number of school students were on board the bus when a man, believed to be in possession of a knife, began behaving erratically and shouting offensive antisemitic comments.
The students were let off the bus near the corner of Orrong and Glenhuntly roads but the man followed them.
Victoria Police says it has received an official report and is investigating what happened.
“CSG praises the students involved, who quickly recognised the event and took decisive action to keep themselves and each other safe. They showed remarkable maturity and resilience,” CSG said.
“Their protective behaviours – being aware of their surroundings, trusting their gut, and quickly removing themselves from potential harm, are to be commended.”
CSG added that Leibler Yavneh College “acted quickly to ensure information and support for the impacted students, their families, and the broader school community”.
“This included a safety briefing for all students in years 7-12 by CSG Victoria the following morning.
“A separate CSG security bulletin: Safety Tips for Students, was provided to leadership at all Jewish schools, prior to the commencement of the new school week.”
Leibler Yavneh College principal Shula Lazar said the school community is standing strong and supporting each other.
In a message to parents, she said that in addition to students in years 7–12 receiving the CSG briefing, the school had arranged a voluntary debrief with a clinical psychologist for all students who were on the bus.
“We are continuing to take advice from the Victoria Police and CSG Victoria,” Lazar added.
“Acts such as this one are abhorrent and it saddens me that they are continuing to occur in our society.”
Jewish Community Council of Victoria president Daniel Aghion said, “It is of grave concern that a group of Jewish students were allegedly vilified and threatened on a public bus last week. I would like to commend the Leibler Yavneh College students involved for their courage and bravery in moving themselves out of harm’s way and reporting the incident to CSG.
“The JCCV will continue to work hard to combat antisemitism against Jewish Victorians. I would urge the Victorian Government to fast-track its work on strengthening anti-vilification laws in our state so that antisemites are held responsible for their odious actions.”
Victoria Police said there is absolutely “no place at all in our society” for antisemitic or hate-based behaviour and it is committed to responding to any such acts.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
CSG advises Jewish community members to call 000 first in an emergency.
You can report antisemitic incidents to CSG Victoria either by calling the 24/7 hotline on 1300 000 274, or via the Jewish Emergency App (JEAP).
CSG NSW is contactable 24/7 on 1300 000 CSG (1300 000 274).
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