Bipartisan celebration of Israel’s 77th birthday
State and federal politicians, multicultural community leaders, and Jewish community leaders met on Tuesday night in Melbourne to celebrate the 77th anniversary of Israel’s independence.
Daniel Aghion, Jeremy Leibler, Brad Battin MP, Premier Jacinta Allan MP, Elise Schachna and Philip Zajac
In what was probably a record crowd for this annual event celebrating Israel, hundreds attended the Sofitel.
The evening was hosted by the Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ), the Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA), Zionism Victoria (ZV), the Jewish Community Council of Victoria (JCCV) and the State Government of Victoria.
Speakers at the event included Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan MP, Leader of the Opposition Brad Battin, and the presidents of the host organisations: Daniel Aghion KC, Jeremy Leibler, Elise Schachna and Philip Zajac, respectively.
The Premier pointed out that Israel was celebrating its 77th anniversary of independence, but it was also 3000 years old. She called for the release of the hostages and noted that Israel was fighting a terrorist organisation.
She mentioned the new anti-defamation and social cohesion laws that would help protect the Jewish community and stressed the problems of hate and antisemitism that have thrived since October 7.
The Premier announced a number of new supports for the Victorian Jewish community, including $150,000 over 2 years for the Rabbinical Council of Victoria, $130,000 to the Beth Weizmann Centre for the Habayit program and $10,000 to the Melbourne Holocaust Museum for its anniversary celebrations.
Allan also expressed concerns about the Netanyahu government constraining humanitarian aid to Gaza. Doing so, she also differentiated between the Israeli government, the Israeli people and the Jewish community in Victoria. The Premier said it was “completely and utterly unacceptable” to target the local Jewish community for actions overseas. “I stand with Victorian Jews in the face of racism and anti-Semitism.”
The Premier proposed the toast to Israel and the Victorian Jewish community.
Leader of the Opposition Brad Battin highlighted the bipartisan support for the Jewish community. He said, “It’s great when we see the bipartisanship at events like this and how important that is. Our Jewish community is fundamental to Victoria’s diversity and harmony. And I am proud to stand here tonight, as are all my colleagues, in support of Israel and against the rising tide of hate.”
ZFA President Jeremy Leibler spoke strongly in support of Israel and was thankful for the bipartisan position of the major parties, saying, “I believe that bipartisan support for the Jewish community, social cohesion, and our democratic ally Israel has always been a source of national strength.”
Leibler denounced the antisemitic attacks since October 7, including the Adass Israel synagogue firebombing and the antisemitism thriving in the arts and academia. While he called for return of the hostages and removal of Hamas, he also expressed empathy for the innocents in Gaza, who were suffering while being used as human shields by Hamas.
He called for political leaders to maintain moral clarity in the face of increasing hostility and antisemitism. He said there was no genocide in Gaza. “It is a war. War is devastating. And our humanity requires us to recognise the pain and suffering of innocent Palestinians in Gaza.”
Brad Battin MP highlighted the work of the Parliamentary Friends of Israel led by David Southwick MP and Paul Hamer MP, and briefly described the recent Liberal Party trip to Poland and Israel, where MPs participated in the March of the Living program.
He called for the hostages to be brought home and expressed concern over the levels of antisemitism and hate speech and antisemitic attacks, including the Adass Israel firebombing.
Battin expressed strong support for Israel and the Victorian Jewish community, saying “All Victorians should be able to live freely and safely and be able to contribute.”
ECAJ President Daniel Aghion described his recent experience in Israel, undergoing the threat of missiles from Yemen and Gaza, the rush to bomb shelters at all hours of the day and night. He highlighted the impact on ordinary Israeli citizens, especially for those who lived close to Gaza and had no time to reach shelter. He also reminded the audience that Hamas has promised to do October 7 again and again.
The evening opened with the Australian national anthem. At the end of formal proceedings, there were prayers for the hostages and for the State of Israel, and a heartfelt singing of Hatikvah.
