Members statements
St Kilda Hebrew Congregation
Ryan BATCHELOR (Southern Metropolitan) (09:49): Victorians are stronger when we are united. We become stronger when we not only reject divisive and racist behaviour but embrace our diversity and celebrate our differences. Our multicultural and multifaith communities have enriched our city, our community and our lives. I was recently very honoured to attend the multifaith service at the St Kilda Hebrew Congregation, along with the Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Mr Berger and the member for Albert Park in the other place. It was a welcoming and joyful service, and as the songs of prayer filled that historic and beautiful synagogue, they were sung in modes of harmony and peace. At the Kiddush meal after the service we heard words from the minister, from the rabbi and also from Bishop Philip Huggins from the Anglican Church. It was a joyous and great occasion.
It did, sadly, precede some pretty extremist behaviour on the streets of Melbourne the following day, where toxic people spewed toxic rhetoric under the guise of politics to undermine our social cohesion. Their actions and their words must be rejected and stand condemned. But one thing is for certain: Victoria remains united. Victorians reject divisiveness. Victorians reject racism. Victorians reject hate speech. We embrace diversity, tolerance and acceptance, no matter who you are or where you are from.