the 2014 jccv annual report
Transcription
the 2014 jccv annual report
JCCV 2014 ANNUAL REPORT ___ ___ 1 Contents NOTICE & AGENDA OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2 ABOUT THE JEWISH COMMUNITY COUNCIL OF VICTORIA 3 JCCV EXECUTIVE 2014 4 PRESIDENTS:4 Victorian Jewish Advisory Board | Victorian Jewish Board of Deputies | Jewish Community Council of Victoria Inc BOARD OF PATRONS AND COUNCILLORS OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIAN JEWRY 5 PLENUM MEETING DATES FOR 2015 5 MESSAGE FROM THE PREMIER OF VICTORIA 6 MESSAGE FROM THE LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION 7 MESSAGE FROM THE AMBASSADOR OF ISRAEL 8 MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT, EXECUTIVE COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIAN JEWRY 9 MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT, ZIONIST COUNCIL OF VICTORIA 11 PRESIDENT’S REPORT 12 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT 22 REPORTS OF PORTFOLIOS OF THE JCCV 25 JCCV Affiliate Support Portfolio Report | Interfaith and Multicultural Activities Report | Community Research Portfolio Report JEWISH EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PLAN (JEMP) ANNUAL REPORT 29 JCCV POLICY PLATFORM 30 APPRECIATION39 2014 ANNUAL REPORT ___ Notice & Agenda of Annual General Meeting NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING of the Jewish Community Council of Victoria Inc will be held on: MONDAY, 24 NOVEMBER 2014 AT 8.00 PM At the Beth Weizmann Community Centre 306 Hawthorn Road, South Caulfield AGENDA 1. Apologies 2. Adoption of Minutes of the Annual General Meeting – 23 November 2013 3. Address by Matthew Guy MP, Minister for Planning & Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship 4. Address by Professor Len Saxe, Professor of Contemporary Studies at Brandeis University 5. Address by Assistant Commissioner Andrew Crisp, Victoria Police 6. Presentation of Marion and Kurt Lippmann Scholarship 7. Report of the President, Nina Bassat AM 8. Report of the Treasurer, Ian Jones 9. Adoption of Reports 10. Appointment of Honorary Solicitors 11. Appointment of Auditors 12. General Business ___ 2 ___ 3 2014 ANNUAL REPORT ___ About the Jewish Community Council of Victoria The Jewish Community Council of Victoria is the roof body of Victorian Jewry, Australia’s largest Jewish community. With sixty major communal organisations as its affiliates, the JCCV represents the mosaic of political, cultural, welfare, educational, religious and social associations operating in Victoria. The Victorian and Federal Governments, their agencies, the media and ethnic and religious groups have long recognised the JCCV as the representative body of the Victorian Jewish community, speaking on its behalf on all matters affecting its status, welfare and interests. The JCCV provides leadership and a voice for Victorian Jewry of more than 60,000 members and to the wider Victorian community. Through consultation, advocacy and working with government, other faith and ethnic communities, the media, service providers and the general public, the JCCV seeks to achieve the following goals: • Facilitation of harmony and positive relationships between the various elements of the Victorian Jewish community and between our community and the larger community • Greater understanding of and respect for the Jewish way of life The JCCV’s priorities are: • community security and safety • representation to Government • Shoah remembrance • social justice • youth engagement • media/public relations; • interfaith and multicultural dialogue • professional development • community events • ensuring a fair voice for Israel Our constituent organisations nominate delegates as members of the Council which meets at regular Plenum meetings. The Executive meets monthly. HONORARY OFFICERS President Nina Bassat AM • A thriving local Jewish community Vice President Jennifer Huppert • A safer local Jewish community Honorary Treasurer Ian Jones • Zero community tolerance of racism in general and antisemitism in particular • Wider knowledge and appreciation of the Shoah (Holocaust) and its lessons • A positive perception of Jews in Victorian society • Continuing and enhancing the Victorian community’s contribution to social justice OUR VISION A society in which members of the Victorian Jewish community are able to live as Jews in peace and security, participating fully and without prejudice. Jewish • A better society by promoting understanding and cooperation between all faiths • And in partnership with the Zionist Council of Victoria: 1.A more sophisticated public understanding of Israel’s efforts to achieve peace and security 2.Effective counteraction of misinformation on Israel, the Middle East and the Arab/Israel conflict 3.A greater understanding of Israel in relation to contemporary Jewish identity OUR MISSION To be the recognised and responsible peak body and voice of Victorian Jewry through advocacy, representation, networking and collaboration, both within the Jewish and wider communities. OUR VALUES • To be inclusive and representative of the diversity of the Jewish community: • To be independent and objective; • To support Jewish continuity and the Jewish way of life; and • To support Israel. ___ 4 2014 ANNUAL REPORT ___ JCCV Executive 2014 OFFICE BEARERS PROFESSIONAL STAFF President Nina Bassat AM Executive Director David Marlow Vice President Jennifer Huppert Business Manager Hilary McMahon Honorary Treasurer Ian Jones Project Manager Jo Silver (resigned Nov 2014) Administrative Assistant Julie Batty PORTFOLIOS Advisory John Searle Affiliate Support/Membership Atida Lipshatz Community Engagement Anton Hermann Community Research Rimma Sverdlin OAM Interfaith & Multicultural Dr Helen Light AM Online Engagement/Marketing Daniel Fox Resigned March 2014 Security Jack Lipson Strategy & Governance Jennifer Huppert COMMUNITY SECURITY GROUP Security Director Simon Glynn Head of Operational Support Justin Lipson MEMBER OF EXECUTIVE – EX OFFICO Anti-Defamation Jeremy Samuel (nominee of Dr Dvir Abramovich resigned March 2014) Dr Dvir Abramovich Zionist Council of Victoria Sharene Hambur (nominee of Sam Tatarka) Presidents Presidents of the Victorian Jewish Advisory Board, Victorian Jewish Board of Deputies and the Jewish Community Council of Victoria lnc. As at 20I2, 28 people have served as President of the Jewish Community Council of Victoria and its predecessor bodies, the Victorian Jewish Advisory Board and the Victorian Jewish Board of Deputies, since its beginnings in 1938. Maurice Ashkanasy served on three non-consecutive tenns as President Mr Robert Zablud served for six and half years, making him the longest serving President and Mr lsi Leibler AO CBE served for four and a half years. The Victorian Jewish Advisory Board officially changed its name to the Victorian Jewish Board of Deputies on 7 May 1947 and became an affiliate of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry when the body was formed in August 1944. On 10 October 1988 the Victorian Jewish Board of Deputies officially changed its name to the Jewish Community Council of Victoria. In 2000 the Jewish Community Council of Victoria became an incorporated entity. VICTORIAN JEWISH ADVISORY BOARD lsaac Herbert Boas 1938 - 1939 Dr Jacob Jona 1940 - Dec 1942 Archie Michaelis, MLA (later Sir Archie Michaelis Kt) 1939 - 1940 Alex Masel Dec 1942 - Nov 1946 Maurice Ashkanasy Dec 1946 - 7 May 1947 ___ 5 2014 ANNUAL REPORT ___ Presidents VICTORIAN JEWISH BOARD OF DEPUTIES Maurice Ashkanasy 7 May 1947 - 0ct 1950 Leon Lasky Dec 1962 - Dec 1966 Ben Green Oct 1950 - Aug 1951 Nathan Hirsch Beller OBE Dec 1966 - Dec 1969 Bemard Cowen Aug 1951 - Dec 1951 Walter M Lippmann MBE AM Dec 1969 - Dec 1972 Maurice Ashkanasy Dec 1951- Dec 1954 lsi Joseph Leibler AO CBE Dec 1972 - Mar 1977 Abraham Samuel Leibler Dec 1954 - Dec 1956 Amold Bloch AM Mar 1977 - Feb 1980 Trevor Rapke Dec 1956 - 0ct 1958 Robert Zablud April 1980 - Dec 1986 Nathan Jacobson Nov 1958 - Dec 1961 Phil Symons OAM Dec 1986 - Dec 1987 Maurice Ashkanasy Dec 1961 - Dec 1962 Shmuel Rosenkranz Dec 1987 - Oct 1988 JEWISH COMMUNITY COUNCIL OF VICTORIA INC Shmuel Rosenkranz Oct 1988 - Dec 1990 David Klein Nov 2000 - Mar 2001 Joe Gersh AM Dec 1990 - Mar 1993 Grahame Leonard AM Mar 2001- Mar 2003 Leon Rosen Mar 1993 - Aug 1994 Michael Lipshutz Mar 2003 - Nov 2005 Geoffrey Green OAM Sept 1994 - Dec 1996 Anton Block Nov 2005 - Nov 2008 Nina Bassat, AM Dec 1996 - Dec 1998 John Searle Nov 2008 - Nov 2011 Dr Philip Bliss Dec 1998 - Nov 2000 Nina Bassat AM Nov 2011- Nov 2014 Board of Patrons and Councillors of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry COUNCILLORS OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL BOARD OF PATRONS OF AUSTRALIAN JEWRY Bassat Family Jack Gringlas OAM Dr Dvir Abramovich Robert Lissauer Barry and Suzi Carp Josh Liberman Nina Bassat AM Tom May Debbie Dadon The Naphtali Family Foundation Sharene Hambur Rysia Rozen OAM Jennifer Huppert Ian Samuel OAM Dr Danny Lamm John Searle Dr Alan Finkel AM Gandel Philanthropy Pratt Foundation D & G Goldsmith Plenum Meeting Dates for 2015 2 FEBRUARY 8 PM 2 MARCH 8 PM 13 APRIL 8 PM 4 MAY 8 PM 1 JUNE 8 PM 3 AUGUST 8PM Jewish Care (Victoria) Inc 7 SEPTEMBER 8 PM Council of Presidents 12 OCTOBER 8 PM Bialik College Council of Presidents 16 NOVEMBER 7.30 PM Community Awards Evening 23 NOVEMBER 8 PM Annual General Meeting 2013 ANNUAL REPORT ___ ___ 6 ___ 7 2013 ANNUAL REPORT ___ MESSAGE FROM THE LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION On behalf of the Victorian Labor Party, I congratulate the Jewish Community Council of Victoria on another year of achievement. The Jewish Community Council of Victoria, and its affiliates, represent some 65,000 Jews and oversee every facet of Jewish life and culture in Victoria. Organisations like the JCCV are at the heart and soul of a modern, multicultural society – serving one community and enriching every other. The Council’s promotion of religious tolerance, and its supervision of community security, has made Victoria a safer and friendlier place. The Council’s calendar of events and its commitment to aid, appeal and emergency management has helped thousands of families in need. This year has been typically eventful for the JCCV, with a schedule developed by a committed Board and assisted by staff, volunteers and benefactors. At the heart of the JCCV’s contribution are its people. To this end, I extend my best wishes to Nina Bassat AM and I commend her service and advocacy. On behalf of the Victorian Labor Party, I wish the JCCV a successful 2014 and a good 5774. May the Council continue to enrich the lives of so many. Yours in friendship, 2013 ANNUAL REPORT ___ November 2014 Tishrei 5775 Message to the Jewish Community Council of Victoria from Ambassador Ben-Shmuel It gives me great pleasure to offer best wishes and a congratulatory message to the members of the Jewish Community Council of Victoria on the occasion of the Annual General Meeting. I would like to thank leaders past and present who dedicate themselves and give of their time, energy, and talents to an organisation that does so much for our country- who help us brace ourselves against enduring and imminent challenges and look to the future with optimism and hope. I wholeheartedly congratulate President Nina Bassat AM as well as her Executive board upon the conclusion of an effective and successful term of office. They have achieved much representing and successfully leading this great organisation. Their tireless and longstanding service ensures that we can embrace the years ahead united as one. I would like to also congratulate the incoming president and wish them much success in continuing this work. We live in profoundly trying times. Regional instability and the threat of those seeking to undermine our legitimacy and deny our existence as well as the enduring challenge to maintain and obtain peace are issues that continue to confront and elude our nation. The State of Israel deeply appreciates the monumental efforts taken by the Jewish Community in Australia and in particular the efforts of the JCCV in educating, uniting and advocating for the community. The solidarity of Zionist communities across the world and the activities in Australia are a tremendous source of hope and inspiration. We are reassured of the ongoing dedication and vitality of Victorian Jewry in part from the impressive work of this organization. I wish the Jewish Community Council of Victoria the very best for the forthcoming year. I express my sincere thanks to your organization for all that you do. H.E. Shmuel Ben Shmuel Ambassador of Israel to Australia November 2014 ___ 8 ___ 9 2013 ANNUAL REPORT ___ Executive Executive Council of of Australian Australian Jewry Inc. Jewry The Representative Organisation of Australian Jewry Level 2, 80 William Street Sydney NSW 2000 Address all correspondence to: PO Box 1114, Edgecliff NSW 2027 Tel (+61 2) 8353 8500 Fax (+61 2) 9361 5888 Web: www.ecaj.org.au E-mail [email protected] PRESIDENT Dr Danny Lamm DEPUTY PRESIDENT John Searle HON. TREASURER Robert Lissauer HON. SECRETARY Jillian Segal AM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Peter Wertheim AM VICE PRESIDENTS Yair Miller (NSW) Nina Bassat AM (VIC) Tony Tate (WA) Jason Steinberg (QLD) Norman Schueler (SA) Daniel Albert (TAS) Robert Cussel (ACT) IMM. PAST PRESIDENT Robert M Goot AM, SC CONSTITUENTS NSW Jewish Board of Deputies Jewish Community Council of Victoria Inc Jewish Community Council of Western Australia Inc Queensland Jewish Board of Deputies Jewish Community Council of South Australia Hobart Hebrew Congregation ACT Jewish Community Inc AFFILIATES Australasian Union of Jewish Students Australian Federation of WIZO Union for Progressive Judaism Federation of Jewish Aged Care Services Maccabi Australia Inc National Council of Jewish Women B’nai B’rith of Australia/ NZ Jewish National Fund of Australia Council of Orthodox Synagogues of Australia OBSERVERS Council of Progressive Rabbis Federation of Australian Jewish Ex-Service Associations New Zealand Jewish Council Zionist Federation of Australia 6 Elul 5774 1 September 2014 Nina Bassat AM President Jewish Community Council of Victoria 306 Hawthorn Road Caulfield South VICTORIA 3162 Dear Nina Both personally and on behalf of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, I want to say thank you and mazal tov on the completion of another outstanding three year term of office as President of the Jewish Community Council of Victoria. I want to especially thank you, your Officer-bearers, members of the Executive, representatives of Affiliates and members and staff for your unfailing co-operation with, and assistance to, the ECAJ at all times. In the last twelve months your work with a wide range of more than thirty-five other faith groups and ethnic communities in Victoria in support of the ECAJ’s campaign to preserve existing protections against racial vilification under Federal law was invaluable and contributed much to the eventual success of our work. 20 August 2013 Kol hakavod to you and your team also for your vital work in so many policy 14 Elul 5773 areas and for realising many other important goals and milestones in the last year including: Nina Bassat AM • Extensive Child Protection: training for 20 Jewish community or-ganisations President (including Secular, Progressive, Jewish Community Council of Victoria Conservative, Ortho-dox, Adass) in developing child protection policies and procedures over a six months period, 306 Hawthorn Road with ongoing coordination and support – no longer an issue to only be Caulfield South VICTORIA 3162 discussed in whispers. Dear Nina of our Overview of the Jewish festivals booklet for politi-cians, • Launch Victoria Police, healthcare professionals, pastoral carers, emergency service It gives me great behalf of the Executive Council of Australian personnel andpleasure, other faithonand community or-ganisations. Jewry, to extend a hearty mazal tov to you on the completion of another • Jewish immersion days forof State and pastoral care workers from a outstanding year as President the politicians Jewish Community Council of Victoria variety of faiths. (JCCV). • Obtaining over 25 Jewish community organisations to sign up to the No to Once again we are indebted to you, your Officer-bearers, members of the Homophobia campaign. Executive, representatives of Affiliates and members and staff for your unfailing •Major events such as Yom Hashoah co-operation with, and assistance to, the ECAJ inCommemoration, its representations Babi to the Yar Commemoration, partnering in Stand with Israel rallies, Yomdomestic Haatzmaut Federal government on a wide range of issues covering many policy areas, as well as advocacy for Israel. Cocktail Party at State Parlia-ment and Rosh Hashanah Lunch with State Politicians, & multicultural I commend the Multifaith Council especially for its events efforts in helping to organise more than 70 members of the Victorian parliament, from both the Coalition and Labor The Jewish community in Victoria has been well served by the JCCV’s patient, parties, to join their Federal colleagues in signing the London Declaration on ongoing efforts in building and strengthening relationships with the political sector Combating Antisemitsm, bipartisan support for which an importantother public on all sides of Victorian politics, the media, NGO leadersmakes and organisations, statement by ourcommunities, political leaders against antisemitism andcouncils. racism generally. faith and ethnic the education sector and local The JCCV makes a vital contribution to making our community’s voice heard on issues of concern to us. Much of this work is out of the public eye and goes unrecognised, 1 but is of critical importance. ___ 10 2013 ANNUAL REPORT ___ Executive Executive Council of of Australian Australian Jewry Inc. Jewry The JCCV has also continued to play a constructive role in the affairs of the ECAJ and has been of inestimable help to our organisation in fulfilling its vital functions at the national level. I look forward to continuing with your successor the excellent and productive working relationship we have enjoyed. I commend you also for your written and oral submissions to the Victorian Government Inquiry into Handling of ChildWith Abuse Religious and Other Non-Government Organisations and cobestbywishes. The Representative ordinating 22 Jewish organisations in Victoria, including the day schools and shules, at a series Organisation of to establish best practice policies, processes and performance indicators for the of meetings Australian Jewry purpose of preventingYours child sex abuse, including mandatory reporting protocols. sincerely Level 2, 80 William Street Sydney NSW 2000 The Council's continuing efforts to build and strengthen relationships with the political sector politics, the media, NGO leaders and organisations, other faith and ethnic communities, the education sector and local councils, are of critical importance to the Tel (+61 2) 8353community. 