Parliamentary Pesach on Purim
THE Jewish Community Council of Victoria (JCCV) and Zionism Victoria hosted a Passover-themed luncheon at State Parliament last week, which brought together 30 members of Victorian Parliament, including ministers and shadow ministers.
THE Jewish Community Council of Victoria (JCCV) and Zionism Victoria hosted a Passover-themed luncheon at State Parliament last week, which brought together 30 members of Victorian Parliament, including ministers and shadow ministers.
With the support of the Parliamentary Friends of Israel, and led by Liberal Member for Caulfield David Southwick and Labor Member for Footscray Marsha Thomson, the lunch also coincided with Purim.
Rabbi Gersh Lazarow of Temple Beth Israel explained the stories and themes of Passover and Purim, with a special emphasis on the seder, while JCCV president Jennifer Huppert spoke about the importance of being able to live freely as Jews in Victoria, exploring issues of anti-Semitism, community security, Holocaust denial and multiculturalism.
She also contrasted the freedom the Victorian Jewish community had in celebrating Purim with the Jewish community in Brussels – the city was in lockdown in the wake of last week’s terrorist attacks.
Meanwhile, president of Zionism Victoria Sharene Hambur explored the theme of freedom in the context of the frequent terrorism faced by Israelis seeking to go about their everyday lives.
She explained that although Israel is not situated in a “nice neighbourhood”, Israeli doctors and hospitals are assisting victims of the Syrian conflict, who often arrive in Israel with horrific injuries.
She explained the daily stresses faced by Israelis, while contrasting this with the world-class research and entrepreneurship in Israel, leading to important partnerships in technology, science, agriculture and healthcare across nations.
Nationals Member for Gippsland South Danny O’Brien told The AJN, “It was great to attend the Passover luncheon last week and get a small taste of Jewish customs, traditions and history.
“Being from a rural electorate, there are no synagogues or overtly Jewish activity here, so I’ve not previously had a lot of contact with the Jewish faith.
“It was good to be part of a cross-party group of MPs who took part, and I look forward to furthering my understanding of Jewish faith and culture in the future.”
PHOEBE ROTH
comments