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.”
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