Premier, thank you—for your powerful words tonight and, even more importantly, for showing up and standing with us through one of our community’s most difficult periods
The trauma our community experienced in recent months was not confined to events overseas. It was felt right here in Victoria, as we witnessed an unprecedented explosion of antisemitism—weekly rallies openly calling for violence, brazen incitement, hateful rhetoric on campuses, and attacks targeting our institutions. It was antisemitism unmasked, unashamed, and relentless.
In many ways, the horrifying attack on the Adass Israel Synagogue felt like a culmination of this escalating hatred.
Premier, I still vividly remember arriving at Adass with you that Friday morning—the smell of smoke still lingering. I saw the deep impact it had on you and witnessed your decisive response, not just in words but in action.
You sent a powerful message: that Jewish life in Victoria would not just be acknowledged, but protected. And when your Government introduced new racial vilification laws that we had long called for – you followed through on that commitment.
Ultimately, these last 2 years have revealed the power of leadership and the cost of its absence.
While some seek to exploit our divisions, others strive for common ground. There are rare leaders—on both sides of politics—who find the courage to speak with moral clarity, even at personal or political cost.
I believe that bipartisan support for the Jewish community, social cohesion, and our democratic ally Israel has always been a source of national strength.
Of course, bipartisanship doesn’t mean unanimity—there have been and will be times when we disagree on policy or approach.
But the true test of leadership is not whether we always agree; it’s whether we can engage respectfully, listen carefully, and remain anchored in our shared values.
I believe Victoria is—and can remain—a model of this principled, values-driven bipartisanship, and it heartens me to see so many in this room committed to upholding this ideal.
Friends, Yom Ha’atzmaut is not only about Israel’s independence—it is about the extraordinary resilience of the Jewish people.
Since October 7, our community has faced an avalanche of hatred—doxing, threats, delegitimization, and perhaps most grotesquely, the accusation that Israel is committing genocide, and that Jews around the world are complicit.
Let me be clear: there is no genocide in Gaza.
War is devastating.
Our humanity compels us to recognise the pain and suffering of innocent Palestinians in Gaza, and to ensure humanitarian aid reaches those who genuinely need it. Yet our moral clarity equally compels us to ensure that this aid does not empower or sustain Hamas—the organisation directly responsible for this suffering through its brutal attacks on Israeli civilians, its deliberate embedding within schools and hospitals, and its cynical exploitation of Palestinians as human shields.
That is why it is essential—not only for Israel but also for Palestinians—that this war ends with the return of all hostages and the removal of Hamas from power. Only then can lasting peace, safety, and hope return to both peoples.
In spite of everything, the people of Israel continue to build, educate, and dream. They continue to live with purpose and ‘tikvah’—hope.
That hope, embodied in Israel’s national anthem, has sustained the Jewish people through our darkest hours. It is not a naive or passive hope; it is resilient, purposeful, and determined.
And it is that very hope—more than anything else—that we celebrate tonight.
That same hope inspires our community here in Australia. Despite fear and antisemitism, we choose to look forward—to invest in Jewish education, strengthen community life, and contribute meaningfully and proudly to this remarkable country
Ultimately, this is the most powerful response to hatred: a vibrant Jewish life, lived joyfully, confidently, and meaningfully.
And why we are so grateful for tonight’s announcement of support for Zionism Victoria’s Habayit program and the Rabbinical Council of Australia.
I thank you all for standing with us—not only in moments of comfort but also in moments of challenge.
May we continue to walk this path together—with strength, with solidarity, and with ‘tikvah’: enduring hope for brighter days ahead.
It now gives me great pleasure to introduce the Leader of the Opposition.
Brad Battin assumed leadership of the Victorian Liberal Party late last year. He is no stranger to public service: a former police officer, small business owner, and MP since 2010, now representing the seat of Berwick.
Since taking on this role, Brad has demonstrated a sincere commitment to engaging with our community. I’ve had the opportunity to meet with him and have appreciated his openness, his candour, and his clear desire to build on the Liberal Party’s long-standing relationship with our community.
Brad, your presence here tonight reflects those values—and we thank you for it.
Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in welcoming the Leader of the Opposition, Brad Battin.