Bipartisan Support for Israel

On Tuesday night, Zionism Victoria, the Zionist Federation of Australia, the Jewish Community Council of Victoria, and the Executive Council of Australian Jewry—united to host the Premier and the Leader of the Opposition in honour of Israel’s 77th Anniversary of its Independence. This event continues a long-standing tradition of bipartisan support for Israel and our community.

We were also proud to welcome a cross-section of political leaders from both Victorian and Federal Parliament, Consular representatives and guests from interfaith, and intercultural communities.

Elyse Schachna, President of Zionism Victoria, spoke passionately, stating:

“Zionism is simply the belief in the Jewish people's right to self-determination in their ancestral homeland—not at the expense of others, but alongside them. Zionism is not a political ideology. It’s not tied to any party or government. It’s the simple affirmation that the Jewish people, like all people, deserve self-determination.”

She continued, “This attack on Zionism is just another form of Jew-hatred. This new form is fixated on the Jewish state.”

Elyse praised the bipartisan support the community has received, adding:

“We stand here today in surely the most difficult times the Jewish people of Victoria have faced in our history. But we also stand here with that bipartisan support as strong as ever. Our community has been the beneficiary of genuine friendship and principled support from leaders across the political spectrum. To thrive and uphold our rights, safety, and cultural identity, we must be championed by political leaders of all persuasions. That is bipartisanship.”

Both the Premier and the Leader of the Opposition delivered powerful speeches. Premier Jacinta Allan MP said:

“We must all remember this fact: the government of Israel is not the same thing as the nation of Israel; and the people of Israel and the government of Israel is also not the same thing as the Jewish community here in Victoria. And it distresses me that some are unable to recognise this distinction. That members of the Jewish community here in Victoria have suffered as a result … It’s completely and utterly unacceptable. I stand with Victorian Jews in the face of racism and antisemitism.”

The Leader of the Opposition Brad Battin MP said:

“The Victorian Liberal Party will always stand with Israel and the Jewish community - not just in times of crisis, but in the times of growth, opportunity and hope, our commitment is clear to build a Victoria where all Victorians feel safe, respected and empowered, to live openly, proudly and without fear.”

We are especially grateful for the Premier’s announcement of $130,000 in funding to support the Beth Weizmann Jewish Community Centre and the Habayit program.

A special thank you to CSG and Victoria Police for protecting our community and friends.