Support assured
Jewish Community Council of Victoria president Daniel Aghion said Allan "listened closely to the concerns of our community."
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan attended a discussion with leaders of the Melbourne Jewish community on Tuesday at the ARK Centre in Hawthorn.
The Premier was joined by Minister Ingrid Stitt, John Berger MP and Josh Burns MP.
Jewish Community Council of Victoria president Daniel Aghion said Allan “listened closely to the concerns of our community, including our fears about rising antisemitism in Victoria”.
Aghion has been in regular contact with the Premier since the events of October 7.
Zionism Victoria vice-president David Michelson said, “Both the Premier and the Minister [for Multiculturalism, Stitt] were very understanding of the situation facing the community and they showed a great amount of support and sympathy.
“The Premier was very concerned about the issue in Israel and, in particular, the impact of the neo-Nazis on the local community.”
The ARK Centre’s Rabbi Gabi Kaltmann said, “She listened attentively and empathetically to our concerns and fears for our community. The Premier assured us that she and her government will always do whatever they can to protect and safeguard the Victorian Jewish community.”
Community Security Group CEO Justin Kagan expressed gratitude for the opportunity to engage with the Premier and Minister and to convey the prevailing sentiments of fear and anxiety within the Jewish community.
“It was heartening to hear the Premier reassure the leaders present of her unwavering support,” Kagan said.
He stressed the critical importance of government and police support allowing Jews in Melbourne to continue to live a proud Jewish life.
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