8500 Jewish The Council's efforts in these areas make a vital contribution to making our Fax (+61 2) 9361 5888 community’s voice heard on issues of AM concern to us. Much of this work is out of the public eye Web: www.ecaj.org.au Robert Goot SC E-mail [email protected] and is sometimes not fully appreciated. President Address allon correspondence all sides ofto:Victorian PO Box 1114, Edgecliff NSW 2027 PRESIDENT Dr Danny Lamm My sincere thanks to you and the JCCV for your constructive contributions to the deliberations of the ECAJ and affording our organisation invaluable assistance in fulfilling its vital functions at the national level. DEPUTY PRESIDENT John Searle HON. TREASURER Robert Lissauer With best wishes. HON. SECRETARY Jillian Segal AM Yours sincerely EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Peter Wertheim AM VICE PRESIDENTS Yair Miller (NSW) Nina Bassat AM (VIC) Tony Tate (WA) Jason Steinberg (QLD) Norman Schueler (SA) Daniel Albert (TAS) Robert Cussel (ACT) Dr Danny Lamm President IMM. PAST PRESIDENT Robert M Goot AM, SC CONSTITUENTS NSW Jewish Board of Deputies Jewish Community Council of Victoria Inc Jewish Community Council of Western Australia Inc Queensland Jewish Board of Deputies Jewish Community Council of South Australia Hobart Hebrew Congregation ACT Jewish Community Inc AFFILIATES Australasian Union of Jewish Students Australian Federation of WIZO Union for Progressive Judaism Federation of Jewish Aged Care Services Maccabi Australia Inc National Council of Jewish Women B’nai B’rith of Australia/ NZ Jewish National Fund of Australia Council of Orthodox Synagogues of Australia OBSERVERS Council of Progressive Rabbis Federation of Australian Jewish Ex-Service Associations New Zealand Jewish Council Zionist Federation of Australia 20 August 2013 14 Elul 5773 Nina Bassat AM President Jewish Community Council of Victoria 306 Hawthorn Road Caulfield South VICTORIA 3162 Dear Nina It gives me great pleasure, on behalf of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, to extend a hearty mazal tov to you on the completion of another outstanding year as President of the Jewish Community Council of Victoria (JCCV). Once again we are indebted to you, your Officer-bearers, members of the Executive, representatives of Affiliates and members and staff for your unfailing co-operation with, and assistance to, the ECAJ in its representations to the Federal government on a wide range of issues covering many domestic policy areas, as well as advocacy for Israel. I commend the Council especially for its efforts in helping to organise more than 70 members of the Victorian parliament, from both the Coalition and Labor parties, to join their Federal colleagues in signing the London Declaration on Combating Antisemitsm, bipartisan support for which makes an important public statement by our political leaders against antisemitism and racism generally. 1 2 2013 ANNUAL REPORT ___ President of the Zionist Council of Victoria to the Jewish Community Council of Victoria 2014 On behalf of the Zionist Council of Victoria, it is my great pleasure to extend greetings to the Jewish Community Council of Victoria on the occasion of your forthcoming Annual General Meeting. I wish to congratulate the JCCV on a successful year of activities and activism in the Victorian community. I commend your president, Nina Bassat AM on her leadership this past year, and the JCCV Executive for your important and ongoing work engaging the community. To David Marlow the Executive Director, Hilary McMahon, Jo Silver and Julie Batty I applaud you for your dedication and accomplishments. During the past year, the JCCV has displayed outstanding leadership in managing a range of issues arising in our community such as domestic violence, asylum seekers, organ donation and youth alcohol consumption and in developing and nurturing the relationship of the Jewish community to interfaith groups. The ZCV is proud to maintain a close collaborative relationship with the JCCV on a range of activities and projects. We join leadership in representing the Jewish community in the public, political and media spheres to broaden understanding of community issues and strengthen the Victorian relationship to Israel. In particular, this year we took the lead together in planning and executing community programs to demonstrate our solidarity with Israel and to combat rising anti-Semitism. We acknowledge your valued support for community projects such as Yom Hazikaron and Yom Ha’atzmaut. Joint activities such as the Yom Ha’atzmaut Reception at Parliament House help to strengthen the relationship of Jewish community organisations with political leadership. I congratulate Nina on her very successful tenure as president of the JCCV; it has been a great pleasure to serve with her. I welcome Nina’s successor Jennifer Huppert and look forward to maintaining the excellent working relationship we enjoy with JCCV’s lay and professional leadership. We continue to work together effectively and continuously for the benefit of the Victorian Jewish community and I look forward to the continued partnership of our organisations in the coming year. I wish you hatzlacha raba for all your endeavours. Bevirkat Zion Sam Tatarka PRESIDENT ___ 11 ___ 12 2014 ANNUAL REPORT ___ President’s Report INTRODUCTION As the elected roof body, the Jewish Community Council of Victoria (JCCV) is mandated to represent, to advocate and to provide support and structure for the Jewish community. As always, there is an imperative to balance external representation and community strengthening. The representative role has this year been of critical importance, particularly in the seven difficult weeks in July and August when the Israel-Gaza conflict and the concomitant rise in antisemitism brought a degree of strain and unease to our community. Whilst most of our thoughts and anxiety during that time were focused on Israel and on its efforts to protect its citizens from constant rockets and the terrorist threat posed by the tunnels, there were also local issues, particularly about the ugliness surrounding the pro-Palestinian rallies and the outburst of antisemitic vitriol, and JCCV worked assiduously to allay local concerns. At the same time, the JCCV remained very mindful of the fact that our community needed to be supported and united. We therefore continued unabatedly with our core initiatives. A number of these began during the previous two years and have come to fruition this year, and indeed have exceeded our expectations, particularly in the social justice area. Also notable this year has been the increase in the cooperation and collaboration between organisations, with a greater readiness to partner and work jointly, making this a stronger and more cohesive community. REPRESENTATION Political, Police, Interfaith and Multicultural POLITICAL The heightened level and degree of antisemitism and antiIsrael sentiment has resulted in disquiet and a sense of insecurity in the community. It was therefore heartening to see the strong bipartisan political support which has been received for Israel and for the Jewish community. At least in part this is due to the close working relationship which the JCCV has with both Government and Opposition. There were a number of public statements by politicians in support of Israel, as well as strong condemnation of antisemitic activity and emphasis on the need to maintain social cohesion and the harmonious multicultural environment on which Victoria prides itself.Much of the early part of the year was dominated by efforts to prevent the repeal of the RDA, where JCCV played an active role at State level. David Marlow worked assiduously to bring together a substantial coalition of community, ethnic and faith groups to issue a joint statement “Racism is Not Free Speech” JCCV has worked hard to ensure that parliamentarians know and understand the Jewish community, and to that end, has held a number of events and meetings. A Politicians Jewish Familiarisation Day was held in March 2014 with State members of parliament of all sides of politics. This included visits to the Jewish Museum of Australia, the Jewish Holocaust Centre, Temple Beth Israel, Jewish Care and the Beth Weizmann Community Centre, and concluded with a briefing on the issues faced by our community, including the community’s concerns regarding Israel. The annual Yom Ha’atzmaut Cocktail reception for State and Federal politicians and communal and faith leaders was held jointly with Zionist Council of Victoria at Parliament House and as always, was extremely well-attended with warm messages of praise and goodwill for Israel and for the Jewish community from Premier Denis Napthine and the Leader of the Opposition Daniel Andrews. Reinforcing their support, a significant number of Government Ministers and members of both parties visited synagogues and other communal facilities during the IsraelHamas conflict, including the Premier Dr Denis Napthine. This year’s annual Rosh Hashanah parliamentarians had a record attendance. The luncheon was again organised by David Southwick MP and Marsha Thomson MP, who co-chair the Parliamentary Friends of Israel Group and provided yet another opportunity for the JCCV to brief and update members of parliament on issues and concerns facing our community. luncheon with In addition to the above, JCCV has also held a number of meetings with Federal and State members of parliament and various Ministers to discuss community concerns and needs as they arose, including in the areas of community and school security, child sexual abuse survivor support services and seeking action by Universities to effectively address antisemitism on university campuses. These included a meeting with Matthew Guy MLC, Minister for Multicultural Affairs and David Southwick MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Police and Emergency Services at which we were able to raise a number of communal matters, including the JCCV multicultural agenda and issues of security. Security was also on the agenda at a meeting with David Southwick MP, Assistant Commissioner Andrew Crisp, Chief of Staff of Kim Wells MP and Simon Glynn. There have also been other meetings throughout the year with Minister Guy and David Southwick MP, including on the Racial Discrimination Act (Section 18c) and on working closely together with Government in maintaining community harmony. ___ 13 2014 ANNUAL REPORT ___ JCCV also held a meeting with Daniel Andrews MP, Leader of the Opposition and Marsha Thomson MP, at which they were briefed by Simon Glynn of the CSG on security issues. our community and enabling us to live safely as Jews in the Victorian community. I have also met with the Nick Wakeling MP, Martin Foley MP and Martin Pakula MP. INTERFAITH AND MULTICULTURAL There have been a number of JCCV meetings with Federal Members of Parliament, including Josh Frydenberg, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister, Minister Kevin Andrews MP, Leader of the Federal Opposition Bill Shorten MP, Michael Danby MP and Mark Dreyfus MP. This year, given the cataclysmic events occurring throughout the world, the JCCV has been more mindful than ever of the need for close interfaith and multicultural ties in order to maintain understanding and community harmony. The JCCV has successfully built strong ties and worked productively with various interfaith and multicultural groups, as well as having created relationships across a number of communities. At a meeting with Michelle Rowland MP, Federal Opposition spokesperson for Multiculturalism and Michael Danby MP, David Marlow provided a full briefing of JCCV activities on Section 18c of the Racial Discrimination Act (RDA) We continue to be indebted to David Southwick MP and Marsha Thomson MP for the work they do with and for our community and in particular, for their strong and articulate support for Israel. I was invited in my position as President of the JCCV to represent the Jewish community at the National Memorial Service for Victims of Flight MH17 as well as at the Victorian State Memorial Service. Our participation was significant as recognition of our community and as an acknowledgement of our role in the wider community. POLICE The JCCV continues to have a close and co-operative working relationship with Victoria Police which ensures that the Police are fully apprised of the needs of our community. Meetings with senior police, explaining our security concerns and the issues created by the rise in antisemitism have been held frequently. These meetings are generally held jointly with the Community Security Group (CSG) and include the annual “Schmooze with the Blues” lunch, where in an atmosphere of friendly social interaction informal discussions can be held on matters on which we can work together. Apart from meetings which occur as needed, there is structured contact with Police, as part of the Victoria Police Multicultural Portfolio Reference Group, the Victoria Police Multifaith Council, and oongoing JCCV representation at the Police Community Encounters program, which is part of the Introduction to the Contemporary Policing phase for new recruits during their first week at the Police Academy The close contact and briefings which the JCCV has with politicians and with Victoria Police have been effective in creating support for Israel and for Early this year, the JCCV launched the “Overview of the Jewish Festivals” booklet which is an extremely useful tool in providing information to Government, to Police, to health professionals, to interfaith and multicultural bodies, as well as to the wider community, about the basics of Judaism, about the historical background of Jewish life in Australia and about our festivals. JCCV acknowledges and thanks the Victorian Multicultural Commission, Golds World of Judaica and FBI Travel for jointly funding the booklet. Some of the work of the JCCV in the area of interfaith and multiculturalism includes: •JCCV is a member of the Victorian Multifaith Advisory Group (MAG), the Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria (ECCV), Spiritual Health Victoria, the VEO HRC Reporting Racism Working group, the Faith Communities Council of Victoria (FCCV) and the Jewish Christian Muslim Association (JCMA) where we jointly work on issues and help arrange cross-communal events and educational activities •Interfaith events have been held with the Catholic and Anglican communities to create better understanding across the faiths, and to highlight positive interaction between Jews and other faiths ___ 14 2014 ANNUAL REPORT ___ President’s Report • Events have been held with a number of ethnic communities, including the Chinese, Indian, Thessaloniki and Polish communities to build friendships and create coalitions against intolerance and racism. •I have represented the JCCV for the past three years on the Steering Committee of the Kynnections project, which is a Federal Government funded leadership program for Jewish, Christian and African Muslim students. Last year, the Jewish participants came from Mt. Scopus Memorial College and Bialik College, and this year from King David School These personal contacts, based on friendship and goodwill, help to break down stereotypes and immeasurably improve understanding and relations between our communities. COMMUNITY Whilst ensuring that we fulfil our role as “the Voice of Victorian Jewry” by productive representation of our community, the JCCV never loses sight of the fact that the well-being and effective functioning of the Victorian Jewish community is a focal point of our agenda. During 2014, the JCCV has been very effective in strengthening and supporting our community, particularly in the area of social justice. Child Protection The JCCV Child Protection Reference Group which was formed in 2013 developed a strategic plan for putting in place a structure that would ensure, as far as possible, the safety of our children. I am immensely grateful