Dealing with antisemitism service introduced by JCCV
As the volume and intensity of antisemitic incidents have increased dramatically since the October 7 massacres, the Victorian Jewish community has felt increasingly isolated, deserted and targeted.
President of the JCCV Philip Zajac
To help address the hurt that the community is feeling, the Jewish Community Council of Victoria (JCCV) has launched a new Antisemitism Support Service to provide practical help.
JCCV says, “The service is here to help you navigate what happens after you experience an antisemitic incident – at school, at work, or in public. It’s a referral service for Jewish Victorians who have experienced antisemitism. It provides practical guidance, advocacy, and referrals to available community services.”
President Philip Zajac said, “This service has been developed in close consultation with CSG, ensuring our community receives coordinated and effective support.
The first step is to report any instances of antisemitism to CSG. Then, whether you have been harassed, discriminated against, or excluded because you are Jewish – at school, at work, or in public – this service helps you take the next step.”
He added: “We offer advocacy and guidance, whether you need to speak with a school or engage your workplace. We can also provide referrals to Jewish community-based mental health, legal, or welfare support services. We’re here to help.”
JCCV says that this is not a reporting tool, but a service to help the community navigate what happens after an antisemitic incident.
JCCV is offering to help people who are the victims of antisemitism by,
• Helping to draft letters or complaints,
• Attending meetings with the complainant where needed and desired,
• Referring the person to community-based mental health, legal or welfare services,
• Assist victims to address antisemitism with a manager, school leader, event organiser and similar,
• Support with media or public awareness efforts where appropriate and if requested). JCCV advise that case information is treated as confidential and stored securely, and
• Advocating on their behalf to university, school, employer or government bodies.
JCCV will also be able to assist with reviewing school or workplace policies and providing general advice on existing complaint mechanisms.
If required, JCCV may be able to provide a referral to a community legal service, but JCCV say they cannot offer legal advice.
Antisemitic incidents should be reported to CSG in the first instance on 1300 000 274 or on the JEAP app. CSG may refer the case to JCCV if additional support is needed.
If you feel that you need further support after reporting to CSG, JCCV can be contacted at community@jccv.org.au or (03) 9272 5566. This is a free service, where the JCCV staff member will first seek to understand your situation, explain how they can help, and work with the person to create an action plan or tailored referrals.
