Yes, it’s true. The JCCV, under the presidency of John Searle, want to work toward full acceptance of homosexuality in the Victorian Jewish community. It’s been reported in the Australian Jewish News (Melbourne edition,) on page 9 (Dec 3 2010).
Praise for the JCCV
AJN STAFFUNDERSTANDING and cooperation between faiths is key to promoting a better society, according to commissioner of the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission Helen Szoke.
Szoke made the comments as guest speaker at last week’s Jewish Community Council of Victoria’s (JCCV) 3rd annual general meeting.
She explained the work of the commission, the importance of building a human rights culture, and law reforms planned for the near future.
Szoke also noted the similarities between her organisation and the JCCV, praising Victoria’s peak Jewish body for its efforts to stamp out hate crimes.
Changes to the JCCV executive included Matthew Lazerow and Helen Light joining, and Gerard Max stepping down.
With one year of his term remaining, president John Searle said he felt it appropriate to reflect on the JCCV’s achievements to date, as well as looking ahead to the next 12 months.
“In so doing, it is important to remember that five or 10 years ago, the JCCV was cash-strapped, not particularly well known and lacking in influence.
“Today, it is truly an influential body, capable or representing our community at all levels and whose input is sought by government, police, the media and many other bodies.”
Searle spoke highly of the Youth and Alcohol Project and thanks project office Debbie Zauder for her efforts.
He also made mention of the GLBT reference group formed by the JCCV, which is continuing to work towards combating discrimination, vilification and managing mental health issues.
You see, the only way that discrimination and vilification against GLBT people in the Jewish community, along with managing mental health issues in same-sex attracted people who don’t necessarily identify with the GLBT community (ie, they haven’t accepted their sexual orientation and may still reluctantly identify as heterosexual) will come about is when the JCCV work toward full acceptance of homosexuality in the Jewish community. It’s a bit like being pregnant. You either are or you aren’t. There are no half measures in taking on these challenges.
Some more good news to share. It’s now been 12 months since the JCCV formed their GLBT reference group and they have had a number of great successes as a result of this. These include
- making sure that gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people in the Jewish community still don’t have a voice at the table in the community and effectively remain unrepresented by the JCCV
- further alienating, excluding and isolating GLBT Jews
- having nothing to show for all that has been done over the past 12 months
- not speaking out against intolerance of homosexuality in the Jewish community
- ignoring homophobic hate in the Jewish community
- closing lines of communication with established GLBT networks in the Jewish community
- not acknowledging that suicide amongst same-sex attracted youth is a major problem in Australia and is worst amongst religious communities intolerant of homosexuality
It really has been a great twelve months of success for the JCCV. Let’s toast a l’chaim to the next twelve.
PS. I’m still here waiting for you, when you’re ready to re-open the lines of communication John. My number is on the contact page here.