to the Reference Group for their thoughtful, dedicated and professional input. The strong Chairmanship of Andrew Blode, the commitment of Rimma Sverdlin OAM and the enthusiasm and drive of JCCV Project Manager Jo Silver, together with the professionalism and outstanding training by Katherine Levi were supported by invaluable contributions from Anton Hermann, Vicki Gordon OAM, Marilyn Kraner, David Marlow and Debbie Wiener, all of whom brought to the Group expertise and a deep understanding of the issues. I felt privileged to be part of this Reference Group. To put in place the best possible child protection in our community, the JCCV has this year conducted a comprehensive five month training program for Jewish community organisations to help them develop appropriate policies, procedures and processes for the protection of children within their care from sexual abuse. It has been an extremely successful initiative and one which has changed communal attitudes and thinking. Every spectrum of our community was represented, with participation by sixty leaders from twenty diverse Jewish community organisations, including schools, synagogues and community organisations. One of the outstanding aspects of the workshops has been the ability of participants from wide-ranging backgrounds, including Adass Israel, Jewish Care, Temple Beth Israel, Kehilat Nitzan and Maccabi Victoria, to name just a few, to work together collaboratively and closely, focusing on together creating the best possible outcomes in child protection. There will be ongoing workshops to assist organisations to make their policies concrete, as well as a program in 2015 for more organisations and induction programs for new staff, as requested by program participants. The collaborative and intelligent interaction between the education sector participants, who represent almost the entire Jewish Day School system and UJEB and of the welfare sector is a clear indication that the culture within that section of our community has undergone a major change, with a far greater awareness of the need for policies and procedures not to just be on paper, but to be understood and implemented right across the board. JCCV is also involved in the Government consultations on proposed child safe standards for Victorian organisations, headed by Bernie Geary, the Commissioner for Children and Young People. JCCV, in partnership with ECAJ, Jewish Care Victoria and New South Wales, the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies and the Rabbinical Council of Victoria has made a submission to Federal Government for funding to extend the existing counselling and psychological services that Jewish Care delivers to survivors of child sexual abuse. The community response to the JCCV Child Protection training program and the other work being done by JCCV and community organisations has shown that with perseverance and a targeted approach, cultural change can be achieved. YOUTH ALCOHOL PROJECT (YAP) The JCCV Youth Alcohol Project (YAP) which has been operational for four years continues to provide age and culturally appropriate programs to the Jewish day school students. This is achieved through education sessions for students and parents, with participation by the majority of Jewish day schools, including Bialik College, King David School, Leibler-Yavneh Mount Scopus Memorial College and Sholem Aleichem. ___ 15 2014 ANNUAL REPORT ___ YAP has been successful in obtaining a grant from Glen Eira City Council to develop and deliver materials and tools for students and parents. YAP has become a partner in the Alcohol Policy Coalition, placing the JCCV as part of a group that is in the forefront of alcohol issues. It will also enable the YAP Project Officer Debbie Zauder and the YAP Committee to network with personnel from the partner organisations and keep abreast of current trends, research and programs. Debbie Zauder and Rimma Sverdlin OAM, are dedicated to and drive this initiative and are ably supported by the had-working YAP Committee, consisting of Rachael Bajayo, Danny Elbaum (who also presents to the students), Ruth Casen, Rabbi Ian Goodhardt, Michelle Kornberg, Jacqui Lerner, David Marlow, Brian Samuel, John Searle and Ann Wollner all of whom I thank for their continued interest and commitment. YOUTH LEADERSHIP The JCCV “Connects” young leader program was launched in late 2013 and contact with the young leaders involved has been maintained through social media and invitation to relevant events and development opportunities in the community, such as the Youth panel at the Kristallnacht Commemoration. We have worked closely with AUJS, particularly on the issue of antisemitism on campus and always from the perspective that AUJS leadership has an equal if not more prominent leadership role in discussion on how these matters should be addressed. AUJS and AZYC also participate in our Shoah commemoration. JCCV has taken over the administration of the Marion and Kurt Lippmann Foundation scholarship program, which provides an annual scholarship to a young communal professional for professional development. In November, we will be launching the inaugural JCCV Young Leader Award at the JCCV Community Awards evening to help recognise and encourage energetic and innovative young leaders in the Jewish community. GLBTI WORKING GROUP The JCCV Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex (GLBTI) Working Group continues to assist the JCCV in formulating policy and action to address the mental health issues arising from homophobia and community alienation in the Jewish GLBTI community. I found it very rewarding to chair the GLBTI Working Group and thank my fellow members Doron Abramovici, Sally Goldner, Julie Leder, David Marlow, Fay Oberklaid, Andrew Rajcher, Rita Rousso, John Searle and Jo Silver, all of whom have made a valuable contribution to the work of this Group and ensured that the Group has a sense of direction for next year. The ongoing work has been made possible by the receipt by JCCV of a HEY (Health Equality Youth) Grant from the Youth Affairs Council to focus on communication and produce a video, with input from young people, about the importance of inclusion. PASTORAL CARE The JCCV Pastoral Care Working Group, with funding from Spiritual Care Victoria works to improve the quality and effectiveness of pastoral care in hospitals for the Jewish community. Over the last twelve months, JCCV has delivered the following: • In order to better understand our community and our special needs, a Jewish community immersion day was conductedfor 24 pastoral care coordinators of various faiths at the conclusion of which a panel of Orthodox, Conservative and Progressive Rabbis participated in the closing Q & A session. •JCCV Pastoral Care Working Group has prepared an information booklet for pastoral care workers and healthcare professionals, to assist them in working with Jewish patients. • Shabbat dinners were organised for non-Jewish pastoral care coordinators to provide information about Judaism and to break down stereotypes. None of this would have happened without the input of the Working Group, chaired by Jo Silver, and consisting of Heather Tan, Michel Laloum, Rabbi Dovid Gutnick, Sue Morgan, Rabbi Yosef Nerenberg and Rabbi Adam Stein and I thank them all for their hard work and commitment to this very important initiative. KEY COMMUNITY EVENTS JCCV events form an integral part of Victorian Jewish communal life, and provide a focal point for community unity and continuity. This includes addressing affiliate meetings, speaking at events and participating in functions for a broad section of our community. The JCCV continues to deliver a strong program of key events and activities, including: • Shoah Remembrance, with a poignant and professionally produced Yom Hashoah Commemoration commemorating the 70th anniversary of the destruction of Hungarian Jewry and a Hazkara ceremony held at the Shoah Memorial at Carlton Cemetery • Babi Yar Commemoration commemorating one of the most tragic and for a long time, lesser known events in the history of the Shoah. ___ 16 2014 ANNUAL REPORT ___ President’s Report • Assistance to Shoah survivors with restitution a p p l i c a t i o n s and certifying Life Certificates and JCCV is represented on the Jewish Care Restitution Committee • Yom Ha’atzmaut parliamentary cocktail reception co hosted with the Zionist Council of Victoria (ZCV) • Memorial for Kidnapped Students and two Israel Solidarity Rallies, jointly with ZCV and other organisations, with both events demonstrating the strength of the commitment of Victorian Jewry to Israel and our sense of identifying with it •JCCV Community Awards Evening recognising the significant contribution of volunteers in our community with this year’s JCCV General Sir John Monash Award being awarded to Professor Louis Waller AO, who has made an immense contribution to many aspects of communal life COMMUNICATION JCCV has sought to actively engage the community as widely as possible. The JCCV website www.jccv.org.au provides a summary of activities, as well as media releases, the Online Community Calendar and links to a large volume of information. Additionally, JCCV engages with the community via the JCCV Directory and Diary, by means of “Jewish Community in Action” , which is the quarterly JCCV e-Bulletin which reaches in excess of 10,000 people and through “What’s Nu”, the online affiliate bulletin, which keeps affiliates in touch with community activities and events. We have been increasingly active on social media in communicating and also in promoting activities, programs and action items, as set out elsewhere in this report. We have greatly increased our media coverage and acknowledge the assistance in this of The Australian Jewish News, J-Wire and J-Air. • Seven JCCV Plenums are held each year ENHANCED COMMUNITY COLLABORATION PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND NETWORKING JCCV aims to increase its engagement with the community and to help develop expertise and professionalism within our community organisations. To achieve this, the JCCV has hosted a number of seminars and workshops to inform, involve and support our affiliate and non-affiliate Jewish community leaders and professionals, including: •Seminars and workshops on management, leadership, personal development and philanthropy including with Adam Slonim, David Cygielman, the Founder and CEO of Moishe House and Andres Spokoiny, CEO of American Jewish Funders. These sessions are attracting a wide cross-section of the community and from the uptake, it is clear that they are considered to be a valuable contribution to p r o f e s s i o n a l development and to networking. • Forum on Organ Donation for the Jewish community • Forum on the Rights and Responsibilities of Elderly People The above initiatives are targeted to strengthen our community, to empower it and to unite it and I believe that aim is being achieved. The level of collaboration which we have seen across the Jewish community has been outstanding, with close cooperation across a number of important areas to the community, most notably in: • Pro-Israel rallies, in Caulfield and on the steps of Parliament, held during the Israel-Hamas conflict involving JCCV, ECAJ, ZCV, ZFA and AIJAC as well as other community groups clearly demonstrating community support for Israel • The services of support and memorial service for the three kidnapped Israeli boys, involving all streams of religion within the Jewish community coming together to share our grief and show support for the families. • Twenty diverse community organisations working together over five months to participate in and share ideas as part of the JCCV Child Protection Training program to develop policies, processes and procedures to protect our children from sexual abuse. • Diverse streams of Judaism, including Rabbinical Council of Victoria, Progressive Judaism Victoria, and Kehilat Nitzan (Masorti) together with Jewish Care, cooperating to develop new materials, improve service delivery and to educate non-Jewish healthcare professionals as part of the JCCV Pastoral Care project. ___ 17 2014 ANNUAL REPORT ___ COMMUNITY SECURITY GROUP (CSG) COUNCIL OF PRESIDENTS The Community Security Group, which constantly monitors the risks which face our community, raised the security level in July. The heightened security risk and the rise in antisemitism resulted in a far heavier burden being placed on CSG Victoria. The JCCV Constitution provides that a Council of Presidents, composed of the Presidents and Vice Presidents of each affiliated organisation, together with the Executive, shall form an advisory body making recommendations to the JCCV. The volunteers responded with great dedication and the professional staff of Dave Friedman, Dan Goodhardt, Justin Lipson, Adrian Goldberg, Jason Blumenthal, Tiffany Goldstein, Sharon Karliner, under the extremely competent leadership of Simon Glynn, again showed its total commitment to the protection of the Victorian Jewish community and we owe a debt of gratitude to all of them. Simon Glynn briefed communal leaders on security issues at the Plenum meetings in February and August, as well as briefing affiliate Presidents at a Council of Presidents meeting. Funding continues to be an issue and the financial viability of CSG is ensured by the ongoing hard work of the Advisory Board, chaired by Mark Gandur, who has taken over from long-serving Chairman Roy Tashi OAM. Were it not for the fundraising efforts and the oversight by the Advisory Board, the CSG would not be able to protect our community as ably and fully as it does and this is something which the community is beginning to acknowledge. Whilst working this year at a more intense level, including an increased work load in the collection and collating of antisemitic incidents, the CSG has also enhanced and strengthened its interaction with State and Federal Police and is planning to implement greater interaction and commitment to schools and all communal institutions. The CSG volunteers, professional staff and Advisory Board provide an invaluable service to our community and we express our gratitude to them for their commitment, which this year has been extraordinary. JEWISH EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PLAN (JEMP) JEMP Technical Committee (TC) meets on a regular basis in order to ensure that it is ready and able to respond in the event of any emergency and to that end, maintains its level of preparedness to co-ordinate resources. The TC, consisting of Danny Elbaum, Rabbi Ronnie Figdor, Frank Gaensler, Simon Glynn, Justin Lipson, Andrew Litwinow, David Michelson (chair), Saul Midler and myself interacts closely with the Emergency Service Organisations (ESO) and a number of municipalities, as well as undertaking regular youth group and AUJS education and briefings. I am greatly indebted to Kathy Kaplan OAM, Executive Administrator who supports the TC with great commitment and professionalism and to the members of the Technical Committee, which is the backbone of JEMP, for so generously giving their time and expertise, putting in many hours of volunteer work for the community. Council of Presidents meetings were introduced in 2012 and have continued to be held since then. The input of the affiliates has been extremely useful in formulating JCCV strategy and I appreciate the fact that so many Presidents have made an effort to attend. Issues which have been addressed at these meetings include: • Plenum format and location of plenums • Delegates and their responsibilities • Appeals Allocation system restructure • JCCV Affiliation fees • Child Protection • Pastoral Care • Strategic planning for the community • GLBTI harm minimisation Social Justice Issues • Youth Involvement • Succession Planning • Community Security Group Updates Matters on which I have been particularly grateful for the advice of the Council of Presidents have been; •The location of Plenums, with the Presidents supporting my suggestion that three Plenums each year should be held at the venues of different affiliates. The initiative has invigorated Plenum attendances and created better understanding of the work of the affiliates. I would like to thank this year’s participating organisations, Kehilat Nitzan Conservative (Masorti) Community, Progressive Judaism Victoria and Theodor Herzl Social Club for the generosity with which they have offered their premises and addressed the Plenum, which has enabled delegates to learn more about each other’s activities and concerns. • The guidance and participation of the Presidents enabled the JCCV to successfully launch the “No to Homophobia Campaign” with an extensive sign up by communal organisations, creating a safer and more welcoming community for our GLBTI members. • The need to create a more transparent and more rational affiliation fee structure was a matter of concern for the JCCV for many years. The input and encouragement of the Council of Presidents meant that a new structure has been developed and accepted by the Plenum. • Strategic planning for the community has now been put on the agenda and I have everyconfidencethatthe Council of Presidents will address this matter conscientiously and co-operatively. ___ 18 2014 ANNUAL REPORT ___ President’s Report •JCCV Child Protection program was embraced by the community with wide communal participation and outstanding results. The collegiate and considered participation of the affiliate Presidents and Vice-Presidents and of the