The Victorian Government has announced it will invest almost $2 million to strengthen security at Jewish events and school holiday programs and provide greater support for community engagement and outreach in the wake of Sunday’s terrorist attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney.
The investment includes $900,000 to support the Community Security Group (CSG) which aims to protect Jewish life in Victoria.
The new funding will support the CSG to deploy further security measures at upcoming community events, school holiday programs and Jewish cultural ceremonies.
A further $250,000 will be provided to increase security at youth summer camps.
“My thoughts are with the Jewish community. You belong here and you deserve to feel safe and secure,” said Premier, Jacinta Allan.
“We are acting to deliver more security across your community and ensuring you can get the support you need.”
The Jewish Community Council of Victoria and the Rabbinical Council of Victoria will each receive $100,000 and JewishCare will receive $280,000 to deliver a range of care and support to the state’s Jewish community.
This includes mental health case work, expanded outreach to young people and expanded outreach to Orthodox Jewish communities.
“This investment is about keeping the Jewish community safe and protecting their right to practice their religion here in Victoria,” said Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny.
“Hanukkah is a sacred time of light and renewal. No act of hatred can ever be allowed to diminish that and we stand with Jewish Victorians today and every day,” said Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Ingrid Stitt.
The Government also confirmed it will invest $250,000 to deliver a therapeutic intervention program which helps individuals reconnect with their community, build personal strengths, and promote disengagement from violent extremism.
“We are doing everything in our power, working closely with Victoria Police, to make sure Jewish Victorians are safe and stay safe,” said Minister for Police, Anthony Carbines.
