Published on 02 September 2026

Strengthening safety, inclusion and social cohesion  

Everyone deserves to feel safe, respected and welcome in our community.

In response to the rise in Antisemitism locally, we adopted the Antisemitism Strategy 2026–2028 and Action Plan at our 1 September Council meeting.   

This focused two-year plan has been shaped by what we heard from our community. It sets out practical actions to help prevent and respond to antisemitism, while helping make Glen Eira a safer, more inclusive and more connected place for everyone.  

As the home of Victoria’s largest Jewish population, we have a long and proud history as a diverse community where people of different cultures, faiths and backgrounds engage together. However, antisemitism continues to have a significant impact locally. In 2025, 564 antisemitic incidents were recorded across Victoria, with 240 incidents, or 43 per cent, occurring in Glen Eira.  

 

Shaped by community voices 

We spoke with Jewish organisations, community members, community organisations and people with lived experience of antisemitism, alongside the broader community.  

Through this engagement, we heard about the impact antisemitism is having on people’s sense of safety, belonging and connection. People voiced concerns about antisemitic incidents in public places and the impact they can have on individuals, families and the broader Jewish community.  

We heard a strong need for better education and awareness, including opportunities to build understanding among young people and across different parts of our community.  

We also heard about the importance of community leadership, stronger connections between communities and practical support for people who experience or witness antisemitism. This included making it clearer how incidents can be reported and where people can go for support.  

Most importantly, we heard that people want to see practical action alongside awareness and education.  

We’ve used this feedback to shape the Strategy andAction Plan, with actions focused on education, partnerships, community leadership, support and stronger pathways for reporting antisemitism.  

 
What the Strategy will do 

TheStrategy includes actions to:  

  • improve education and awareness about antisemitism by supporting public education initiatives through youth, interfaith, intercultural and community settings  

  • strengthen our partnerships with local organisations and the Jewish community  

  • support Jewish cultural, commemorative and educational events  

  • make it easier for people to report antisemitism and access support  

  • advocate for funding and policies that help keep our community safe and inclusive.  

These actions respond directly to the themes we heard through consultation: the need for education, visible leadership, stronger connections, practical support and meaningful action.  

 

Building a stronger community for everyone 

While theStrategyfocuses on addressing antisemitism, it will also help guide our broader work to address racism, discrimination and hate in all their forms. It builds on existing initiatives, including the Glen Eira Social Cohesion Taskforce, Social Cohesion Grants and will help inform the development of a future Social Cohesion Strategy.  

We recognise that when any group in the community feels unsafe or excluded, it affects trust, belonging and social cohesion for everyone. By strengthening understanding, connection and inclusion, we aim to create a community where people from all backgrounds feel valued, respected and able to thrive.   

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