JCCV Executive on the Council of Presidents acting as an advisory body has been one of the highlights of my term of office, as it reaffirms my strong faith in this community as a close and cohesive one and I thank all who were part of this group for working in a consultative way for the good of our entire community. JCCV FUNDING Patrons There is no doubt that much of what has been achieved in the past three years has been enabled by the generosity, both financial and by way of support and encouragement of the Patrons. Not only has the funding meant that we could expand our work in a number of critical areas, it has also allowed us to concentrate on ”core business” instead of constantly having to be concerned about the financial viability of the JCCV. I extend my gratitude to the Patrons, who must derive a great sense of satisfaction in knowing what a large role their generosity plays in the welfare of our community. Estate Jakob Frenkiel The Estate of Jakob Frenkiel has very generously supported the work of the JCCV over the last three years, as well as supporting other communal organisations. I greatly appreciate the support and the interest of the Executors of the Estate, Richard Greenfield and Emilio Bortignon in JCCV activities and in particular in the Youth Alcohol Project. The distributions by the Estate are made with a great deal of consideration of what would most benefit our community and they make a significant difference not just to the JCCV but to many sections of the Victorian Jewish community. Jewish education in schools and on University campuses. The CJES is administered by the JCCV, with oversight by the CJES Committee, consisting of Alan Samuel JP, Hilary McMahon, JCCV Business Manager and myself. The Council for Jewish Communal security, under the oversight of the CJCS Committee, consisting of JCCV Honorary Treasurer Ian Jones and myself, enables tax deductible donations to be made for communal security, whether it be to the CSG or to communal buildings for security protection or physical security. The JCCV administers the CJES, the CJCS, The Trude Weiss Foundation for education support and The Marion and Kurt Lippmann Foundation, which provides scholarships for young Jewish community leaders. The administrative work for all of the above is carried out by Hilary McMahon, with assistance in monitoring CJES compliance from Alan Samuel JP and in monitoring all compliance from Ian Jones. I thank all of them for their commitment and for their careful attention to these matters. ECAJ JCCV works closely with ECAJ President Robert Goot AM SC and Executive Director Peter Wertheim AM. I appreciate their support and advice, as I do that of Julie Nathan and Alex Ryvchin, who are always available to discuss matters of common interest and concern. We thank Robert Goot AM SC for coming to Melbourne to brief JCCV delegates at the October Plenum on the work which the ECAJ has done this year and to provide an overview of future direction. The relationship between ECAJ and the State roof bodies is vital to the wellbeing of our entire community and I congratulate the ECAJ on maintaining the strong and collaborative relationship as well as its vigorous and targeted representation of Australian Jewry, both within Australia and internationally. Donors and Appeals APPRECIATION The generous donations of major donors and in particular of Mr. and Mrs. P. Birnbaum, the Erdigroup and the Werled Foundation w in maintaining its financial viability. I thank them for it their continued donations and I thank our entire community for its support of the JCCV through our Community Appeal. Many people have contributed greatly to enable and enhance the work of the JCCV, not only this year, but throughout the three years of my term of office. My gratitude goes also to all the participating synagogues for their cooperation and generosity in each year enabling the JCCV to hold a Kol Nidrei Appeal. COUNCIL FOR JEWISH EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS (CJES) , COUNCIL FOR JEWISH COMMUNAL SECURITY (CJCS), TRUDE WEISS FOUNDATION, THE MARION & KURT LIPPMAN FOUNDATION The Council for Jewish Education in Schools (CJES) is the entity which provides tax deductibility for donations for I have already acknowledged elsewhere in my report the work of the various JCCV committees, working groups and reference groups which have worked so hard to help us turn our vision into reality. This has also been the case with the Yom Hashoah Committee, of which I felt privileged to be a member. My gratitude to Randi Grose, to Michael Cohen, to Lena Fiszman, to Hilary McMahon, to Bram Presser, to Ariella Leski – each of whom has brought sensitivity and depth of understanding to the planning and execution of the Yom Hashoah Commemoration. To Randi Grose I extend my gratitude also for her enormous input into the production of the JCCV Awards Night, one of our key events. ___ 19 2014 ANNUAL REPORT ___ JCCV has achieved much in 2014. These achievements have been made possible by the continued commitment of the Executive and the expertise and dedication of the professional staff. As always, the contribution of the professional staff is far above expectations. I am constantly amazed at the output of the four people who produce it. David Marlow, the Executive Director has, in the less than two years in his position, got to know and has interacted with much of the community, as well as representing the JCCV on a number of external groups. He has a vast depth of understanding of our community and of the role of the JCCV in it and in the broader context. His professionalism and commitment have brought a high degree of capability to the operation of the JCCV. He has also ensured that not only is the JCCV an effective roof body, but also that through media and social media the community knows and understands what the JCCV does. It has been a great pleasure to work with David Marlow and I have appreciated his sound advice and support, as well as his tactful guidance. The JCCV Business Manager, Hilary McMahon not only looks after all JCCV financial matters with outstanding competence, but also oversees the CJES, CJCS, and the Foundations which JCCV oversees. Hilary McMahon is also the events manager for our many functions and communal events, sits on the Yom Hashoah Committee and presents on Jewish life at the Police Academy. Her work is invaluable and I cannot thank her enough for it. Jo Silver is an inspired Project Manager. Much of this year’s activity has centred on the social justice program and she has driven this with great enthusiasm and energy. In addition, Jo Silver is a member of the Child Protection Reference Group, of the GLBTI Working Group and chairs the Pastoral Care Working Group and has been successful in obtaining grants for our projects. I am grateful to Jo Silver for her dedication and total commitment. Julie Batty in her position as Administrative Assistant deals with reports, correspondence, data entry, assists with fundraising administration and JCCV diary advertising and is the very helpful first point of call for all enquiries to the JCCV. Julie Batty also produces the popular and informative “What’s Nu”, the online bulletin which keeps affiliates abreast of news and events. My thanks to Julie Batty for her commitment and support. Our volunteers Anne Livnat, Mervyn Chait, Rachel Davis and Michael Rosen, have given generously of their time to assist the JCCV and their support is very much appreciated. Each member of the Executive has contributed generously and thoughtfully to the decision making process. Jennifer Huppert has been a strong, supportive and active Vice President; Ian Jones has ensured that JCCV strategy remains firmly grounded within our financial capacity and has provided full financial reporting to the Executive and the Plenum; Anton Hermann has brought a great deal of experience to the Child Protection Reference Group, as well as holding the Community Engagement portfolio; Helen Light AM has continued her engagement in interfaith and multicultural work and her highly respected representation of the JCCV on the ECCV and JCMA Boards; Atida Lipshatz has worked energetically and in a targeted way in interacting with affiliates and seeking to enhance JCCV involvement within the community; Jack Lipson has continued to be an extremely competent and committed Security portfolio holder; John Searle has provided measured and sound advice with a wide world view and Rimma Sverdlin OAM has been totally committed to ensuring that the JCCV keeps social justice issues at the forefront of its agenda. I have also greatly valued the input of the Ex Officio Members Jeremy Samuel representing the ADC for part of the year, Dr. Dvir Abramovich, Chairman of the ADC who took his place and with whom I have worked closely and co-operatively and Sharene Hambur, Vice President of ZCV, who works with us to retain our strong working relationship with the ZCV and who is always able to clearly perceive the essence of the matter under discussion. Together, the Executive and professional staff form an outstanding team, working in a collegiate and innovative way to produce exceptional results and I thank them for their dedication, their support and the generosity with which these were given. CONCLUSION Early in the year, as well as delivering in the areas set out above, much energy was expanded, particularly by Executive Director David Marlow in building coalitions and working towards a positive outcome in preventing the proposed amendments to the Racial Defamation Act. Not only was this achieved, but it also resulted in much stronger ties with a great number of organisations across many faith and ethnic communities. The challenges of the Israel-Gaza conflict and its impact on our community, the rise in antisemitism and the heightened security threat have driven much of our agenda from July 2014. These issues have dictated our work with Government, with the media, with Victoria Police and with other community organisations. At the same time, there was the imperative of maintaining security, ensuring that we monitor media and critically, that we maintain community confidence and contain communal anxiety. Our community is strong and resilient, but we need to continue to make it more effective through collaboration and to remain vigilant in meeting the community’s needs for confidence, security and unity. Whilst I take pride in what our team has achieved in the last three years, the most positive aspect of my term as president of the JCCV has been the sense of consultation and cooperation at every level. I am indebted to the members of this community for their invaluable advice, for their constructive input, for their willingness to continue to build a community which is widely respected and above all, for their support and friendship. Nina Bassat AM ___ 20 2014 ANNUAL REPORT ___ Messages of Appreciation “On behalf of the board of the Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria, I wish to congratulate Nina Bassat AM, and the entire JCCV executive, on an outstanding term heading up the council. We wish Nina all the best in future endeavours, and look forward to working closely with the incoming President and executive team.” EDDIE MICALEFF CHAIRMAN ETHNIC COMMUNITIES’ COUNCIL OF VICTORIA It is with much pleasure that I send greetings from the Council of Christians and Jews (Vic Inc) on the retirement of Nina Bassat AM from the Jewish Community Council. Nina, of course, I know very well having served with her on the Council in the 90s and then succeeded her at the end of her first term as JCCV president. They were difficult times with severe financial restrictions but Nina showed great leadership then as she has again during this term she is now finishing. Nina deserves much accolade for taking on the leadership of the JCCV not once but twice with numerous other community commitments as well. The Council of Christians and Jews wishes Nina a happy healthy and peaceful retirement and sends greetings to the new executive and president. With warm wishes I pay tribute to Nina Bassat AM for her leadership of JCCV in the role of President. Through our interactions with the Jewish Anglican Friendship Dinner and numerous community events I have respected and enjoyed her insightful contributions and her friendship. PHILIP BLISS CHAIRMAN, CCJ (VIC INC) On behalf of Progressive Judaism Victoria, it gives me great pleasure to congratulate Nina Bassat at the conclusion of her position as President of the Jewish Community Council of Victoria. I have had the pleasure of working with Nina over the last couple of years initially as a delegate to JCCV, but over the last eighteen months working directly with her on a couple of important committees. I came to appreciate her true qualities of leadership. Her ability to include all the organisations and different streams of Judaism has demonstrated to me her excellent political skills in a role that can sometimes be both very frustrating and demanding. I have seen first-hand the respect shown to Nina by community, State and Federal leaders and this is a testimony to her wonderful character. In the Jewish community there is no such thing as retirement, but we wish her all the best in her next journey, whatever that may be. BRIAN SAMUEL PROGRESSIVE JUDAISM VICTORIA INC. THE MOST REVEREND DR PHILIP FREIER ARCHBISHOP OF MELBOURNE Dear Friends, Dear Nina, On behalf of the Australian Multicultural Foundation, I wish to congratulate you on a very successful and productive three years as President of the JCCV. It has been a pleasure working with you and seeing your outstanding dedication to promoting Australia’s social and cultural well-being. Yours sincerely, DR B. (HASS) DELLAL OAM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AUSTRALIAN MULTICULTURAL FOUNDATION I wish to thank Nina Bassat and the members of the Jewish Community Council Executive for the service rendered to our friendship during the current term. I extend greetings and good wishes to all the members and to their successors. Yours sincerely, +DENIS J HART DD ARCHBISHOP OF MELBOURNE It has been an absolute pleasure working with Nina over the last few years. Nina’s intellect, compassion, wisdom and a lovely sense of humour enabled us to always get to a positive outcome no matter what the challenge. While Nina’s current role comes to an end, I am sure she will continue her wonderful contribution to building stronger and more resilient communities. Nina has been a good friend to both me and Victoria Police. Thank you Nina. ANDREW CRISP ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER STATE EMERGENCIES AND SECURITY COMMAND VICTORIA POLICE ___ 21 2014 ANNUAL REPORT ___ On behalf of the Zionist Federation of Australia executive and staff, I wish to congratulate Nina on the conclusion of an outstanding term of office as JCCV President. Nina is a consummate community leader. She is dedicated, intelligent and passionate about the issues that affect our community. We have shared a wonderful working relationship not only during my period as President of the Zionist Federation of Australia but also in my other communal leadership positions over many years. Nina, you have led by example with true commitment and your presidency will be recalled for your accomplishments, leadership and devotion. As you step down from this role, I wish you success in all your endeavours. I look forward to working with your successor and the incoming JCCV Executive as we continue to strive to achieve our common objectives. DR DANNY LAMM PRESIDENT Message of Congratulations to Nina Bassat AM On behalf of my Parliamentary colleagues, I wish to thank Nina for her outstanding leadership and great work she has contributed to the Jewish and broader community as President of the Jewish Community Council of Victoria (JCCV). It has been an absolute pleasure to work alongside Nina in her capacity as JCCV President on many matters, particularly in providing the Jewish community a strong voice and standing up against hate in all its forms. I consider Nina a dear friend and truly value the frank and open dialogue we have shared. I will always appreciate the great advice and support Nina has given me and her passion in advocating for the Jewish Community. Nina has earned the upmost respect from all who she meets, demonstrating strong leadership throughout the most difficult of times. We will all miss Nina’s calm and measured way of managing the JCCV and her quirky sense of humour. It is my distinct honour and privilege to write in favour of Nina Bassat AM as she leaves the helm of the JCCV. Nina has served the Victorian and Australian community in numerous senior roles over the years and I have had the pleasure of working with her on numerous projects. Nina is always willing to listen and to help, she has provided meaningful contributions at many forums related to community health and wellbeing. Our community is all the better for Nina’s dedication and indeed her message that family must always come first resonates well for all those entrusted with communal leadership positions. On behalf of the Organisation of Rabbis of Australasia I thank and applaud Nina for her tireless dedication to communal work, and wish her all the best in her future endeavours. As stated in the Shabbat liturgy “and all those who busy themselves with the needs of the community, the Almighty (Himself) will ensure their reward”. RABBI MEIR SHLOMO KLUWGANT PRESIDENT ORA Nina, I thank you for what you