A Defining Week For Our Community and State

This past week has tested Victoria in profound ways.

The Federal Government’s decision to expel Iran’s ambassador from Australia, following ASIO’s disturbing findings about his involvement in orchestrating anti-Semitic attacks — including the firebombing of the Adass Israel synagogue in Melbourne — sends a clear message: those who enable hatred and violence have no place in this country.

The Prime Minister’s expulsion of Iran’s ambassador is more than policy, it is a line in the sand. When Jewish places of worship are firebombed, it is not just an attack on Jews, but on Australia itself. To those who try to scare us: we are still here, unbroken. To those who seek to divide us: we are one. The Jewish people will not bow to fear, and Australia will never surrender to hate.

At the same time, Victoria is mourning the senseless murder of two police officers, a reminder of the fragility of life and the violence that can strike at the heart of our society. As we grieve with the broader Victorian community, we hold fast to our Jewish values of dignity, justice and the sanctity of life.

This difficult week is a reminder of our responsibility to stand together and to work toward a safer, stronger future, for Jews, for Victorians and for all Australians.