In One Voice cancelled but CSG says community events should proceed

Organisers were worried about hosting one of Melbourne’s largest Jewish events next March but the Community Security Group says cancelling was premature.

In One Voice 2024 has been cancelled in response to the current climate affecting Jewish communities, despite strong messaging from security organisation CSG Victoria that events celebrating Jewish life should continue.

Held annually in March, the much-loved Jewish cultural festival drew 8000 people this year for shared music, food, art and community activity.

In One Voice Coordinator Ross Lomazov said the decision to cancel the event “wasn’t made lightly”, but ultimately came following “a review of the current climate affecting Jewish communities”.

He told Plus 61J Media that the board of Yiddish cultural organisation Kadimah, which runs the event in partnership with youth group SKIF, made the “tough decision” to withdraw from the festival due to a combination of community perception of holding a festival during the Gaza War, concerns about safety, and the potential for worsening circumstances.

“It's obviously disappointing because the point of the festival is to celebrate Jewish communal life as it is in Melbourne, to be proud of being Jews right here right now, and building our community up and strengthening it,” Lomazov said.

“Hopefully things [in Gaza] will resolve and I hope our community can continue celebrating together shortly.”