Joint media release with Rabbi Dovid Gutnick
The Australian Government is helping the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation strengthen social cohesion and community safety at the East Melbourne Synagogue as part of the ongoing response to antisemitism and our shared commitment to ensuring Australia is a place where people of all faiths and cultures can live in harmony.
This work recognises the important role faith-based institutions play in fostering belonging and understanding within the broader Australian community.
The East Melbourne Synagogue is not only a historically significant Jewish place of worship, but also a vibrant and growing hub for Jewish activity, culture, learning and social action and outreach where all are welcome.
The Government will provide $5.8 million to strengthen security infrastructure, assist in the construction of a community centre, and to support interfaith and social cohesion activities with the diverse local community.
It reflects the Government's ongoing commitment to ensuring Jewish communities across Australia feel safe, supported and are able to thrive.
In December, the Government announced a further $102 million for the Enhancing Security for Jewish Communities program, building on the more than $78 million committed to improving safety and security at Jewish community sites nationwide, including schools and synagogues.
The Government has accepted all recommendations of the Special Envoy's Plan to Combat Antisemitism and has launched the first phase of the National Hate Crimes Data Base.
The Government is also developing a new package of legislative reforms to crack down on those who spread hate, division and radicalisation and is delivering the strongest laws Australia has ever had against hate crimes.
The Government continues to work closely with community organisations and state and territory governments to combat antisemitism, support social cohesion and ensure people of all faiths can live and worship safely in Australia.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Home Affairs, Tony Burke
"The East Melbourne Synagogue has always been a place of welcome, not just to the wider Jewish community, but to people of all faiths. Rabbi Gutnick and Synagogue President Danny Segal welcomed me on the Sunday after hate landed on their doorstep. "They and the congregation had already determined to continue and expand their work both inside and outside the Jewish community.
"Many members of the Jewish community fled a place of hatred to arrive in a country of welcome. That's what Australia is about and that's what we all need to work together to regain.
"This funding will allow the East Melbourne Synagogue to continue to be a place of gathering, hospitality, faith, interfaith, education and outreach. It's not just important to them, it's important to all of Australia."
Quotes attributable to Rabbi Dovid Gutnick of East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation
"Six months ago, hatred arrived on the doorstep of our historic synagogue. Last month in Sydney, a devastating massacre driven by hate and intolerance shocked the nation. At its best, Australia is defined by a willingness to accept and respect those who are different from us, and to do so in ways that transcend our superficial differences, whether religious, political, cultural, or personal. The values of harmony, a fair-go, and mateship that we regard as inherently Australian are sustained through a shared responsibility between government, faith communities, civic organisations, and everyday Australians. In selecting our community organisation as a partner in this vital work the government empowers us, now and into the future, to expand our educational programs, interfaith initiatives, and community outreach, guided by the enduring principle to 'love and respect another as yourself'."
