Glen Eira steps up antisemitism fight

The City of Glen Eira has put in place a broad range of measures aimed at keeping Jewish residents safe.

Mayor Simone Zmood said the safety of Jewish residents is a clear priority. “We have been deeply concerned by the impact antisemitism has had on people in our community, particularly the fear and distress experienced by Jewish residents,” she said.

“Antisemitism, racism and hate have no place in Glen Eira. The safety and wellbeing of the Jewish community is a clear council priority.”

Glen Eira, which encompasses suburbs including Caulfield, St Kilda East and Carnegie that are home to a large proportion of Melbourne’s Jewish population, was the first Victorian council to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism in 2022.

In February last year the council established a Social Cohesion Taskforce bringing together Victoria Police, Jewish organisations, faith communities, youth representatives and academics. It monitors emerging tensions, advises on immediate responses and co-designs prevention initiatives.

The council is also an active participant in the statewide LEAH network, which coordinates incident management and trend analysis and ensures local insights reach state-level decision-makers.

The network provides a direct line to Victoria Police, the Community Security Group, the Jewish Community Council of Victoria and the Department of Justice.

Zmood says policing alone is not a sufficient response to the problem.

“We are continuing to work closely with Victoria Police and community partners to support safety and reassurance, while recognising that policing alone is not enough,” she said.

“Strong social cohesion is built over time through trust, partnership and consistent leadership, not only following moments of crisis.”

The council recently hosted the Victorian Local Government Forum on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion.

It also led a Statement of Solidarity signed by 64 councils across Victoria.

It has supported the Day of Mourning through local actions and strengthened social media moderation to promote respectful online behaviour.

Zmood said the council’s long-term focus remains clear.

“Our focus is creating a sense of safety, standing firmly against antisemitism, and continuing the long-term work that helps our community remain united, resilient and respectful, especially during times of heightened concern.”