The Rabbinical Council of Victoria welcomes motion in support of Israel

Wednesday 18 October 2023

The Rabbinical Council of Victoria welcomes motion in support of Israel

The Rabbinical Council of Victoria (RCV) welcomes the resounding bipartisan support demonstrated by the Victorian Parliament in its recent condolence motion in support of Israel and its condemnation of the terrorist attacks perpetrated by Hamas.

The speeches delivered by senior members of the Victorian Parliament were emotional and powerful. Many described the terrorist attack carried out by Hamas on the 7th of October targeting innocent Israeli children, women, and men was an act of sheer barbarism. It laid bare to the world the depths of Hamas's inhumanity and sinister intentions, reminiscent of the darkest episodes in our history. It marked the deadliest day our people have witnessed since the Holocaust.

These acts represent a dual affront to humanity: not only does Hamas launch attacks from urban areas, using the civilians of Gaza as human shields, but they also force the innocent people of Gaza to bear the devastating consequences of their double war crimes, resulting in the tragic loss of human lives.

We commend Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan, Deputy Premier Ben Carroll, Opposition Leader John Pesutto, Deputy Opposition Leader David Southwick, Nationals Leader Peter Walsh and other MP's for their principled and unwavering support and for the meaningful speeches they delivered in support of the motion.

Their words resonated deeply and we, as the religious leadership of Victoria's Jewish community, join other Jewish communal leaders in publicly acknowledging our parliamentary leaders' solidarity and care during this traumatic time for our people.

We hope and pray for the immediate release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza and for peace in the Holy Land.