have done for the community and particularly the treasured friendship and support you have given me. DAVID SOUTHWICK MP STATE MEMBER FOR CAULFIELD Dear Nina, You have been an intelligent, elegant, charming yet forthright leader of the Jewish Community Council of Victoria. On behalf of the Victorian Coalition Government, Iextend my best wishes and congratulations to Ms Nina Bassat AM as she completes her term as President of the Jewish Community Council of Victoria. dedication to preserving its traditions, and an extraordinary generosity in sharing Jewish culture with the broader community. Nina has certainly demonstrated these qualities throughout her presidency . As the Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship, Ihave been privileged to work with Nina and the Council, and have been impressed by the unwavering dedication she has shown in supporting Victoria’s Jewish community. I thank Nina for her many years of service to Victoria and wish her all the very best in her future endeavours. I have had the opportunity to see you at many forums and functions both within and outside the Jewish community. In all these forums you have been a great ambassador and advocate, not only for the community here in Victoria, but also for Israel. THE HON. MATTHEW GUY MLC MINISTER FOR MULTICULTURAL AFFAIRS AND CITIZENSHIP You have represented our community with great distinction and I feel honoured to call you a friend. During her presidency, Nina has shown tremendous leadership in facilitating positive and harmonious relationships between Victoria’s diverse faith groups. She has been a vital part of our State’s interfaith and intercultural movement and Ihave no doubt her work has helped maintain the social cohesion and community harmony Victoria is renowned for. Victoria’s Jewish community-the largest in Australia-is characterised by its energy, its I wish you great nachas as you spend more time with you family and friends. Warmest regards, THE HON. MARSHA THOMSON MEMBER FOR FOOTSCRAY ___ 22 2014 ANNUAL REPORT ___ Executive Director’s Report This has been a stressful and turbulent year for the Victorian Jewish community. Rising antisemitism around the world and the Israel – Gaza conflict have created a difficult environment, but bipartisan support in Victoria by the State Government and Opposition for multiculturalism and Israel, and against racism have helped create a relatively harmonious and peaceful community for all Victorians. We saw a substantial rise in antisemitic incidents during the Israel – Gaza conflict but not to the extent of NSW and certainly nothing like has been seen in Europe or the USA. The freedoms we enjoy in Victoria are assets that we must work hard to ensure, and we have been very active in that work in prevention and addressing of problems as they arise. The JCCV’s areas of focus over the past year have been: • Harmony: ensuring our ability to live safely as Jews in the Victorian community • Youth: ensuring the health, safety and future of Jewish youth • Continuity: ensuring community strength continuity through key events • Strength: and ensuring a strong and effective Victorian Jewish community I would like to take this opportunity to focus on some of the new actions or initiatives that the JCCV has implemented in 2014. Living safely as Jews in Victoria •Launch of the Overview of the Jewish Festivals booklet to assist service providers to the Jewish community to better understand Judaism and the special needs of our community. •A Jewish community immersion day was held with State members of parliament of all sides of politics introducing them to Jewish Melbourne, and the issues faced by our community, including antisemitism, community security, aged care, welfare services and the community’s concerns regarding Israel. •Graffiti removal bins were presented to the community by the Minister for Crime Prevention to help remove antisemitic and other graffiti from communal properties and infrastructure. (insert graffiti bin photo) •Active advocacy was undertaken to defend s.18C of the Racial Discrimination Act against being watered down, through meetings with members of parliament, public statements, public advocacy and organising of a submission to the Attorney General including 35 diverse Victorian community organisations, including various faiths (eg. Jewish, Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, Muslim, Christian) and multicultural communities (eg. Italian, Chinese, Indian, Macedonian). • I attended, together with Nina Bassat AM, a roundtable meeting hosted by VEOHRC with Dr Tim Soutphommasane, Federal Race Discrimination Commissioner, at which the issues surrounding the proposed watering down of s.18C and various strategies were canvassed. •Active participation in the newly formed Victoria Police Multicultural Portfolio Reference Group (PRG) which helps improve cultural sensitivity in Victoria Police and adds an element of multicultural understanding to the Police decision making process. The membership of this group has been recently rebalanced to focus on at-risk communities, and the JCCV is a key player in helping with this process. • Through the Victoria Police Multifaith Council, we work with a variety of faith groups to add an understanding of faith issues to the Police decision making process. Both this group and Multicultural PRG provide advice and input to various Police projects and their senior level decision making processes. In September, this group placed a letter to the community in newspapers calling for rejection of violence, community harmony as well as vigilance, given the announced increase in the National Security Threat level. • Events have been held with a number of ethnic communities, including the Chinese, Indian, Thessaloniki and Polish communities to build friendships and create coalitions against intolerance and racism. The dinners with the Chinese and Indian communities and the reception in Parliament with the Thessaloniki Association were most successful, and built on relationships developed during our Racial Discrimination Act advocacy. •The JCCV presented on Judaism and the Jewish perspective on various issues for the Australian Multicultural Foundation, Transurban and Spiritual Health ictoria. A healthy, supportive and safe environment for our youth • The JCCV conducted a comprehensive five month training program in the first half of 2014 for Jewish community organisations to help them develop appropriate policies, procedures and processes for the protection of children ith whom they work from child sexual abuse. It has been xtremely successful, changing attitudes and thinking, and has involved over sixty leaders from twenty diverse Jewish community organisations, including schools, synagogues and community organisations from Adass Israel and ewish Care to Temple Beth Israel and Maccabi Victoria. • At the JCCV Community Awards evening in November, the JCCV will be launching the inaugural JCCV Young Leader Award to recognise and encourage energetic and innovative young leaders in the Jewish community. This complements the existing awards presented to ___ 23 2014 ANNUAL REPORT ___ Executive Director’s Report outstanding volunteers by community organisations on the evening, as well as the prestigious Sir John Monash Award. o At our October Plenum, the Australian Forum of Russian Speaking Jewry became an affiliate of the JCCV Community strength and continuity through key events A strong and vibrant community Professional development and networking •Babi Yar Commemoration was organised in partnership with the Australian Forum of Russian Speaking Jewry, the Kangarusskis and the Russian Sunday School LIDER involving Russian speaking Jewry from across the generations, from primary school age to Holocaust Survivors. •Young Leadership forum and a community forum with HE Dr Mohammed A-Hadid, the President of the Jordanian Red Crescent with the leadership of MDA from Israel, hosted in partnership with the ZCV demonstrating the ability of Jews and Muslims to effectively work together. •At least seven JCCV Plenums are held each year, and we seek to focus on issues of community interest and concern, in addition to the reporting to delegates and discussion, including in the past 12 months: • Affiliate presentations by the King David School, Kehilat Nitzan (Masorti) and the Theodore Herzl Club at JCCV Plenums hosted at their venues •The Polish Ambassador to Australia on the relationship between the Polish and Jewish communities, and the new Jewish Museum in Warsaw (Polish Ambassdor photo) •Georgie Crozier MP, Chair of the Victorian Inquiry into child sexual abuse in institutions speaking about the outcomes from the Inquiry •Marilyn Kraner, Acting General Manager Community Services, Jewish Care speaking about the services and support offered by Jewish Care for survivors of child sexual abuse • Joe Krampel, President of Emmy Monash Aged Care, on the new Emmy Monash building program • Community security briefings by the Community Security Group (CSG) •Dr Andre Oboler, CEO of the Online Hate Prevention Institute (OHPI) speaking about the growth in online racism and hate speech, and the tools being implemented by OHPI to prevent them •Professor Andrew Markus on social cohesion and the Victorian Jewish community report derived from the 2011 Census. • Seminars and workshops were organised for community organisation professional staff and Board members on various management, leadership, personal development and philanthropy topics with management consultant Adam Slonim and Andre Spokoiny, the US-based CEO of Jewish Funders Network •To help identify and address some of the issues confronting the community with an ageing demographic, a forum on the Rights and Responsibilities of Elderly People was held, featuring a panel of speakers including Jewish Care, a Geriatrician, a psychologist, a lawyer and the Commissioner for Senior Victorians. GLBTI Working Group The JCCV Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex (GLBTI) Working Group has helped the JCCV deliver a number of initiatives to address the mental health issues arising from homophobia and community alienation in the Jewish GLBTI community, including: • JCCV was recently awarded a HEY (Healthy Equal Youth) Grant from the Youth Affairs Council to address mental health issues in the Jewish GLBTI community, focused around a communication program including a video to be developed with input from young people •Active participation in the Progressive Judaism Victoria Midsumma Festival Shabbat Service at TBI •Helping Keshet and Jewish Care address the issue of GLBTI Elder Care within the Jewish community, and through Keshet building GLBTI inclusion into the Jewish Care executive training program Pastoral Care •The JCCV now has a Board membership position on Spiritual Care Victoria, the leading body overseeing pastoral care services in Victoria • A Jewish community immersion day was organised where pastoral care coordinators from ___ 24 2014 ANNUAL REPORT ___ Executive Director’s Report organised where pastoral care coordinators from hospitals across the state and from various faiths spent a day visiting Jewish Melbourne to better understand our community and our special needs, including the Jewish Museum, a synagogue, the Mikvah, the Jewish Holocaust Centre, the Lamm Jewish Library, Glicks and finishing with a panel including Orthodox, Conservative and Progressive rabbis. Innovation in our communication •The 2014 JCCV Directory and Diary with colour for the first time sold out at an increased price and we have increased the print run for the 2015 edition, which is now available. • We have been proactive and very active on social media in communicating positive stories on Judaism and Israel, promoting important events and most importantly as support for our major advocacy campaigns, including: • Successfully defending the Racial Discrimination Act from repeal of s.18C which would have potentially opened the door to increased antisemitism •Sponsoring and promoting the petition to Federal Parliament in support of the three kidnapped Israeli boys. We obtained thousands of signatures thanks to terrific community grassroots support and cooperation •Supporting and promoting AUJS’ petition against reinstatement of the bullying and anti-Semitic Socialist lternative (SA) at Monash University which was hugely successful •Over the year, we have also significantly increased the exposure of JCCV’s activities and events within the community, especially through The Australian Jewish News, J-Wire, J-Air interviews and the Leader newspaper. •In October 2014, the JCCV Youtube channel was launched to help promote the work and objectives of the JCCV within the Jewish community and to the broader Victorian community. The aim is to reach an audience that is not being reached through existing media channels and forums. Community collaboration •Rallies to show the Victorian Jewish community’s clear support for Israel were organised in Caulfield and on the steps of Parliament during the Israel - Gaza conflict with JCCV, ECAJ, ZCV, ZFA and AIJAC working together with a variety of other community groups. •The very large and emotional services of support and memorial service at Caulfield Hebrew Congregation and the Beth Weizmann Community Centre for the three kidnapped Israeli boys, involving all streams of religion within the Jewish community coming together to share our grief and how support for the families. • A strong group of concerned organisations came together to host a community forum on domestic violence, featuring Minister Mary Wooldridge, Police Commissioner Ken Lay, David Southwick MP, and victims’ advocate Rosie Batty. The organizing group included JCCV, the NCJWA, the Jewish Taskforce Against Family Violence, IMPACT, NCWA and the Salvation Army. In summary We have had a challenging 12 months, featuring rising antisemitism and the Gaza conflict starting with kidnapping of the three Israeli boys. This has kept us very busy working with Government, media, Victoria Police and other community organisations to maintain community harmony and vigilance at the same time. Our professional team have delivered outstanding results this year, and I am delighted that Hilary McMahon, Jo Silver and Julie Batty continue to be passionate, professional and driven to deliver for the community. We have worked with many wonderful partners on events and in working groups and committees, who are listed elsewhere in this report, but I would like to especially thank the following organisations who are consistently excellent partners, a delight to work with and outstanding contributors to the community: • B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission (ADC) working against antisemitism • Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ) in working on national and international issues •Jewish Care Victoria on a range of social justice and social inclusion issues •Jewish Holocaust Centre (JHC) working together on Holocaust remembrance •Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) supporting multiculturalism •Victoria Police working together for a safer and more harmonious community •Zionist Council of Victoria (ZCV) working in support of Israel I hope that the collaboration and cooperation that we have seen across the community on a wide range of issues continues to blossom in the future, and that we are all working together in more peaceful times. David Marlow ___ 25 2014 ANNUAL REPORT ___ JCCV Affiliate Support Portfolio Report As the official roof body for the Victorian Jewish Community, the JCCV has had a busy and productive year and much of that has included the wide range of supports and services we offer to our affiliates. It has obviously been a challenging year for all Jewry with the war in Gaza and a worldwide rise in antiSemitism. Our community came together in these difficult times, and the JCCV united with affiliates and other roof body organisations in organising Prayer services and solidarity rallies. beneficial and we encourage maximum attendance at these meetings and the plenums. Our Youth Alcohol Program continues to be a vital part of addressing the challenges of youth alcohol abuse across the community and many individuals, schools and groups have benefitted from this initiative. What’s Nu, our online affiliate bulletin, “keeps affiliates in the Loop”, and people can also engage through our regularly updated website. Our new community diary is available in a beautiful colour format and is a wonderful resource to many community members. We also partnered with affiliates in organising a range of interesting, informative and inspiring speakers across a range of topics such as “Crossing Borders to Save Lives”. Our activity levels remain high as we come to the end of the calendar year – we will be hosting our Annual Awards night where we acknowledge the dedication and commitment of volunteers from our affiliate organisations. We offered our members professional networking sessions dealing with issues that challenge organisations and their members across the board such as Fund Raising, and Time and Productivity Management. We are proud to offer the inaugural Young Leadership Award and this is representative of our focus on engaging the younger members of our community in all aspects of JCCV activity. We held a number of community forums open to all community members including a community forum on domestic violence and another on the rights and responsibilities of elderly People. As we go to