Victoria government’s LEAH group tackles antisemitism
Zionism Victoria Executive Director Zeddy Lawrence emphasised that such action has been needed for some time.
The Jacinta Allan government’s Local Escalation and Help (LEAH) group aimed at tacking antisemitism is now fully operational across Victoria.
The state government said this represents a significant step forward in addressing rising antisemitism through coordinated action between government and Jewish community organisations.
Jewish Community Council of Victoria (JCCV) CEO Naomi Levin highlighted the significance of the initiative, noting it fulfils a critical need identified by community leaders.
“For many months, the Jewish community has called for a high-level taskforce to address antisemitism with Government and other key organisations. We welcomed Premier Jacinta Allan’s commitment to do this in December 2024,” Levin said.
“While it is early days for the group, the opportunity for Jewish leaders to work closely with State Government, local councils, Victoria Police and the Department of Justice and Community Safety to build a vibrant and resilient Victorian Jewish community is a large step in the right direction.”
Zionism Victoria Executive Director Zeddy Lawrence emphasised that such action has been needed for some time.
“Given the urgent and repeated warnings from communal leaders over the past 18 months, a concerted, coordinated effort to tackle the rising tide of antisemitism was long overdue,” Lawrence said.
“We welcome the fact that the state government is now taking critical steps to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the community through initiatives such as LEAH and are pleased to join other key organisations and agencies in ensuring their efficacy.”
LEAH’s April meetings have already addressed several critical issues including antisemitic incidents during protests, threats targeting the Orthodox community in St Kilda East, and challenges faced by Jewish students on university campuses.
Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ingrid Stitt described the initiative as recognising “the importance of listening and meaningful engagement with Victoria’s Jewish community.”
“Antisemitism has no place in Victoria and the Labor Government will continue to work towards delivering commitments to strengthen social cohesion,” Stitt added.
The initiative brings together representatives from diverse aspects of Jewish community life alongside government departments including the Department of Premier and Cabinet, Department of Justice and Community Safety and Victoria Police.
Following community feedback, the Government will update LEAH’s Terms of Reference to improve communication channels for urgent matters and enhance data access to identify support gaps.
The Government has indicated this model could potentially be expanded to support other communities facing similar challenges if proven successful.
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