Jewish Community Council of Victoria

The Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion has announced that Hearing Block 4 will take place in Melbourne, with a focus on universities.

This is a significant development for Victoria's Jewish community. Universities play a vital role in fostering safe, respectful and inclusive learning environments, and the hearings will provide an opportunity to examine the challenges that have emerged on campuses in recent years, as well as the progress that has been made.

As JCCV CEO Naomi Levin noted, while important steps have been taken by university leaders to improve safety for Jewish students and staff, significant challenges remain.

We welcome the opportunity for these issues to be examined in Melbourne, home to Australia's largest Jewish community.

When the call came for community organisations to prepare formal submissions to the Royal Commission, leaders of Jewish community organisations were keen to participate but understandably overwhelmed.

For many, the process was unfamiliar, emotionally taxing, and time consuming.

This is where the Jewish Community Council of Victoria (JCCV) stepped in.

Glen Eira City Council wants to hear from you.

They are formulating an Antisemitism Strategy, and they need to make sure the strategy reflects the voices, experiences, and concerns of the whole community.

Help shape a safer, more inclusive Glen Eira.

Have your say by Sunday 28 June 2026.

Link in comments.

Who showed up this week?

Read the full message on our website.

The Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT) has charged a third man over the alleged Adass Israel Synagogue arson attack in December 2024.

JCCV CEO Naomi Levin: “We should all be reassured that a third individual has been charged over the tragic Adass Israel synagogue attack... We urge the JCTT to continue work to find those who ordered the attack."

Read more, link in comments.

Despite Victoria's strengthened anti-vilification laws taking effect, no convictions have been made.

JCCV CEO Naomi Levin speaks to The Australian Jewish News

Education is one of the most powerful tools we have to combat prejudice. When people connect, learn, and ask questions, it builds empathy and trust, and that has a lasting impact across our community.

This is how JCCV is built for moments like this — helping organisations take action where it matters most.

Your support enables JCCV to continue delivering education and engagement across Victoria.

Building understanding about the Jewish community is an essential step in creating a safer and more inclusive Victoria.

Your support enables JCCV to continue delivering education and engagement across Victoria.

In the month of Tammuz we commemorate five tragedies in Jewish history. They challenge us to consider how we respond when faced with uncertainty and adversity.

In Jewish tradition, the spiritual sense associated with Tammuz is sight. It was during this month that ten of the spies returned from the Promised Land focused only on the obstacles before them, while others saw possibility and purpose.

Tammuz invites us to cultivate an Ayin Tova - a good eye. To look beyond temporary setbacks, recognise the opportunities before us, and choose faith over fear.

In a month marked by brokenness, we are reminded that our task is not to dwell on what is fractured, but to seek the possibility of repair. To find hope where others see despair, to uncover opportunity within challenge, and to bring light, purpose and action to the places that need them most.

Six months have passed since the Chanukah attack at Bondi Beach.

Today, we pause to remember the 15 Australians whose lives were taken, and to honour their memory.

We hold their families, friends and loved ones in our hearts, alongside all those who continue to carry the pain and trauma of that day.

Though time has passed, the loss remains deeply felt.

May their memories be a blessing.