print, we look forward to joint hosting Andres Spokoiny, a world recognized expert on community leadership and fundraising, present at a number of special sessions. The JCCV brought together representatives of all spectrums of the community in a comprehensive training program on child protection. The wonderful success of this initiative has been praised not only by participants who requested a continuation of the program with alumni sessions, but also by politicians and external professionals. The JCCV continues to hold regular Plenums and these are held at a variety of venues, which gives the hosting affiliate the opportunity to showcase their “home” and inform the JCCV and other affiliate delegates about their organisation. This promotes respect and cohesion of members and strengthens bonds across community groups. As well as being the time for the required business proceedings and operations of a roof body organisation, the JCCV Plenums have allowed affiliates to hear many prominent and interesting speakers. This includes members of our community present on their area of expertise such as Online Hate Prevention, and Jewish Community Census results, as well as Parliamentarians such as Georgie Crozier MLC, Parliamentary Secretary for Health speak about Child Protection. Council of Presidents Meetings have also been held a number of times throughout the year, allowing the important dialogue between the Presidents and our Executive to continue. The shared advice and ideas have proved very We are delighted to welcome a new affiliate to the JCCV – The Australian Forum of Russian Speaking Jewry. We strive to offer them and all our affiliates strong and relevant support, to advocate for them and to provide appropriate links and networking opportunities with other members. We trust that through sharing, collaborating and joint development of ideas all our affiliates benefit greatly from their involvement with the JCCV.I look forward to working alongside our delegates in another positive and productive year and may it be a time of peace in Israel and for all Am Israel. Atida Lipshatz Nina Bassat AM and Ambassador Paweł Milewski Embassy of the Republic of Poland ___ 26 2014 ANNUAL REPORT ___ Interfaith & Multicultural Activities ReporT 2014 This year was a challenging year for the Victorian Jewish Community, as was it for the world’s Jewish communities, in light of the Palestinian/Israeli conflict and the advent of the Islamic State. A tragic consequence for us, as Jews, and as world citizens, is that anti-Semitism has reared its ugly head yet again, and has become more prevalent and sadly more acceptable in our society. Not everyone in our community appreciates how very important it is for us to work to nurture cross-cultural and interfaith relationships. But as we live in a pluralist society and we want to be able to continue to be active and productive and contributive members of this society, we have to continue to learn to understand others and help them understand us. We are all part of Australia. This been the real focus for the interfaith and multicultural portfolio in 2014. Because we believe in education, and in personal familiarization as the most potent tools for breaking down barriers of ignorance and fostering respect between people with different origins, cultures and faiths, we have concentrated harder on fostering cross cultural activities. We are also conscious that life is harder for our Muslim brothers and sisters today especially because of the fear of terrorism which has arisen from the real fear of IS. The JCCV continues to be represented on the Faith Communities Council of Victoria, on the Jewish Christian Muslim Association and on the Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria. Within all these organizations, we have striven hard to work with people of diverse backgrounds and faiths. This has in some cases proved to be challenging but we believe that we have no choice but to persist. David Marlow, our energetic and visionary, Executive Director, has taken a lead in interfaith activities representing the JCCV on MAG, the Multicultural Advisory Group for the State Government and with a very sympathetic police force. He has developed productive friendships within the Islamic Council of Victoria and the Victorian Council of Churches. He championed a statement signed by most ethnic and faith based organizations objecting to changes to the Federal Constitution regarding racist statements. At the same time we have continued to share our table with the Anglicans, the Catholics and the Indian Community in events which were warm and productive in building friendship. Students participating in Kynnections Dr Helen Light Multicultural and Interfaith Portfolio Representative. ___ 27 2014 ANNUAL REPORT ___ Community Research Portfolio Report 2014 has continued the excellent grounds made in 2013 with the programs going from strength to strength. The year’s results have been even better than expected. CHILD PROTECTION This year has produced extraordinary results due to the professionalism of the training and program planning. The community has shown serious commitment to safeguarding children and young people within organisations and I commend the participants and their leadership. This is exactly the role and purpose of the JCCV; to identify important and necessary issues and provide the means for our community to respond. I would like to thank all the members of the Reference Group for their commitment and time. The members are: Andrew Blode - Chair, Nina Bassat AM, Anton Herman, Vicki Gordon OAM, Marilyn Kraner, Katherine Levi, David Marlow, Jo Silver, Rimma Sverdlin OAM and Debbie Weiner. Child Protection Reference Group Report “Children are inherently vulnerable. Parents expect - and the law requires - that children will be safe from harm or abuse at school, on camp, at a youth group, in a sporting club or in any other community setting. As promised in last year‘s annual report the Reference Group facilitated a series of formal training workshops where both affiliates and nonaffiliates can attend to enhance their knowledge, to identify potential risks, develop better screening polices, understand legal liabilities and comprehend the importance of mandatory reporting. The highlight without doubt was the tremendous attendance and spirit by the participants to tackle the confronting issues. The “Child Protection” workshops led by Katherine Levi and supported by Jo Silver delivered a comprehensive education and pathway for participants to develop and enhance their understanding of the issues. The results of these workshops are being progressively rolled out by the organisation into their services The workshops have been so successful that we will continue to run them through 2015. On a personal note, I would like to thank the foresight of the JCCV to establish such a Reference Group for the benefit of its affiliates and the community. I would also like to thank the contribution of the Reference Group members and to acknowledge the ongoing work of the Jewish Taskforce Against Family Violence, the Australian Jewish Psychologists, Jewish Care, The Rabbinical Council of Victoria, Tzedek and the Australian Jewish News for keeping child abuse issues at the forefront of the community’s mind. In conclusion, I wish to thank the Melbourne Jewish Community for their commitment to confront the issue of child abuse, and their proactive engagement to prevent it in the future.” Written by Andrew Blode, Chair. YOUTH ALCOHOL PROGRAM (YAP) The program continues to work with Jewish school students and we are now working closely with parents to better assist them with managing this difficult issue. My deep thanks again to Debbie Zauder, YAP Manager. Her ongoing professionalism, dedication and motivation are the key to the program’s success. As Chair, I would like to thank all the members of the Committee. The members are: Rimma Sverdlin OAM Chair, Rachael Bajayo, Nina Bassat AM, Ruth Casen, Danny Elbaum, Rabbi Ian Goodhardt, Michelle Kornberg, Jacqui Lerner, David Marlow, Brian Samuel, John Searle and Dr Ann Wollner. YOUTH ALCOHOL PROGRAM REPORT The Youth Alcohol Project (YAP) has successfully fulfilled its 5th year of educating and raising awareness of youth and alcohol issues in the Melbourne Jewish community. In 2014, over 800 youth and parents from the Jewish schools participated in YAP educational sessions and workshops. Feedback from both youth and parents was very positive. The following are examples of comments made at the YAP sessions, “If alcohol affects young people’s brains why is it legal to buy it?” (Year 6 student, The King David School) “I find it unacceptable that my child is given alcohol by another parent without my permission” (Parent, Mount Scopus Memorial College) “The YAP message must be repeated over and over again at all high school levels!” (Parent, Bialik College) (insert Yap photo here – Bialik Year 7 Students participating in YAP) This year the YAP Parent Network (PN) Project was launched with the financial assistance of a Glen Eira Council Community Grant. The aim of the PN Project is to empower parents to be able to say “no” to their children in relation to alcohol and social events where alcohol is available. A meeting was held with parents of teenagers currently at a variety of the Jewish, state and other private schools. Parents discussed the parental strategies and techniques they use for such situations and how as a group they could work together for better outcomes. YAP received a further Glen Eira Council Community Grant to research and produce a resource for parents of teenagers. The brochure will contain the most frequently asked questions that parents ask at YAP sessions, in relation to youth and alcohol. The answers will be sourced from experts in the field and based on up to date research in the ___ 28 2014 ANNUAL REPORT ___ Community Research Portfolio Report alcohol and health sectors. This brochure will be available early 2015. Thank you to the YAP Committee for their continued support of the project, it is greatly appreciated. For more information on YAP, contact Debbie Zauder on 0413 263 673 and [email protected]. THANK YOU My heartfelt thanks go to everyone who has tirelessly worked on the projects for the benefit of the Jewish community. I would like to personally thank Nina Bassat AM as the President. It has been a privilege and pleasure to have worked with her on the Executive. Written by Debbie Zauder As well my thanks go to my fellow Executive Members and the highly professional JCCV staff. PASTORAL CARE Rimma Sverdlin OAM Pastoral care offers healing through compassionate listening, support and connections to people’s inner and communal resources. Pastoral care is spiritual, offering therapeutic, non-medicinal care to improve healing and wellbeing. This year the pastoral care steering committee focused on educating pastoral care coordinators and hospital staff on Jewish patient needs. This started with a multi-faith immersion program with Spiritual Health Victoria. Twenty participants spent a day each in six faith communities and the Jewish day involved a visit to the Jewish Museum, Holocaust Centre, Mikvah, Chevra Kadisha and Glicks for lunch and finished with a Q&A with rabbis from across the Jewish spectrum. The aim was to gain an insight into Jewish life and learn about Jewish patient care and many participants joined congregations around Melbourne for Shabbat dinner and Friday night service. (insert pastoral care immersion day) The program was so successful that Spiritual Care Australia conducted professional development at the Royal Children’s Hospital for eighty pastoral care coordinators from across Victoria and Wangaratta Hospital arranged a similar day for regional staff. Phone calls have flooded in from other hospitals requesting information on Jewish patients and Thomas Embling Forensic Care invited us to present at Naidoc Day. I sit on the Board of Spiritual Health Victoria (SHV) and they have been a valuable and dedicated partner in multi-faith education. SHV held their AGM at East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation to promote Judaism to their members and they have agreed to develop a multi-faith calendar and brochure that will be distributed across Victorian hospitals and aged care on faith based patient needs. Members of the Steering Committee have conducted training programs for rabbis from the Rabbinical Council of Victoria and volunteers from Masorti Judaism and Progressive Judaism Victoria. 16 rabbis have been trained in Clinical Pastoral Education and there has been a concerted effort to update Jewish contacts at hospitals and visit patients more regularly. The steering committee has developed a number of resources to assist in education and patient care including a position description for volunteers, caring for Jewish patients’ brochure, patient prayer and healing booklet and Temple Beth Israel’s guide to support patients and volunteers. Written by Jo Silver 2014 ANNUAL REPORT ___ ___ 29 JEMP Annual Report 2014 JEMP is a specialist organisation whose Emergency Management Plan (ERP) coincides with the State’s Emergency Management Manual of Victoria which documents the State’s arrangements for managing an emergency in Victoria. Run by the Victorian Jewish community, JEMP provides a coordinated planning, response and recovery phase for major emergencies affecting the Victorian Jewish community regardless of whether the incident is local or abroad. JEMP does NOT seek to replace arrangements already covered by the Emergency Management Manual of Victoria but dovetails into a number of aspects of that plan. JEMP exists to: 1.coordinate various Jewish and public resources in responding to and recovering from major emergencies affecting the Victorian Jewish community. 2.educate members of the Victorian Jewish community about preparation and planning for a major emergency. 3. guide Victorian Jewish communal organisations toward the implementation of a tested Emergency and Business Continuity Management Plan and required capability. JEMP’s Executive of Nina Bassat AM, Sam Tatarka, Rabbi Ronnie Figdor, Alan Samuel JP and Gary Bryfman task the Technical Committee with the ongoing responsibility to ensure that JEMP is current and relevant. Ably chaired by David Michelson, the Technical Committee consists of the following highly skilled professionals: Danny Elbaum, Rabbi Ronnie Figdor, Frank Gaensler, Simon Glynn, Justin Lipson, Andrew Litwinow, Saul Midler and Mike Bookman. Nina Bassat AM, as President, attends most meetings providing valuable guidance and leadership and Kathy Kaplan OAM delivers administrative support and greater efficiencies for the organisation. JEMP’s Operational Plan is designed to provide guidance during the Emergency Response phase of an event that impacts the Victorian Jewish Community. Describing the actions to be taken immediately following a severe emergency, JEMP’s Plan includes a management structure that interfaces with various agencies, Emergency Service Organisations and community support and resource groups. In support of JEMP’s Mission, JEMP’s Emergency Response Plan is a comprehensive document designed to coordinate various Jewish and public resources in responding to and recovering from major emergencies affecting the Victorian Jewish community. The target outcome of this is a secure, stable and sustainable environment for those affected by the major emergency JEMP has enjoyed a close working relationship with Victoria’s Emergency Service Organisations (ESOs) including the Police, Ambulance Victoria, Australian Red Cross, State Emergency Services, Melbourne Fire Brigade, Country Fire Authority, Department of Human Services and others for many years now. As a result, JEMP Technical Committee members and ESO representatives meet on at least quarterly in order to exchange procedures and strategies. These ESO meetings offer JEMP the opportunity to educate and update the ESOs on issues facing the Victorian Jewish Community and for the organisations to run through Tabletop Scenarios with JEMP to practise and debrief on strategies and lines of communication. JEMP participates in the Emergency Management Meetings of the Cities of Bayside, Glen Eira, Stonnington and Port Phillip and is represented by David Michelson on the Southern Metropolitan Region Emergency Response Committee. In this way, local municipalities are aware of JEMP and of the specific threats facing the Jewish Community and, as a result, these are factored into Community Emergency Risk Management (CERM) documentation. Each year, prior to summer and winter camps, JEMP’s Technical Committee provides training sessions to brief the AZYC leadership of potential emergencies. This year, shlichim, madrichim, other youth movement leaders and staff were again advised about the appropriate strategy and procedures required to safeguard the children in their care. Tabletop scenarios were acted out which assisted the Youth Movements to better think through possible ‘emergency’ events and how they could or should be managed. JEMP does not work in a vaccuum and so thanks and acknowledges its member organisations for their support – Adass Israel School, Association of Principals of Jewish Schools in Australasia, Australasian Union of Jewish Students, Australian Jewish Psychologists, Beth Weizmann Community Centre, Bialik College, Chevra Hatzolah Melbourne, Community Security Group, Council of Orthodox Syngogues of Victoria, Emmy Monash Home for the Aged, Jewish Care Victoria, Maccabi Victoria, Mizrachi/ Leibler Yavneh College, Mt Scopus Memorial College, Progressive Judaism Victoria, Sholem Aleichem College, The King David School, The Rabbinical Council of Victoria, Yeshiva & Beth Rivkah Colleges, Yesodei Hatorah College and the Zionist Council of Victoria. 