Victorian councils unite to fight antisemitism

Local government leaders from across Victoria have gathered at Glen Eira Town Hall for a forum on antisemitism and social cohesion, with representatives attending from metropolitan and regional councils alike.

The Victorian Local Government Forum on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion, hosted by the City of Glen Eira on Thursday, drew delegates from 68 councils that have signed a joint solidarity statement, as well as representatives from further afield.

Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism Jillian Segal told the gathering that local government had a unique and essential role in pushing antisemitism to the margins.

“Councils sit where values meet real life,” she said. “When councils act with clarity, people feel safe to gather, to worship and to disagree.”

Segal outlined progress on her 13-point plan to combat antisemitism, accepted in full by the federal government in December.