Australia has given Jews so much: it asks one thing in return – obey the law

PHILIP DALIDAKIS: We are not being singled out, we are not being targeted, and we do not deserve a special exemption to do something which others cannot do

THE HIGH HOLY DAYS are usually times of celebration, reflection and renewal. This year, as the fallout continues over high-profile breaches of Covid restrictions from self-indulgent members of the Victorian Jewish community, we have much to reflect on.

These breaches have outraged the broader public and caused division within our own community.

Both the unlawful engagement party and minyanim have reflected poorly on our community and drawn the ire of many at us – including in some instances of ugly and appalling antisemitism – but they have also drawn our own ire at each other.

To those of us who have been postponing simchas and minyanim, and staying home as we’re obliged to, we have been angry that others have chosen to make decisions which are not only selfish but unlawful - and risk the transmission of the virus. We have considered it a shanda, a chillul hashem, or embarrassing behaviour that disgraces God’s name and makes Jews look bad.

These are also decisions that fly in the face of two high Jewish principles – the protection of life and respect for the law of the land.

The anger of some other Jews, however, has been directed not at the rule-breakers but at others - Jews who report or “call out” other Jews.; at health authorities and governments for not allowing prayer gatherings; at our communal leaders and rabbis for not fighting hard enough for prayer gatherings to be exempt from these restrictions.

The growing sentiment among some people in our community that we are being unfairly singled out and targeted as a community is simply wrong.

They have implied and, in some cases alleged outright that somehow, Victoria Police are antisemitic because they are doing their job. These attacks are offensive, to the men and women who risk their lives for us as much as to those of us who have genuinely suffered antisemitism personally.