2014 ANNUAL REPORT ___ JCCV Policy Platform THE JEWISH COMMUNITY COUNCIL OF VICTORIA POLICY PLATFORM 2010 (revised) SUBJECT 1 PREAMBLE 2 OUR MANDATE 3 OUR POLICIES 3.1 INTRODUCTION 3.2 THE VICTORIAN JEWISH COMMUNITY 3.3 CULTURAL DIVERSITY 3.4 INTERFAITH RELATIONS 3.5 RACISM IN VICTORIA 3.6 ANTI-RACIST ACTION 3.7 RESPECT 3.8 ANTISEMITISM 3.9 REPORTING OF ANTISEMITIC INCIDENTS 3.10 HOLOCAUST DENIAL 3.11 HOLOCAUST RHETORIC 3.12 HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE 3.13 RESTITUTION 3.14 TERRORISM 3.15 JEWISH EDUCATION 3.16 GENDER EQUITY 3.17 YOUTH REPRESENTATION 3.18 STATE CEREMONIES 3.19 ACCOMMODATION OF RELIGIOUS PRACTICES 3.20 JEWISH BURIAL RIGHTS 3.21 GET REFUSAL 3.22 SOCIAL JUSTICE 3.23 MENTAL HEALTH 3.24 INTEGRATION 3.25 ABORIGINAL RECONCILIATION 3.26 CLIMATE CHANGE 3.27 STEM CELL RESEARCH 3.28 ISRAEL 3.29 ALCOHOL 3.30 CHILD PROTECTION ___ 30 ___ 31 2014 ANNUAL REPORT ___ 1.PREAMBLE The Australian Jewish community, of which the Jews of Victoria are such a vital part, differs markedly from other Diaspora Jewish communities as Jews were here right from the beginning of Australian nationhood and have been integral partners in the development of modern Australia. Jews are at home in this multicultural nation built on migration, a state of affairs that has not always been the Jewish experience elsewhere. More than that, our community has made a recognised, remarkable and perhaps disproportionate contribution to the Australian way of life. Through the efforts of talented and hardworking individuals and groups, the Australian Jewish community is proud of the part it has played in the many cultural, political, social and economic achievements of this great diverse country. Long the largest Jewish community in Australia, Victorian Jews have played a major part in this wonderful story as military leaders, Governors-General, judges, philanthropists, captains of industry, presidents of football clubs and ‘ordinary’ men and women. Thus Jewish lives, beliefs and traditions have helped to shape both Victoria and Australia. 2. OUR MANDATE Our constitution sets out the aims and objectives of the Jewish Community Council of Victoria. In essence, our mandate is: • to be the roof body and official voice of the Jewish community of Victoria on lay matters • to advance its unity • to work to achieve its goals • to partner others to ensure the continuity and development of our community’s religious, spiritual, cultural and social heritage. Through consultation, advocacy and working with government, other faith and ethnic communities, the media, service providers and the general public, the JCCV seeks to achieve the following outcomes: • A better society by promoting understanding and cooperation between all faiths • Facilitation of harmony and positive relationships between the various elements of the Victorian Jewish community and between our community and the larger community • A positive perception of Jews in Victoria • Greater understanding of and respect for the Jewish way of life • Wider knowledge and appreciation of the Shoah (Holocaust) and its lessons • In partnership with the State Zionist Council of Victoria: • A more sophisticated public understanding of Israel’s efforts to achieve peace and security • Effective counteraction of misinformation on Israel, the Middle East and the Arab/Israel conflict • A better informed public understanding of Israel in relation to contemporary Jewish identity • Working with Jews in other States and Territories to achieve these objectives at a national level through the Executive Council of Australian Jewry. 3. OUR POLICIES 3.1INTRODUCTION The current policy platform of the Jewish Community Council of Victoria is outlined below. Its development has not been an easy task. Our community is heterogeneous and hence has a multitude of views. Nonetheless, there are certain issues on which we are largely united. These include the significance of Israel in Jewish life, a commitment to Jewish continuity and the importance of Jewish education for our children. While recognising the diversity of the Victorian Jewish community, these policies seek to embody the majority beliefs and values of our community. These, we believe, enhance general Australian values of democracy, the rule of law, the freedom, rights and responsibilities of the individual, understanding and respect, and a fair go for all. 3.2 THE VICTORIAN JEWISH COMMUNITY This Council: 3.2.1 RECOGNISES the distinctive character of the Victorian Jewish community as part of the Jewish people in Australia and elsewhere, with a shared history, culture and religious tradition. 3.2.2 RECOGNISES Victorian Jewry as a vital and vibrant component of a culturally diverse Australian society. 3.2.3 RECOGNISES the pluralistic nature of Victorian Jewry and its complex nature due to diverse languages, cultural origin and countries of origin. • A thriving local Jewish community • A safer local Jewish community • Zero community tolerance of racism in general and antisemitism in particular • Contributing to social justice in Victoria 3.2.4 RECOGNISES that the JCCV is the sum of its affiliates and the need for regular, appropriate and ongoing consultation with the latter. ___ 32 2014 ANNUAL REPORT ___ JCCV Policy Platform 3.2.5 ACKNOWLEDGES that skilled professional expertise is crucial to the effective and efficient delivery of services and support within the organised Jewish community and the need to provide relevant professional development and encouragement of Jewish professional involvement in community organisations. 3.2.6 ACKNOWLEDGES that volunteerism is the backbone of organised Jewish communal life and the need to provide all possible support for and recognition of volunteers. 3.2.7 ACKNOWLEDGES the diversity of Jewish organisations in Victoria, which cater to a wide range of interests and needs within the Jewish community and are an indication of its strength. 3.2.8 ACKNOWLEDGES the right of any Jewish organisation to identify as an ethnic organisation due to the choice of the membership of that organisation or due to specific aims, objectives and programs consistent with policies and programs of the government relating to ethnic affairs. 3.2.9 ACKNOWLEDGES the right of any Jewish organisation to identify as a faith organisation due to the choice of the membership of that organisation or due to specific aims, objectives and programs consistent with policies and programs of the government relating to religious affairs. 3.2.10 VALUES the friendly cooperation and cordial relationship between Victorian Jewry and ethnic groups and roof bodies within Victoria. 3.2.11 VALUES the friendly cooperation and cordial relationship between Victorian Jewry and faith groups and roof bodies within Victoria. 3.2.12ENCOURAGES close liaison between Jewish organisations and ethnic, faith and other Victorian groups in the pursuit of common policies in the best interests of the entire Victorian community. 3.3 CULTURAL DIVERSITY This Council: 3.3.1 AFFIRMS its support for Federal and Victorian policies of cultural diversity, which have benefited all citizens as a building block of social cohesion. 3.3.2 CALLS ON Federal and Victorian governments to confirm their commitment to cultural diversity as a policy which respects the right of all Australians to express their individual cultural identity, and to maintain and share their cultural heritage, within the framework of an overriding commitment to Australia, the basic values of Australian democracy and the rule of law. 3.3.3 COMMENDS government policy of ensuring access and equity in the provision of government services, including the provision of mechanisms to address the barriers faced by immigrants not yet familiar with Australian culture and language. 3.3.4 ACKNOWLEDGES the diversity of cultural expressions within the Jewish community and supports the furtherance of diverse cultural activity. 3.3.5 CALLS UPON Jews and Jewish organisations to support others whose views they disagree with but whose presence is constructive for diversity within the community 3.3.6 RECOGNISES the centrality of language to cultural transmission and calls upon members and elements of the community to increase their learning and daily use of Jewish languages. 3.4 INTERFAITH RELATIONS This Council: 3.4.1 WELCOMES the development of multi-faith events and contacts between bodies representing many diverse faith groups. 3.4.2 APPLAUDS activities which improve the basis for dialogue between Jews and other faith groups. 3.4.3 NOTES past efforts at improving Jewish-Muslim relations, particularly those which have recognised common concerns in human rights areas such as religious liberty, racial tolerance and recognition of religious rights. 3.4.4 SUPPORTS dialogue and cooperation between representatives of the Jewish community and all other faith communities with a view to common action for communal tolerance and inter-community cooperation. 3.4.5 CALLS on all Australians to respect the dignity and right of all people to maintain their own religious traditions. 3.4.6 SUPPORTS the expansion of the dialogue process to include other partner organisations representing religious communities. ___ 33 2014 ANNUAL REPORT ___ 3.5 RACISM IN VICTORIA 3.7RESPECT This Council: This Council: 3.5.1 CONDEMNS all manifestations of racist action and speech. 3.7.1 3.5.2 SUPPORTS public programs to educate Victorians regarding the senselessness and immorality of racism. 3.5.3 CALLS ON leaders of all mainstream political parties to consistently articulate a vision which embraces cultural diversity and which guarantees dignity and rights for all Victorians. 3.5.4 CALLS ON all mainstream political parties to place racist, divisive and extremist candidates in the last positions when allocating electoral preferences. 3.7.2 RECOGNISES that irrespective of the common traits that bind us as a community, Victorian Jewry is also diverse and pluralistic and that this is reflected in different, often strongly held views, on a range of issues affecting the Jewish and larger communities. 3.7.3 CALLS FOR respect for any such differences, while affirming that disagreement is only permissible in ways that do not vilify other persons or their views. 3.7.4 3.5.5 CALLS on political, civil and religious leaders to play public leadership roles in emphasising the unacceptability of racism. 3.6 ANTI-RACIST ACTION This Council: 3.6.1 3.6.2 NOTES the activities of extremist organisations, the currency of various racist myths and the tolerance given to racist comment by some sections of the mainstream media. NOTES that racial vilification and racial violence in Victoria have intensified since September 11, 2001. 3.6.3 ACKNOWLEDGES that effective responses to racism include moral and political leadership from public figures; legislation to make clear that racism is unacceptable and to give recourse to its victims; and on-going public education. 3.6.4 COMMENDS those public figures who have taken a leadership position against racism and antisemitism. 3.6.5 COMMENDS the Victorian Government for legislating against anti-religious and racial activity. 3.6.6 CALLS ON state and federal law enforcement agencies to urgently upgrade the capacity to pursue and apprehend the perpetrators of acts of racist violence and vandalism and to fund both public and Jewish communal strategies to achieve those ends. ACKNOWLEDGES the distinctive character of the Victorian Jewish community as part of the Jewish people worldwide, with a shared history, culture and religious tradition. CALLS FOR abstention from any public or private conduct that incites hatred against, serious contempt for, revulsion, vilification or severe ridicule of, another person or group on the ground of their identity (including race, religion, colour, disability, sexual orientation, gender and national origin) or views of that other person or group. 3.8ANTISEMITISM This Council: 3.8.1 EXPRESSES ALARM at the escalation in acts of antisemitism in Victoria including assaults on Jewish people, attacks on synagogues and other Jewish institutions and on homes and businesses owned by Jews. 3.8.2NOTES that extremist left and right-wing organisations have encouraged their supporters to work together with extremist elements within other communities. 3.8.3 CONDEMNS the prevalence of anti-Jewish rhetoric in elements of the mass-media which hides behind criticisms of Israel. 3.8.4 CALLS ON the government of Victoria to take all necessary steps to protect Jewish citizens and communal property and to prevent other acts of anti-Jewish incitement. 3.8.5 COMMENDS Victoria Police for agreeing to establish an Intelligence Crime Desk at the Moorabbin Divisional Intelligence Unit to monitor and report antisemitic incidents and offences committed against the Victorian Jewish community. ___ 34 2014 ANNUAL REPORT ___ JCCV Policy Platform 3.9 REPORTING OF ANTISEMITIC INCIDENTS This Council: 3.9.1 NOTES the importance of the Jewish community’s state and national leadership having an accurate picture of the nature and extent of antisemitic violence, vandalism, intimidation and harassment in both Victoria and Australia. 3.9.2 URGES all members of the public to report all incidents of an antisemitic nature, whether crimes or not, to the B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission and the Community Security Group. 3.10 HOLOCAUST DENIAL This Council: 3.10.1 NOTES that individuals and organisations in Victoria propagate Holocaust denial to attack the Jewish community. 3.12.2 CALLS on the Victorian Department of Education to ensure that all students obtain a basic knowledge of the events of the Holocaust in order to gain an understanding of the dangers of ideological hatred. 3.13 RESTITUTION THIS COUNCIL: 3.13.1 APPLAUDS the efforts of those working for the rights of survivors, their heirs and the Jewish world in the areas of restitution and restoration of property and true recording of the history of the Holocaust. 3.13.2 CALLS for the resolution of all outstanding claims with a minimum of administrative cost or delay, and for priority in the application of funds for the benefit of survivors and the heirs of victims. 3.14 TERRORISM THIS COUNCIL: 3.10.2 NOTES the deception employed by Holocaust deniers in the way they present their hatred in quasi-academic guise. 3.14.1 JOINS in mourning the victims of terrorism in Israel and throughout the world, and extends condolences to the relatives and friends of those who have been murdered, and sympathy and wishes full recovery to the injured. 3.10.3CALLS ON Jewish organisations to continue the policy of not engaging Holocaust deniers in any public debate which could give credence to Holocaust denial but to clearly and publicly identify Holocaust deniers as people engaged in antisemitism, racism and promotion of extremist ideologies. 3.14.2 SUPPORTS local efforts to prevent terrorist attacks, including the enactment of effective anti-terrorism laws, the application of resources for efficient investigative processes, and local participation in the international war against terrorism. 3.11 HOLOCAUST RHETORIC This Council: 3.11.1RECOGNISES that the Holocaust, the Nazi program of genocide, was a unique historical event. 3.11.2 NOTES that the Holocaust is generally recognised as the benchmark of human evil. 3.11.3 DEPLORES the inappropriate use of terminology relating to the Nazi Genocide in Australian public debate. 3.12 HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE This Council: 3.12.1 ENCOURAGES public remembrance of Kristallnacht, Yom Hashoa and UN Holocaust Memorial Day. 3.14.3 NOTES the importance of legislation designed to counter terrorism and to provide security properly recognising the required balance between human rights and law enforcement. 3.14.4 APPLAUDS governmental activity to ensure that the cohesion of Australia’s multicultural society is not prejudiced in the undertaking of antiterrorism activities. 3.15 JEWISH EDUCATION This Council: 3.15.1NOTES that the Victorian Jewish community maintains a number of private day schools which are essential to Jewish learning and our community’s continuity. 3.15.2 STRESSES the importance of Jewish day schools having high quality Jewish and Israel Studies and Jewish languages curricula. ___ 35 2014 ANNUAL REPORT ___ 3.15.3 NOTES that the provision by the United Jewish Education Board of Jewish education to Jewish students who do not attend Jewish day schools in Victoria is essential to ensuring Jewish learning and our community’s continuity for those outside of the Jewish day school movement. 3.17 3.15.4 CALLS ON all Victorian Jewish Day Schools, the United Jewish Education Board and Jewish Youth groups to substantially increase the teaching of contemporary issues facing Israel and world and Australian Jewry in programs offered at primary and secondary levels. 3.17.2 NOTES with concern the lack of youth representation on most communal bodies. 