$5.7 million federal security grants for Jewish schools and institutions within Wentworth
Liberal Federal Member for Wentworth, Dave Sharma has welcomed the announcement of $5.7 million for Jewish schools and religious institutions to bolster safety and security within the Wentworth community.
Peter Wertheim. Peter Wise, Dave Sharma MP, Lesli Berger, Matt Meyerson discussing costs of security
The Australian Government has allocated $41.9 million under Round 4 of the Safer Communities Fund to enhance security at schools, places of religious worship and community organisations which work with children vulnerable to harassment or violence stemming from racial or religious intolerance.
Dave Sharma said: “Ensuring Australians can practice their faith and traditions in peace and safety, without harassment or intimidation, is a core Australian value and one of the most important duties of any government.”
Grants will be used to install CCTV cameras, fencing and bollards, lighting, swipe access controlled entrance and exits, as well as train and hire armed security guards.
He added: “The last several months have seen disturbing outbreaks of antisemitism, both here in Wentworth and bullying incidents in two Melbourne schools.
The Jewish community is an integral part of what makes the fabric of Australia so strong and rich, and this sort of intolerance has no place in Australia.”
Dave Sharma emphasised: “I will continue to be a steadfast supporter of the Jewish community and Jewish life in Australia, including protecting the community from threats and supporting institutions which foster Jewish communal life.”
Twelve Jewish schools and religious organisations in Wentworth have been successful in their grant applications:
• Yeshiva College Bondi – $450,000
• Emanuel Woollahra Preschool – $450,000
• Emanuel School – $450,000
• Moriah College (six locations) – $1,350,000
• Mount Zion War Memorial Kindergarten – $286,230
• Sydney Chevra Kadisha Synagogue – $440,758
• Bondi Mizrachi Synagogue – $450,000
• Adath Yisroel Congregation – $251,890
• Jewish House – $362,725
• BINA Jewish Wisdom – $411,097
• The Central Synagogue – $419,572
• Dover Heights Shule – $403,571
