Community Vigil: We stand with the Jewish community

Victorian multicultural and multifaith communities united yesterday for a peaceful community vigil, standing in solidarity with the Jewish community.

Held by the Victorian Multicultural Commission on Sunday 21 December — one week after the antisemitic terror attack at Bondi Beach, Sydney — the vigil reaffirmed our shared commitment to respect, compassion and social cohesion across Victoria.

The Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Ingrid Stitt MP, joined the vigil at St Peter’s Eastern Hill Hall, standing side-by-side with Victoria’s diverse communities, including the Victorian Multicultural Commission’s Regional Advisory Councils and Multifaith Advisory Group.

Naomi Levin, CEO of the Jewish Community Council of Victoria, 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 emphasised the importance of harmony among Victoria’s diverse communities.

The Jewish Museum of Victoria provided fifteen candles, lit by multicultural community leaders in commemoration of the fifteen innocent people who lost their lives in the terror attack.

Attendees then offered flowers, in a shared act of remembrance and solidarity.

Together, we stand united against hate and violence, committed to building a Victoria where every community feels safe, respected and supported. Antisemitism has no place in our society.

Quotes attributable to Victorian Multicultural Commission Chairperson, Vivienne Nguyen AM

”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. We will not allow fear to divide us.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ingrid Stitt

"Our hearts go out to the victims, their families and our Australian Jewish community - today we stand united in our grief, but also against hate, division and all acts of terror and antisemitism."