Melbourne's Jewish community is facing an unprecedented demand for security measures, with its peak representative body expressing profound concerns over a surge in antisemitic incidents and a perceived disconnect in engagement with law enforcement.

A Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion is currently investigating the security needs of Australia's Jewish communities. During recent hearings, compelling evidence emerged detailing how the aftermath of the October 2023 Hamas terror attack in Israel led to a significant escalation in security requirements at Jewish sites across Victoria, coinciding with Israel's military campaign in Gaza.

Community Voices Mounting Concerns

Naomi Levin, representing the Jewish Community Council of Victoria (JCCV), testified before the commission, highlighting the extraordinary circumstances facing community organizations. "It's unprecedented for a community organisation to be sitting behind the level of security that we do," Ms. Levin stated, adding that in her years with the organization, such measures have become "entirely necessary."

The JCCV began regular engagement with police following October 2023. However, Ms. Levin articulated a "disconnect" between the council's internal conversations with authorities and the broader message it could convey to the community, leading to a gap in perceived safety.

When questioned about community feedback regarding police resourcing, Ms. Levin referenced a notable clash between two protest groups in Melbourne's CBD in 2024. She described an "unprecedented level of vitriol against Jewish people who were peacefully demonstrating." The community, she explained, harboured a perception that police did not adequately intervene, a sentiment that persisted through subsequent protests.

While the JCCV understands that it is sometimes privy to sensitive operational information that cannot be publicly disclosed, this creates a challenge. "When people don't see the police, they don't perceive them as being actively engaged in protecting the community," Ms. Levin elaborated. Bridging this gap – between the council's understanding of police efforts and the community's lack of visible reassurance – has proven to be a significant hurdle.

Widespread Impact on Daily Life and Institutions

The impact of heightened security concerns is palpable across the community. Evidence presented to the commission has revealed a widespread need for concealment of Jewish identity markers and a growing fear among individuals about attending religious events. Children are reportedly growing up under substantial security arrangements, influencing their daily lives and activities.

The community-run Community Safety Group has drastically expanded its operations, providing security services to Jewish events and at-risk locations. A volunteer from a Jewish youth camp, giving evidence anonymously, detailed how their organization has overhauled its activity program to minimize participants' public exposure. "Parents are a lot more concerned about the safety of their young people, and we think a lot more carefully about where and when we host events," the volunteer explained, noting the perceived unsafety of having large groups of children unsupervised in public spaces.

Similarly, several Jewish schools have informed the inquiry that security levies paid by parents have more than doubled in recent years, placing an additional financial burden on families.

Funding Challenges and Future Outlook

Despite the availability of some grants for security expenses, organizations consistently report that funding is inconsistent and often insufficient. Ms. Levin highlighted how requirements for dollar-for-dollar grant matching have excluded smaller organizations struggling to raise the necessary co-contributions. "The idea that because you're a small synagogue — trying to support your small community — that you're not seen as worthy of funding in a way that a bigger organization might be, I think is incredibly inequitable," she asserted.

The JCCV, which represents 61 member organizations, recorded an unprecedented 564 antisemitic incidents in Victoria during the past year. The commission also heard insights from counterterrorism expert Josh Roose, who presented evidence relating to a report on violent extremism submitted to the Victorian government. The ongoing inquiry continues to gather crucial testimony, aiming to understand and address the significant challenges faced by Australia's Jewish community in maintaining a sense of safety and belonging.