Leaders of Canberra's Jewish community are urgently appealing for federal financial support to bolster security at the National Jewish Memorial Centre, following the recent anti-Semitic terrorist attack at Bondi Beach.
A Community Living in Fear
The centre's board has formally requested $100,000 from the Albanese government to fund critical building safety upgrades. This plea has intensified in the wake of the Bondi violence, with community members reporting a palpable rise in anxiety. When visited by reporters on Thursday, the centre's facade was lined with tributes of flowers, fruit, and cards, a stark contrast to the fear felt by those inside.
ACT Jewish Community President, Athol Morris, expressed the community's deep concern. "We can't be certain that someone won't try the same thing in Canberra," he stated bluntly. The funding request was initially made after the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, but has gained renewed urgency.
Government Promises and Contingency Funds
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has pledged to extend physical security measures for Jewish cultural and religious sites across Australia. He reiterated this commitment on Thursday while unveiling a plan to tackle anti-Semitism, which includes implementing the recommendations from Special Envoy Jillian Segal's report.
Separately, Treasurer Jim Chalmers revealed in Wednesday's mid-year budget update that the government has set aside $104 million in its contingency reserve. This money is earmarked for security measures and crisis services for the Jewish community. Mr Morris is hopeful a portion of this funding can be directed to the Canberra memorial.
If secured, the $100,000 would be used to strengthen window glass throughout the memorial and install protective screening around the building's administrative office area.
Calls for Urgent Action and Broader Education
ACT Independent Senator David Pocock has thrown his support behind the funding bid, calling for urgent federal action to allow the "critical safety upgrades" to proceed. "These security upgrades, while regrettable, are necessary and will give a greater measure of safety to the ACT Jewish community who have been living in fear," Senator Pocock said.
While temporary security is in place, with Australian Federal Police and volunteers surveilling the building since Sunday evening, community leaders argue permanent measures are essential. Former Labor MP Mike Kelly, a member of the centre's project committee, noted that separate federal funding of $4.4 million announced in January for a Holocaust education and memorial centre cannot be used for security.
Dr Kelly also revealed aspirations for more extensive, long-term site alterations, including a slip road and car park modifications estimated to cost around $3 million. He hopes federal funding could be combined with territory grants and donations to achieve this.
President Athol Morris emphasised that while physical security is necessary, it is not a complete solution. "We don't think a strong building is going to protect lives. We think teaching people not to have hatred is," he said, highlighting the equal importance of the forthcoming Holocaust education centre. This centre will include lessons on Weimar Germany and the incremental historical shifts in sentiment towards Jewish people.
