Jewish families experience hardship
The growing need challenges common perceptions of affluence within the Jewish community.
There has been an unprecedented surge in requests for financial assistance from Melbourne’s Jewish community over the past year.
The Melbourne Jewish Charity Fund (MJCF) reports a 23 per cent increase in demand between the 2023 and 2024 financial years, with a further 20 per cent rise in rental assistance requests this year.
“Last year alone, the Melbourne Jewish Charity Fund supported the community with over $2.8 million in financial assistance, helping more than 600 families,” said MJCF CEO Yoni Paluch.
The growing need challenges common perceptions of affluence within the Jewish community.
“Many people, both outside and within the Jewish community, assume we are a predominantly upper-middle-class group with few financial issues. That’s not the full picture,” Paluch explained.
The MJCF currently distributes more than $42,000 monthly in Coles vouchers and provided nearly $800,000 in rental assistance last year.
Support also extends to schoolchildren, covering the costs of breakfast or providing lunch.
Paluch highlighted that financial difficulties are affecting a broad spectrum of the community.
“We support many single parents, individuals whose businesses have suffered, people on disability pensions, and victims of domestic violence,” he said. “Whatever issues impact the general population also affect the Jewish community.”
The charity is dealing with a rising number of cases involving families at risk of homelessness. “We’re seeing more clients coming to us with eviction notices,” Paluch said. “With the current shortage of social and affordable housing, if these families can’t stay in their homes, they could end up on the street.”
Many recipients initially hesitate to ask for assistance.
“More people have been reaching out recently, saying, ‘I never wanted to ask for charity, but I just can’t make ends meet anymore,'” Paluch noted.
To protect the dignity of those seeking help, the organisation maintains strict confidentiality.
“Anonymity is paramount. The only people aware of the support provided are our social worker and the family,” he emphasised.
However, fundraising has become more challenging, particularly since 7 October, with much charitable giving redirected to support Israel.
While acknowledging the importance of supporting Israel, Paluch suggested that assistance “needs to be an ‘and,’ not an ‘or.'”
“People are often surprised,” Paluch added. “Many don’t realise that there are Jewish families in Melbourne struggling to put food on the table each night for their children.”
Naomi Levin, CEO of the Jewish Community Council of Victoria (JCCV), confirmed that many Jewish families are facing significant financial challenges.
“Data from the Victorian Government shows that rents in predominantly Jewish areas of Melbourne have risen by 33 per cent over the past three years—equivalent to an additional $150 per week for families. On top of this, we’ve seen sharp inflation in essential costs, including power bills and groceries,” Levin said.
Levin praised the Jewish community’s welfare providers, including the MJCF, C-Care, Jewish Care, Social Blueprint, and others, which offer food, social services, and cover unexpected medical or educational expenses.
“But we need to highlight this issue to ensure that all Jewish people can live safe, dignified lives, and fully participate in local Jewish life,” Levin added.
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