Victoria’s Premier Jacinta Allan announced on Tuesday, December 17 new measures to combat anti-Semitism and promote social cohesion.
Key measures include banning public displays of terrorist symbols linked to Hamas, Hezbollah, and white nationalist groups. Protesters will also be banned from wearing face masks and using devices like glue, chains, and locks to disrupt public spaces.
George Lekakis, former Chair of the Victorian Multicultural Commission, has been appointed to lead a new advisory group called the Local Escalation And Help (LEAH) group. The group will work with Jewish leaders, councils, and security services to address threats quickly.
Premier Allan stated, “Antisemitism thrives in extreme and radical environments,” adding that the measures aim to balance the right to protest with public safety.
The government will also introduce a ‘social cohesion pledge’ requiring multicultural groups to uphold inclusive values to qualify for state funding. Groups that promote division risk losing financial support.
Jewish groups cautiously welcomed the measures. Jewish Community Council of Victoria’s CEO Naomi Levin called for close monitoring of the changes, while Zionism Victoria President Elyse Schachna praised the government’s support against anti-Israel protests.
The government also pledged to assist in rebuilding the Adass Israel synagogue after it was firebombed. Additionally, efforts will be made to revive the state’s interfaith dialogue program, Building Bridges, which had recently stalled amid tensions within the multifaith community.
Source: The Jewish Independent.
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