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Remember Coles at Sandy Bay for all your Kosher goodies!
10
FROM THE BOARD of Temple Beth Israel Melbourne
FOR YOUR URGENT ATTENTION
In the same week as the 66th anniversary of Kristallnacht, a group of students were leaving Isik school in the early evening after
attending a celebratory religious ceremony. As they walked home they were confronted by a gang of youths who verbally
abused them with racial torments and threatened to burn down their school. Later that evening their primary school was set
alight – fire bombed – so much damage was caused that part of the school may not reopen.
After the fire was put out, an inspection of the damage also revealed fresh graffiti – racial and vitriolic. While not explicitly
connected those who lit the fire, the effect was the same.
While over $500,000 damage was caused by the smoke and fire, the more significant damage that has occurred is the sense of
vulnerability that has now spread throughout both the school community and the wider community, who all now feel more
exposed, more isolated and less able to protect their young.
While this was not an attack on Jewish property, it was an attack on the Jewish Community – any racially motivated attack needs
to be seen in the wider context. It must be fought against and the victims given our support.
To better understand the significance of why we must act to help, here is some background on Isik College. Isik means Light,
and in their own words “The aim of Isik College is that our graduates will be the representatives of “The Golden Generation”,
illuminating the minds and hearts of many”.
Part of their drive in ‘illuminating the minds and hearts of many’ has been Isik College’s lead in inter-faith outreach. Members
of the Turkish community have been at the forefront of creating interfaith initiatives with the JCCV, the B’nai B’rith ADC, and
the progressive Jewish community, setting up conferences on the “Abrahamic faiths” and encouraging contacts among both
institutions and families. Students from the College have engaged in exchanges with both Christian and Jewish schools,
including The King David School. Our children are getting to know their children on a personal level.
So, hopefully you are now thinking “What is it that I can possibly do to help?”
Since members of Temple Beth Israel have been active in engaging in dialogue with this community we are conducting a special
assistance appeal.
Should you wish to donate funds to assist the College rebuild its classrooms and restock with books and supplies, please send
your donation (payable to Temple Beth Israel) to PO Box 128 St. Kilda, 3182.
Temple Beth Israel will collate the donations and forward them to the College.
UNION FOR PROGRESSIVE JUDAISM
AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND, ASIA
“Uniting communities through shared beliefs and vision”
Mission Statement
The Union for Progressive Judaism exists to honor our tradition, inform the present and guide the future
of our communities in the Australian, Asian and New Zealand region. This mission is fulfilled through:
The establishment, strengthening and promotion of synagogues, schools and youth groups
wherever there are Jews in this region searching for meaningful access to and expression of their
modern Jewish values and life
Recruitment, training and placement of Jewish professionals
Sponsorship of programs and publications for youth, education, leadership development, and all
aspect of community building
The pursuit of social justice and equal rights for all Jews, here and in Israel
Connecting and working with Progressive Jewish communities and organizations around the
world to derive strength from one another
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