Labor promise money to secure Beth Weizmann

Victorian Opposition leader Daniel Andrews has announced the state government would give $500,000 to increase security at the Beth Weizmann Community Centre if Labor win the upcoming election.

“I want a situation where the Jewish community can focus on what’s inside the centre, not on the wall at the front of the building because that’s the government’s responsibility,” Andrews told The AJN this morning (Friday).

The community needs $1 million to upgrade the facility and build a new security wall.

“It’s common sense, it’s practical and it’s sadly all too necessary.”

Andrews called on the Federal Government to match the grant, but said if $500,000 was raised through the community he would still match it dollar-for-dollar.

“I hope in the spirit of bi-partisanship the Federal Government will work with the Labor Government in Victoria, if we are honoured to get that opportunity, to help fund this together to make sure that the wall is built and the Jewish community is safe.”

Sam Tatarka, the president of the Zionist Council of Victoria which owns the building, welcomed the money.

“It seems entirely appropriate that the government, at both levels, steps in and does something to make sure the community is safe,” Tatarka said.

“It ought to be recognised that we are one of the most vulnerable communities and the broader community should take this on as a fact of the multicultural society that we have.”

JOSHUA LEVI

Zionist Council of Victoria president Sam Tatarka (left) with Victorian Opposition Leader Daniel Andrews. Photo: Peter Haskin

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