‘The time for action is here’: Jacinta Allan criticised for not tackling growing anti-Semitism

Premier Jacinta Allan and Daniel Andrews have appeared at a Jewish community function to celebrate the creation of Israel — but one received a warmer reception than the other.

Jacinta Allan speaks at Zionism Victoria and the Community Council of Victoria’s annual Israeli Independence Day celebrations. Picture: Peter Haskin/Zionism Victoria

A prominent Jewish leader has taken a swipe at Premier Jacinta Allan’s lack of action in tackling widespread antisemitism in front of some of Melbourne’s most respected Jewish figures and former premier Daniel Andrews.

Ms Allan and her predecessor both attended a function at the Hotel Windsor on Wednesday night in celebration of the creation of Israel.

As antisemitism soars in Victoria, with Jewish students afraid to attend schools and universities, Jewish Community Council of Victoria President Philip Zajac used his speech to criticise the Premier and demand action.

Mr Andrews, a longtime supporter of Israel and the Jewish community, was welcomed with open arms at the function, which was run by Zionism Victoria and the Jewish Community Council of Victoria.

Multiple sources said he had just flown in from China.

Daniel Andrews with Zionism Victoria engagement officer Natalie Gunn. Picture: Peter Haskin/Zionism Victoria

While Ms Allan condemned rising antisemitism in Victoria, saying it “strikes at the heart of an equal society” and recognised the plight of the Israeli hostages and the innocent civilians killed in Gaza, she did not announce any further action to combat rising antisemitism.

Jewish Community Council of Victoria President Philip Zajac, who spoke after Ms Allan, said words were no longer enough.

“The time for listening is over,” he said.

“The time for action is here.”

Mr Zajac said urgent law reform was needed now.

“This government accepted 34 recommendations to increase anti vilification laws in September 2021,” he said.

“Only one of those recommendations has been implemented nearly three years on.”

The one recommendation implemented so far was the banning of the public display of Nazi symbols.

He also urged the government to deliver better funding for security for Jewish students and further Holocaust education.

And urged the Premier to punish government appointed officials who made antisemitic remarks.

Zionist Federation of Australia president and lawyer Jeremy Leibler was in attendance. Picture: Supplied

One prominent community member said in his many years attending the celebration, he had never heard a speech with such criticism of a premier.

Veteran attendees of the celebration noted Ms Allan, unlike her predecessor, had not given a toast to Israel.

The Herald Sun later confirmed she had refused to lead one, with her office requesting that the toast be taken off the run sheet.

Among the attendees was Zionist Federation of Australia president and well-known lawyer Jeremy Leibler, Liberal senator and former finance minister Simon Birmingham and several state MPs, both Labor and Liberal.

In a speech lauded by many crowd members, Opposition Leader John Pesutto pledged to reinstate move-on laws, if he wins the next election.

Victorian Opposition Leader John Pesutto pledges to give police greater powers if he is elected. Picture: Peter Haskin/Zionism Victoria

“I would direct Victoria Police as a matter of policy to prioritise the prosecution of vilification offences against people on the basis of their faith, their religion or their race,” he said.

“I would introduce move on laws to make sure that Jewish students could attend university, could attend school.

“I would order the Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission to enforce the law to make sure that people and institutions provide a safe space and a place where people can congregate whether for the purposes of their education, recreation, social interactions.”

While Ms Allan was quick to leave following speeches, Mr Andrews stayed to take photos with community members.

One community member remarked that “it must be tough for Jacinta to be compared to Dan tonight”.

“He was such a strong supporter of Israel and while we appreciate her attending, we are yet to see true action from Jacinta,” he said.