JCCV holds inaugural community commemoration

The Jewish Community Council of Victoria (JCCV) hosted a community-wide commemoration on November 30, honouring the experiences, traditions and legacy of Jews from Arab lands and Iran.

“For the first time, Victoria has come together to honour the stories and resilience of Jewish communities from Arab lands and Iran,” said JCCV vice-president Hayley Southwick in her opening remarks. “This evening is about broadening our understanding of Jewish heritage and acknowledging the rich tapestry of traditions that continue to shape our community.”

She added, “Much of our community’s culture, language and collective memory reflects Ashkenazi history. Tonight reminds us that our identity is rich and diverse, and that Sephardi and Mizrahi voices deserve to be seen, heard and celebrated and to hold a central place in our collective memory.”

The program featured speakers reflecting the diversity of Sephardi and Mizrahi heritage. Simin and Soheila, sisters originally from Iran, shared reflections on Jewish life before the upheavals that led to their family’s departure. Joanne Levy, whose father fled Egypt, spoke about rebuilding life in Australia and the strength of the traditions her family carried. Raphael Mengem, discussed his family’s Yemenite heritage and the importance of maintaining cultural connection across generations. A performance by Iraqi-Jewish oud player Yuval Ashkar connected the testimonies to the musical traditions of the region.

JCCV CEO Naomi Levin said the evening was both moving and long overdue. “Hosting a commemoration of this kind has been on the JCCV’s agenda for many years, and it was incredibly meaningful to see it finally realised.

“There were moments of reflection, emotion and even laughter. Above all, it was a beautiful celebration of the traditions and legacy of communities whose stories have too often gone untold.”

Around one million Jews lived in Iran and Arab countries prior to the 1960s, having arrived in the region over 2000 years ago. It is estimated that 15,000 remain, as the majority of the Jews in these lands were forced to flee following the establishment of the State of Israel. In Israel, November 30 is observed as a day to remember Jewish expulsion and ethnic cleansing from Arab lands.

The JCCV will establish this commemoration as an annual event, ensuring that these voices, histories and cultural traditions continue to be shared, honoured and remembered. The Sephardi Association of Victoria also continues to play an important role opening the Sephardi Heritage Museum of Australia (SHMA) this year.