On Friday 6 December, Port Phillip Councillors were alerted to a firebombing of the Adass Israel synagogue in Ripponlea.

Today, the Ripponlea and Jewish Community organised a gathering at the Burnett Gray Gardens, reinforcing a commitment to combating antisemitism. I joined, the Ward Councillor for Balaclava, Cr Libby Buckingham at this event to demonstrate my commitment to the community.

My grandfather is a Holocaust survivor and in 1995 he recorded a video testimony of his experiences. Over almost four hours he documented his experiences before World War 2, during the War and his life afterwards in Australia.

One of the final questions asked the interview was: “If you were to give a message for future generations what would you tell them, who are going to watch you and see this video – what would you say to them?“

His response was simply “behave like a human being in all circumstances“

These recent events reinforce how it is critical that we retain our sense of humanity, no matter someone’s beliefs or backgrounds.

Council’s response to this attack on our community is available at Statement on Adass Israel firebombing – City of Port Phillip