Victoria Police vow to protect Jewish community
Increased patrols and strong presence at all Hanukkah events following Bondi attack
Victoria Police has pledged to maintain its heightened protection of the Jewish community indefinitely, with the local superintendent describing the Bondi attack as having strengthened police resolve.
Superintendent Marty Burke, divisional commander of Glen Eira, Bayside and Kingston, told The AJN that police had significantly increased their presence at Jewish events throughout Chanukah.
“I’d like to convey my heartfelt condolences to the Jewish community. We know the Jewish community is hurting. We know that you’re grieving, that you’re scared and you’re angry and, quite frankly, fed up,” Burke said.
“We want the community to know that Victoria Police is listening, we hear your concerns, and that we are taking antisemitism seriously.”
Burke was working at the Caulfield Racecourse Chanukah celebration on Sunday evening when news broke of the Bondi attack.
“This brought a dark cloud over the celebrations, and I felt devastated for the Jewish community,” he said.
The superintendent confirmed police had maintained a strong presence at every major Chanukah event, with 15 officers including Assistant Commissioner Chris Gilbert attending the Caulfield Racecourse event before the Bondi news emerged.
Asked whether the Jewish community should reconsider holding public events in light of the attack, Burke expressed support for organisations that had chosen to proceed with their celebrations.
“I think that’s a decision for the Jewish community, but at the same time, I support that decision. Now is the time for the Jewish people to come together and support each other and look after each other,” he said.
“So us as police, when you’re going to be having those events, whether they be at a shule or whether they be at a foreshore, we will be there, and we will be there in strong numbers, and we will support and protect the Jewish community, along with CSG.”
Burke noted that Chanukah carries particular significance during difficult times. “Chanukah is about spreading the light in dark times,” he said. “You can’t let them win.”
Operation Park, which commenced on October 7, 2023 to monitor and coordinate the investigation of offences associated with the Middle East conflict, provides dedicated police resources to protect the Caulfield and surrounding areas.
The operation involves proactive patrols visiting shules, driving past Jewish schools, and maintaining a visible presence throughout the community.
Burke said the Bondi attack had prompted a reassessment of police strategy.
“We thought we were having some great progress until the events of what occurred on Sunday, and what that has done is made us go back and reassess what’s occurred and strengthen our numbers and strengthen our resolve to protect the Jewish community,” he said.
Asked how long the increased police commitment could be sustained, Burke was unequivocal.
“We will continue to do that for as long as it’s required,” he said.
Strong community relationships
The superintendent highlighted the close relationships police have formed with community leaders over the past two years, naming CSG’s Justin Kagan and JCCV CEO Naomi Levin specifically.
“They’ve become our friends, they’ve become great supporters of ours, and likewise,” Burke said. “When this occurs, it’s really incredibly upsetting for us as police. It’s bonded us together, and it’s furthered our resolve to protect your community.”
Burke said the feeling was shared among rank and file officers working in the area.
“I’ve worked in the Jewish heartland of Caulfield and the surrounding areas for the last two years. We’ve formed really close relationships,” he said.
Asked whether police still maintained the trust of the Jewish community, Burke pointed to the reception Assistant Commissioner Chris Gilbert received at a Chanukah event at the Caulfield Shule on Monday night as evidence of the strong relationship.
“I would say that every event that I’ve been to over the last two years, we’ve received significant appreciation from the Jewish community,” he said.
Burke said he had personally attended four or five Chanukah events during the week, including an annual event at the police academy that attracted record numbers of rabbis.
He has also attended numerous community events over the past two years, including the first anniversary commemoration of October 7 at Moorabbin.
“It’s my job as the local superintendent to protect this local community. So it’s my resolve to ensure that we will continue to do that for as long as it takes.”
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