Jeff Kennett: Victoria needs to stand up for ‘generous’ Jewish community

Victoria needs to make it clear that rising anti-Semitic sentiment is unacceptable for our Jewish community which has done so much for education, medical research and the arts in this state.

It is disappointing that Victorians are not standing up in support of the state’s Jewish community, which has done so much for Victoria, writes Jeff Kennett. Picture Valeriu Campan

Philanthropy, the act of voluntary giving, has helped build Australia for centuries.

Without philanthropy Australia would be a much different and less vibrant place.

For many philanthropists it is the giving of their time. To worthwhile causes, to individuals in need, to our voluntary organisations such as the Country Fire Authority.

Volunteerism for which there is no financial benefit exchanged except personal satisfaction for both the givers and the receivers.

Many philanthropists give financial support.

Some philanthropists who have been remarkably successful during their lifetime set up structured charitable foundations into which they donate a portion or percentage of their wealth, which then belongs to charity.

Pro-Palestine supporters have been rallying almost every weekend. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Diego Fedele

That is to say, that the income generated by their charitable foundations can only be distributed to charities which support the community through myriad ways – in health, welfare, education, the environment, medical research, the arts, youth and aged care.

Some philanthropists commit a large amount of money to be spent in full within a set number of years.

As the former chair of Equity Trustees Limited, I know many families and individuals who entrusted professional trustees to administer their estates, philanthropy and foundations well after their deaths. The Felton Bequest, R.M. Ansett Trust, William Buckland, and Hugh Williamson Foundations to name just a few.

When Arts Minister and Premier of Victoria, I saw how much the health, education and arts sectors thrived from the philanthropic contribution of the Jewish community.

The Jewish community in Melbourne grew significantly after the Second World War, many surviving the Holocaust and sought refuge and a new country to call home. They worked hard and were in turn generous in giving back to the community and the country that had provided opportunity and safety.

I was staggered by the generosity and consistent giving of Jewish families such as the Smorgon, Besen, Myer, Gandel, Pratt and Lew families, and many other generous individuals.

They donated hundreds of millions of dollars over the years to medical research, schools and universities, hospitals, and arts and culture.

Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre is one of the institutions that would not be as impressive without the financial support of the Jewish community.

Without their generosity and their service on a number of boards, many of our arts and cultural institutions would simply not exist today.

And then there are the medical research centres that are open to all and are the envy of the world – the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, and most of our public and private hospitals would not be the first-rate institutions they are, without the generosity of philanthropists and in particular, our Jewish community.

That is why I am disappointed that our community, which has benefited from this generosity, is not standing up and saying that it is unacceptable our Melbourne Jewish community is feeling threatened by rising anti-Semitic sentiment as well as hostile and, on occasion, violent protests.

Former Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett says anti-Semitic protests are unacceptable. Picture: Asanka Ratnayake

One of our great Australian strengths has always been our diversity. It is why so many people continue to seek safe harbour here in Australia. That the circumstances in Israel, Gaza and Palestine should result in violent protests here in Australia is unacceptable.

Why are people in our education and arts sectors choosing to take a position on the Israel/Gaza conflict but stay silent on other conflicts around the world. And why are they demonstrating in a way that seeks to compromise the safety and security of members of our community who are not actively involved in the conflict overseas.

If the reason is anti-Semitism or an anti-Jewish narrative, that is a cause for great concern.

We are Australians by birth or choice. If we act to divide, we do so at our peril.

I fear that should these attacks continue, who will finance the next Myer Music Bowl, or state-of-the-art medical equipment or hospital emergency departments that are open to all of us?

Anti-Semitic protests are unacceptable, divisive, and simply not fair when directed at a group of generous Australians.

The Dunkley by-election is done and dusted, and I congratulate the Labor Party, the Prime Minister and their candidate Jodie Belyea.

The public has spoken and I accept their decision.

I spent the afternoon at the Mount Eliza Primary School booth and, as always, the afternoon was conducted cordially by all volunteers and those who came to vote.

Democracy being exercised at its best, and we should never take it for granted.

Jeff Kennett is a former premier of Victoria