Victorian multicultural and multifaith communities have united in a peaceful community vigil, standing in solidarity with the Jewish community.
Yesterday’s vigil, held by the Victorian Multicultural Commission on Sunday 21 December, took place one week after the antisemitic terror attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney and reaffirmed a shared commitment to respect, compassion and social cohesion across Victoria.
The Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Ingrid Stitt MP, joined the gathering at St Peter’s Eastern Hill Hall, standing alongside Victoria’s diverse communities, including members of the Victorian Multicultural Commission’s Regional Advisory Councils and Multifaith Advisory Group.
Chief Executive Officer of the Jewish Community Council of Victoria, Naomi Levin, delivered a heartfelt address acknowledging the deep pain and suffering felt within the Jewish community.
Faith and community leaders, including Archbishop Ric Thorpe and Batul Gulani, offered their condolences and underscored the importance of unity and harmony among Victoria’s diverse communities.
The Jewish Museum of Victoria provided fifteen candles, which were lit by multicultural community leaders in remembrance of the fifteen innocent lives lost in the terror attack.
Attendees then laid flowers in a shared act of remembrance and solidarity.
Together, the communities stood united against hate and violence, reaffirming a commitment to building a Victoria where every community feels safe, respected and supported. Antisemitism has no place in our society.
Minister Stitt said, “Our hearts go out to the victims, their families and the Australian Jewish community. We stand united in our grief, and united against hate, division, terrorism and antisemitism.”
Victorian Multicultural Commission Chairperson Vivienne Nguyen AM, said, “The Victorian Multicultural Commission stands shoulder to shoulder with the Jewish community in grief and solidarity. Our strength lies in unity. Violence and hatred tear at the fabric of our multicultural nation, and we will not allow fear to divide us.”
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