3.15.5 RECONFIRMS the responsibility of leaders of Victorian Jewry to strive to ensure that no Jewish child is denied full-time Jewish education due to financial considerations; and the continued responsibility of leaders of Victorian Jewry to support organisations that provide Jewish education of children who are outside of the Jewish day school system to ensure Jewish continuity for all. 3.17.4 CALLS on Jewish communal bodies to support and work with youth groups and movements to prepare an action plan to develop strategies to encourage youth participation on communal bodies. 3.15.6 CALLS ON Jewish communal and fund-raising organisations to explore additional methods of alleviating financial constraints affecting Jewish day school education and the ability of Jewish day schools to provide the highest quality Jewish education. 3.15.7NOTES the importance of and encourages participation in Adult Jewish education opportunities such as those offered by Melton and Limmud Oz. 3.16 GENDER EQUITY 3.16.1 This Council: a. b. RECOGNISES the leadership capability and commitment to be found within the Jewish community in Victoria; Recognises the need for people in leadership positions to possess appropriate qualifications and experience; and YOUTH REPRESENTATION This Council: 3.17.1 RECOGNISES that the involvement of younger community members is of vital importance to the success of Jewish continuity. 3.17.3 CALLS on constituent bodies to encourage youth involvement. 3.17.5 RECOGNISES the important social, cultural and educational contribution over many years made by our many organised Jewish youth movements and calls on affiliate groups to support their work into the future. 3.17.6ENCOURAGES the organised Jewish youth movements to encourage their members to grow into broader community leadership roles. 3.18 STATE CEREMONIES This Council: 3.18.1 CALLS ON the State Government to recognise that state ceremonies, celebrations and memorials should be inclusive and not make use of religious words and symbols that may effectively exclude some Australian citizens. 3.19 ACCOMMODATION OF RELIGIOUS PRACTICES This Council: Having read to the above, seeks to reflect gender equity in its leadership positions. 3.19.1 NOTES decisions by a number of instrumentalities which recognise and support the right of all staff to meet their religious and ceremonial obligations, regardless of religious, ethnic or cultural background. 3.16.2 To this end the Council commits to achieving gender equity in its elected representatives including: 3.19.2 RECOGNISES the right of all Victorians to observe religious and ceremonial obligations. • The committee of management of the Council (Executive); and 3.19.3CALLS UPON government and employers organisations to respect and support, as a matter of policy, the right of employees to meet the obligations of their beliefs. c. • Victorian Councillors to the Executive Council of Australian Jewry (Councillors) ___ 36 2014 ANNUAL REPORT ___ JCCV Policy Platform 3.19.4CALLS UPON Government to ensure that religious and ceremonial obligations can be observed without attracting the threat of loss of employment. 3.22.4ACKNOWLEDGES its duty to ameliorate the social disadvantage and hence individual distress of Victorian Jews through support of its affiliate organisations. 3.19.5 CALLS UPON Government and statutory bodies to take religious holy days and dietary requirements into consideration when planning public events. 3.22.5 URGES its affiliate organisations to be conscious of and to cater for the needs of socially disadvantaged Jews. 3.20 JEWISH BURIAL RIGHTS This Council: 3.22.6 ACKNOWLEDGES its duty to ameliorate the social disadvantage of members of the broader Victorian community by working in concert with faith, ethnic and other groups. 3.20.1 NOTES Jewish law and tradition require burial in perpetuity. 3.23 3.20.2 NOTES that a grave containing human remains is demarcated as the final resting place of the person concerned and the integrity of the grave must not be altered without explicit Rabbinic authority. 3.20.3 REAFFIRMS the need to maintain arrangements for Jewish burials in perpetuity and calls on cemetery authorities to respect this requirement; and 3.20.4 CALLS UPON State Governments to plan for and ensure sufficient land is allocated for Jewish communities to bury their dead in accordance with Jewish communal requirements. 3.21 GET (DIVORCE) REFUSAL THIS COUNCIL: 3.21.1 RECOGNISES the invidious situation of the agunah (wife refused a divorce). 3.21.2 URGES the members of the Rabbinical Council of Victoria and the Melbourne Beth Din to collaborate with their counterparts in Australia and elsewhere to seek an acceptable solution to deliberate Get refusal. MENTAL HEALTH This Council: 3.23.1 RECOGNISES that there are members of the Victorian Jewish Community with mental health issues which require different types and levels of response. 3.23.2 RECOGNISES the need to destigmatise these members of our community 3.23.3SUPPORTS those affiliates whose members possess professional qualifications (recognised under the Health Professionals Registration Act, 2005, Victoria) who provide specialist services and expertise within a Jewish ethos (assessment/ diagnosis/treatment; community education and referrals) to those in the community with and/or affected by mental health issues. 3.23.4 SUPPORTS those affiliates whose members while not professionally qualified in this field provide support services within a Jewish ethos to those in the community with and/or affected by mental health issues. 3.24INTEGRATION 3.22 SOCIAL JUSTICE This Council: 3.22.1 RECOGNISES the Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities and encourages its affiliate organisations to uphold the principles therein. 3.22.2 RECOGNISES that there are many people within the Jewish and wider communities who are members of socially disadvantaged groups. 3.22.3NOTES that there are individuals prohibited from full involvement in Jewish communal life due to their membership of socially disadvantaged groups. This Council: 3.24.1 NOTES that the Jewish community includes Jewish immigrants who are on the fringes of the organised community structure. 3.24.2 RESOLVES to support affiliate organisations in taking active steps to absorb and integrate these immigrants into our community’s core. ___ 37 2014 ANNUAL REPORT ___ 3.25 ABORIGINAL RECONCILIATION This Council: 3.25.1 RECOGNISES Indigenous people as the first Australians, with unique cultures, languages and spiritual relationships to the land and waters. 3.25.2 PURSUES a vision of an Australia that provides equal rights and life chances for all. 3.25.3AFFIRMS the fundamental importance of reconciliation as the basis of an Australian Community which respects the diversity of values, cultures, ideas and the contribution of all people. 3.25.4 SUPPORTS programs that encourage organisations and individuals to turn their good intentions into action. Areas for action may include the Council using its networks to: • Raise community awareness and understanding of the historic, social and economic factors which contribute to the current levels of disadvantage confronting many Indigenous people and communities. • Influence governments and business to address the systemic issues that keep many Indigenous people and their communities in poor health and poverty. • Support human rights based approaches to economic and social development programs in Indigenous communities; and • Lead inter-faith alliances to develop and provide targeted financial and capacity building support to selected projects which strengthen Indigenous organisations’ governance, management, service delivery and professional development. 3.25.5 ENCOURAGES the Jewish community to increase its knowledge and understanding of the identity and experiences of Indigenous peoples and reflect this awareness in our social relationships and our support for their advancement. 3.25.6 CALLS UPON the government, business and civil communities and people of Victoria to take action to reduce the relative disadvantage many Indigenous people may face by improving education, health, housing, employment, governance, social and communal relationships and law and justice 3.25.7 ENCOURAGES our affiliates and other Jewish organisations and individuals to support and pursue reconciliation in their activities. 3.26 CLIMATE CHANGE THIS COUNCIL: 3.26.1 NOTES that climate change is a major challenge facing Victoria and the world. The current drought, water shortages, bush fires and record temperatures remind all Australians of our nation’s vulnerability to climate change. 3.26.2 SUPPORTS efforts to bring together Australian faith communities to take action on climate change. 3.26.3 DECLARES its support for action to tackle Australia’s rising greenhouse gas emissions. 3.27 STEM CELL RESEARCH This Council: 3.27.1 NOTES that leading rabbinic authorities have given their support to the use of existing embryos for stem cell research, mindful that Jewish law concerns itself that such embryos are only appropriately obtained. 3.27.2 NOTES that stem cell research offers great hope to many sufferers and contains the potential to rectify painful, debilitating and life shortening genetic conditions. 3.27.3 SUPPORTS properly conducted research into the saving of life as a part of our human mandate to act in the image of G-d, to heal and to be merciful. 3.27.4 CALLS ON all JCCV affiliates to encourage Victorian Jews to publicly support the opportunities which stem cell research provides as reinforcing and not diminishing the sanctity of life. 3.28ISRAEL This Council: 3.28.1 AFFIRMS Victorian Jewry’s strong and enduring solidarity with Israel and her people. 3.28.2 APPLAUDS the Victorian government’s relationship and agreements with numerous Israeli governmental institutions, Israeli and public bodies and academic institutions. 3.28.3 STRONGLY URGES all Jews, individually as well as communally and institutionally, to visit Israel and schedule events in Israel. 3.28.4 APPLAUDS the success of many Israel experience programs operated by Australian Jewish organisations in partnership with Israel. ___ 38 2014 ANNUAL REPORT ___ JCCV Policy Platform i.society as a whole shares responsibility for promoting the wellbeing and safety of children; and 3.29 ALCOHOL This Council: 3.29.1 ACKNOWLEDGES that inappropriate levels of alcohol consumption is a problem within the Victoria Jewish Community, reported anecdotally to be of equal severity to that of the general Victorian Community. The problem is particularly serious amongst our youth from aged 12 years and above, who engage in binge drinking and expose themselves to risk. 3.29.2 AFFIRMS its support for the Federal and Victorian Governments’ policies and Police initiatives designed to educate the community about the dangers of alcohol consumption, particularly regarding underage drinking 3.29.3 RECOGNISES that alcohol can play a part in Jewish religious ceremonies but notes that grape juice is often regarded as a viable alternative for both minors and adults as a non-alcoholic option. 3.29.4 ENCOURAGES all Victorian Jewish Schools, youth related groups and organisations to participate in Alcohol Abuse Awareness Programs for their students and parent body. 3.29.5 CALLS UPON all Jewish Parents to be appropriate and responsible role models in relation to alcohol use, for their own children and for all children in the Community. 3.29.6 CALLS UPON all Jewish communal groups and organisations, as well as leaders in the Community and all individuals to take into account the provision and supply of alcohol when planning events either public or private. It is imperative that adults in the Jewish Community model the responsible supply and use of alcohol. 3.30 CHILD PROTECTION This Council: 3.30.1 AFFIRMS that all children have the right under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child to be protected from all forms of physical or mental violence, injury or abuse, neglect or negligent treatment, maltreatment or exploitation, including sexual abuse, while in the care of parent(s), legal guardian(s) or any other person who has the care of the child. 3.30.2 NOTES that the Victorian Child Wellbeing and Safety Act (2005) establishes inter alia the fundamental principles that: ii. those who develop and provide services, as well as parents, should give the highest priority to the promotion and protection of a child’s safety, health, development, education and wellbeing. 3.30.3ITERATES Jewish values that emphasise the importance of our youth, and Jewish laws that recognise the vulnerability of children and prohibit physical, emotional, verbal and sexual abuse and/ or neglect and/or maltreatment of children of any and all kinds from any source. 3.30.4 ACKNOWLEDGES that the Jewish community is not immune from the scourge of child abuse in all its forms as well as neglect or the impacts on children growing up in an environment of family violence. Child abuse occurs in all societies, in all faiths, at all socio-economic levels and within all levels of religious observance. 3.30.5 ENCOURAGES Jewish communal groups and organisations which work with children to prioritise the development and implementation of child protection policies and procedures, and to provide educational programs for children and adults, to ensure the safety of those children in their care. 3.30.6 ENCOURAGES Jewish communal groups and organisations to raise awareness of the prevalence of abuse and promote the safety and protection of children throughout the community. 3.30.6 AFFIRMS its support for Recommendation 10 in the Victorian Parliamentary Enquiry into Vulnerable Children, which states: The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development should develop a wide-ranging education and information campaign for parents and caregivers of all school-aged children on the prevention of child sexual abuse. 3.30.7CALLS UPON anyone who has reasonable grounds to suspect, or knowledge that a child is being harmed, or who is at risk of harm, to report it to the appropriate authorities, namely the Department of Human Services or its equivalent and/or Victoria Police. 3.30.8 CALLS UPON the Jewish community to do its utmost to assist community members who make disclosures of abuse to find the care, help and support they need, and avoid the imposition of any stigma, ridicule or discrimination by reason of having reported the abuse or having been a victim of such abuse. ___ 39 2014 ANNUAL REPORT ___ Appreciation The Jewish Community Council of Victoria wishes to express its sincere appreciation to the following sponsors and supporters: Tisher Liner FC Law, the Council’s Honorary Solicitors, and the Auditors for the JCCV, Jack Gaddie & Associates for their assistance during 2014. Allen Feiglin Graphics Rabbi Philip Heilbrunn Anglican Diocese of Melbourne High Key Productions Arnold Bloch Leibler J-Air Australian Jewish Funders Jewish Care Victoria Australian Jewish News Jewish Christian Muslim Association Australian Multicultural Foundation Jewish Holocaust Centre Henry Benjamin @J-Wire Kehilat Nitzan Conservative (Masorti) Community Bialik College King David School Andrew Blode Leibler-Yavneh College B’nai B’rith Anti-Defamation Commission Magen David Adom Mervyn Chait Monash University City of Glen Eira Mount Scopus Memorial College Community Security Group Office of Multiculturalism and Citizenship Eastern Press Parliamentary Friends of Israel Ecumenical and Interfaith Commission Peter Haskin Photography Edit-1 Video Peter Unger Catering Estate of Jakob Frenkiel Progressive Judaism Victoria Executive Council of Australian Jewry Rabbinical Council of Victoria Henry Greener at The Shtick Sean Meltzer Randi Grose Sholem Aleichem College Guests Accounting Spiritual Health Victoria Handcrafted Flowers Studio HBD Islamic Council of Victoria Victoria Police and to the many volunteers, working group members and donors whose generosity has been outstanding and gratefully appreciated. 2014 ANNUAL REPORT ___ ___ 40 Notes This page has been intentionally left blank MONDAY 17 NOVEMBER 2014 IN THE PRESENCE OF PROFESSOR JEFFREY V. ROSENFELD AM OBE THE GENERAL SIR JOHN MONASH AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING SERVICE IS BEING PRESENTED TO PROFESSOR LOUIS WALLER AO JCCV YOUNG LEADERSHIP AWARD JOSH BACK CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FOLLOWING RECIPIENTS AUSTRALIAN JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY DR HOWARD FREEMAN OAM AUSTRALIAN JEWISH PSYCHOLOGISTS LISA POMEROY AUSTRALIAN SOCIETY OF POLISH JEWS & THEIR DESCENDANTS IZYDOR MARMUR AUSTRALASIAN UNION OF STUDENTS –VICTORIA STEPHEN MACHET BLAKE STREET HEBREW CONGREGATION NAOMI DESSAUER B’NAI B’RITH VICTORIA INC EVA RATHNER BRIGHTON HEBREW CONGREGATION DR JEFFREY SHAPIRO CAULFIELD HEBREW CONGREGATION DANNY RADOCJIN EMMY MONASH AGED CARE BRUCE JOSKE JEWISH CARE VICTORIA INC MELISSA DAVIS JEWISH COMMUNITY ARTS & MEDIA ROBERT BONTSCHEK JEWISH HOLOCAUST CENTRE ROSA KRAKOWSKI JEWISH TASKFORCE AGAINST FAMILY VIOLENCE MARIANNE COOKLIN KEHILAT NITZAN CONSERVATIVE (MASORTI) COMMUNITY INC ZVI CIVINS ST KILDA HEBREW CONGREGATION DANNY GOLDSMITH MACCABI VICTORIA RUSSELL JAFFE STAND UP (FORMERLY JEWISH AID) CONNY BRANDT MARCH OF THE LIVING GREG SHER TEMPLE BETH ISRAEL SAM SHARMAN MIZRACHI ORGANISATION SAM SEIGEL VAJEX HAROLD KARPIN NCJWA (VIC) INC DR SUSAN FELDMAN ZIONIST COUNCIL OF VICTORIA PESACH STEINBERG MELBOURNE HEBREW CONGREGATION DAVID SHERR SHALOM ASSOCIATION VLADIMIR PLOTKIN SOUTH CAULFIELD HEBREW CONGREGATION EARLE ORENSTEIN 306 Hawthorn Road Caulfield South Victoria 3162 Australia T 61 3 9272 5566 F 61 3 9272 5560 E [email protected] FOLLOW JCCV www.jccv.org.au Community Security Group (CSG) 1300 000 274 Jewish Emergency Management Plan (JEMP) 1800 18 1816