Stonnington Council delays menorah decision

A Stonnington Council meeting descended into chaos on Monday night after councillors voted to defer a decision on installing a public menorah for Chanukah.

This prompted cries of “antisemitism is alive and well in Stonnington” from the packed public gallery.

The motion, brought by Councillor Tom Humphries, sought approval for Chabad of Malvern to erect a menorah outside the town hall during the festival.

The installation was to be fully funded by the community and had attracted many supportive submissions.

But Cr Steve Stefanopoulos moved to defer the matter, arguing councillors had not had sufficient opportunity to discuss it at a briefing.

The vote split 4-4, with Mayor Melina Sehr using her casting vote to defer a decision.

This effectively meant the menorah would not be approved in time for Chanukah.

Cr Humphries described the grounds for deferral as “nonsensical” and “an absolute affront to the Jewish community.”

“We knocked an entire floor off a building with less than an hour’s notice. We spent an extra $100,000 with about 20 minutes’ notice,” he said, referring to previous council decisions.

He labelled the deferral “nothing short of antisemitic” before being asked to withdraw the comment, which he did.

Rabbi Reuvi Cooper, Youth Director of Chabad of Malvern, had addressed councillors earlier in the meeting, noting Stonnington is home to between 5,000 and 10,000 Jewish residents – the second-largest Jewish population of any Victorian council.

“The menorah is a universal symbol,” Rabbi Cooper told councillors.
“Its message speaks to people of all backgrounds. It represents light prevailing over darkness, hope in the face of challenge.”

Jacquie Blackwell, a non-Jewish attendee who came to show solidarity wit the Jewsh community, said the atmosphere after the vote was “somewhat appalling.”

“It was like a setup,” she said. “No one knew that Councillor Stefanopoulos was going to request a deferral, and that deferral would actually be after the commencement of Chanukah.”

She described witnessing what appeared to be a confrontation in the hallway after the meeting, where Cr Stefanopoulos “spoke at the rabbi” in what she characterised as an aggressive manner.

The deferral motion was subsequently amended to bring forward a special council meeting to no later than December 12 – just two days before Chanukah begins.

Caulfield MP David Southwick has written to Mayor Sehr expressing “deep concern” at the outcome.

“This outcome has caused genuine hurt and disappointment throughout the Jewish community, particularly after the extremely difficult period we have endured over the past two years,” Mr Southwick wrote.

“Rising antisemitism and a deepening sense of isolation have left many residents feeling vulnerable. The community looked to its civic leaders for reassurance and inclusion. Instead, this decision has compounded their distress.”

Mr Southwick noted that the Rabbi had been working with council since May to organise the display, and pointed to Glen Eira, Kingston and Melbourne City councils as examples of local governments that have supported similar installations for years.

“Leadership requires the courage to stand with communities when it matters most,” he wrote. “I urge you to revisit this matter as soon as possible.”

Dean Hurleston from Council Watch, an NGO monitoring local governments, said the meeting was “nothing short of a disaster.”

“A community asked for a celebration of culture and faith,” he said. “Instead, they got political theatre.”

A spokesperson for the City of Stonnington responded to questions from The AJN by saying the decision to defer does not reflect a position for or against the proposal but allows time to ensure that appropriate process is followed.

“Councillors received more than 100 submissions through the meeting process, and we recognise that cultural and religious matters are very important to our communities. Council values the contribution of the Jewish community in Stonnington and remains committed to ensuring all cultural groups feel respected, supported, and safe” the spokesperson said.

As the Notice of Motion will return to a Special Council Meeting, Council will not provide further comment ahead of the decision.

The AJN has contacted Chabad of Malvern and Councillor Stephanopoulos for comment.