Mardi Gras accepts Dayenu’s decision ‘with sadness’

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras has responded with sadness to Jewish LGBT+ group Dayenu’s decision not to participate in this year’s parade due to safety concerns, marking the first time in 25 years the group will not march.

Mardi Gras CEO Jesse Matheson said Dayenu’s decision “reflects the deeply felt need to pause and prioritise the wellbeing and care of the Jewish community”.

“It is a decision Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras respects and accepts with sadness,” Matheson told The AJN.

“We will continue to work closely with community groups and organisations, event professionals and police to ensure strong safety planning, and we remain in open dialogue with Dayenu.”

Dayenu announced with a “heavy heart” last week that they would not participate this year following the Bondi terror attack and protests at Town Hall.

“The Australian Jewish community has experienced an increasingly dangerous antisemitic climate in Australia. This has resulted in unprecedented concerns for the safety of Dayenu members and our Jewish community,” the Dayenu committee said in a statement.

Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-CEO Alex Ryvchin, who became the organisation’s first leader to march in the Parade in 2024, said the safety of Jewish participants has become more precarious in recent years.

“Every Mardi Gras since October 7 has seen Dayenu members faced with discriminatory campaigns for their exclusion and a deteriorating security environment,” Ryvchin said.

“I understand the decision of Dayenu, but it should sadden our entire community and indeed the whole of Australia. When a parade based in inclusion and acceptance has no place for Jews, something is seriously wrong with our country. We are committed to helping Dayenu however we can.”

Emanuel Synagogue Rabbi Jacqueline Ninio said of all years, marching together in this year’s Mardi Gras would have been “incredibly important”.

“We have a Shabbat service and dinner every year for Mardi Gras and it’s an opportunity, especially this year, for all of us to come together with the LGBTQI+ community to celebrate who they are and what they bring and contribute to our community,” Rabbi Ninio said.

“I am very hopeful we will be back in force next year and hopefully the circumstances in the world will have changed. Mardi Gras has been incredibly supportive and I think we will all work together to do everything we can to be back next year.”