RCV, JCCV visit state parliament
Senior members of the Rabbinical Council of Victoria (RCV) met Premier Daniel Andrews and Opposition Leader John Pesutto.
Senior members of the Rabbinical Council of Victoria (RCV) met Premier Daniel Andrews and Opposition Leader John Pesutto last Thursday.
The purpose of the meetings at Parliament were to discuss pressing matters of mutual concern and extend blessings for a prosperous new year to all Victorians, the RCV said.
RCV president Rabbi Philip Heilbrunn expressed gratitude for the opportunity to engage in a candid and constructive dialogue with the Premier and in the subsequent meeting with Pesutto and Member for Caulfield David Southwick.
During the course of the meetings, the participants discussed various issues facing the community and the broader Victorian population, including matters related to religious freedom, education, community wellbeing, and the ongoing commitment to fostering interfaith understanding and cooperation.
Rabbi Heilbrunn commented, “It is heartening to see the leaders of our great state recognise the importance of dialogue and collaboration in addressing the challenges that we face as a diverse community.
“We are grateful for the receptiveness and openness exhibited by Premier Andrews and Mr Pesutto.”
Also on Thursday, dozens of Victorian state MPs from across the political spectrum gained a deeper understanding of the Victorian Jewish community, Jewish faith and challenges with antisemitism at a special event hosted by the Jewish Community Council of Victoria (JCCV).
Among those involved were Pesutto, Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos, Minister for Industry and Innovation Ben Carroll and Speaker Maree Edwards.
The event was opened by Southwick and Paul Hamer MP, co-chairs of the Parliamentary Friends of Israel.
Jewish Care’s Rabbi Ralph Genende, senior educator Jenny Better and JCCV’s Naomi Levin explored the diversity of the Jewish community, the key tenets of Jewish faith and values, and the importance of accurate data in addressing antisemitism. JCCV president Daniel Aghion closed the event.
“One of the JCCV’s key objectives is to advocate for our Jewish community,” Aghion said. “To effectively do this, we need to help our political representatives better understand our community’s diversity, strengths and challenges.
“As we count down to Rosh Hashanah, this event was a special opportunity for MPs to ask questions, build relationships with our community’s peak body, the JCCV, and even hear the shofar,” he continued.
“Earlier in the day, these MPs had sat in Parliament as Minister for Police and Crime Prevention Anthony Carbines introduced new laws to ban the Nazi salute in Victoria.
“The JCCV looks forward to continuing to work closely with Victorian MPs to address challenges our Jewish community faces.”
Premier Daniel Andrews (centre) with RCV senior members. Photo: Paul Topol
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