The Allan Labor Government is funding safer spaces for Jews to gather and pray.
Victoria is a proudly multicultural state and there is no room for hatred and division of any kind. That includes antisemitism – an evil ideology that is on the rise across the country and across the state.
Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ingrid Stitt today announced the recipients of the Jewish Community Security Infrastructure Program, with 15 community organisations to receive $950,000 in funding.
Successful recipients include Yeshivah shule in St Kilda East, St Kilda shule, South Caulfield shule, Maccabi Victoria and 11 other organisations – including a security upgrade at Chabad St Kilda which was recently targeted in a sickening act of anti-Semitic vandalism.
These grants are in addition to the $100,000 that the Government offered to kickstart the donation drive to rebuild Adass Israel synagogue, which was destroyed by fire in a horrific terrorist attack last Friday.
Under the program, grants of up to $200,000 were available to Jewish community organisations to support the purchase, installation or improvement of security equipment at community facilities.
The Jewish Community Infrastructure Program is an election commitment that is part of the $40 million investment to build, upgrade and renovate community infrastructure for multicultural and multifaith communities.
Funding is also available through the Victorian Safer Faith-based Schools Program to ensure students at faith-based schools can access education free from violence and harassment and deter crime directed at faith-based school communities
The Labor Government’s Anti-Vilification and Social Cohesion Bill will toughen protections against hate speech including anti-Semitism, and introduce criminal offences for serious vilification, such as hatred based on race, religion, and more.
These laws are about protecting your right to practice your religion, free from threats, vilification and severe ridicule in public. They will make it easier for police to charge people who whip up hatred against their fellow Victorian.
For more information and to view the full list of successful recipients of the Jewish Community Security Infrastructure Program, visit .
As stated by Premier Jacinta Allan
“I am seeking immediate advice at how we can strengthen the laws to protect Victorians who go to their place of worship and who practice their faith. Because everyone has the absolute right to do so in this city and state, safely and without fear. There are a range of options that are available to us to ensure that right is reflected in law.”
“The peace at Adass Israel was shattered on December 6. The Jewish community is grieving. Our thoughts must be with them. And so must our actions.”
As stated by Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ingrid Stitt
“I’m proud to announce the recipients of the Jewish Community Security Infrastructure Program funding to help Victoria’s Jewish community remain connected, united and safe to participate in all aspects of Victorian life.”
“Antisemitism has no place in Victoria – these grants plus additional actions from Government will fight antisemitism and support our Jewish community to upgrade security at their facilities and continue to practice their faith and celebrate their traditions.”
