Melbourne solidarity rally for Israel to proceed
“We want to reassure, certainly, not just the Jewish community but anybody that wants to come and support Israel during this time, that it is safe.”
This evening’s Victorian Jewish community rally, ‘United with Israel’ at Caulfield Park is going ahead, despite calls from a former Hamas leader for today to be an international “Day of Jihad”.
Khaled Mashal, speaking from Qatar, has called on Muslims globally to take to the streets today and deliver a message of anger.
Victorian Premier, Jacinta Allan, and Opposition Leader, John Pesutto, will both be addressing the rally, which is organised by Zionism Victoria on behalf of all the principal Jewish community organisations.
Daniel Aghion, president of the Jewish Community Council of Victoria said the rally will go ahead despite reports from Israel encouraging Israelis abroad to take additional security precautions.
“Led by the Community Security Group, we are working closely with Victoria Police, the Victorian Government and Victorian Opposition to take all precautions ahead of this evening’s rally for Israel” he told The AJN.
Caulfield MP David Southwick strongly believes the rally will be safe.
He told 3AW radio listeners this morning, “Victoria Police have reassured us it will be safe. That’s what we need it to be, people can’t hide in their homes”.
“We want to reassure, certainly, not just the Jewish community but anybody that wants to come and support Israel during this time, that it is safe,” he said.
Southwick told The AJN that people at the event will be able to walk to their homes and synagogues safely afterwards as there’ll be a police presence on the streets.
“Particularly for religious people, they’re going to Shabbat services, and they will be provided broader security during that time as well,” he said
The event begins at 5pm and is scheduled to run for an hour. Aside from addresses from the Premier and Opposition Leader, the gathering will feature reflections from those impacted by the war, along with prayers and communal singing.
The rally is being held on the oval on the Balaclava Road side of the park and has been planned in consultation with both Vic Police and the Community Security Group (CSG).
Any community members who notice anything suspicious should dial Triple Zero (000) in an emergency or contact CSG Victoria via the JEAP app or call 24/7 hotline, 1300 000 274.
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