Secret ‘minyanim’ have operated through Melbourne’s six lockdowns – and will continue

DASH LAWRENCE: Prominent member of Melbourne's ultra-Orthodox community says public shaming won’t work; police will issue a $5,500 fine to every person who attended videoed engagement party

SECRET JEWISH PRAYER gatherings, involving at least 10 men (“minyanim”), have operated illegally throughout Melbourne’s six lockdowns since March 2020, a prominent member of its ultra-Orthodox community has revealed.

The minyanim will continue regardless of lockdown laws, and Victorian authorities should consider an alternative approach, according to the man, who did not want to be identified.

His comments come as Victorian health authorities grapple with three positive cases of Covid-19 in Melbourne’s ultra-Orthodox communities, as well as revelations of clandestine gatherings including minyanim and an engagement party attended by up to 69 people last week.

The Victorian police commissioner, Shane Patton, said every adult who attended would receive a $5,500 fine. “That’s going to be over $350,000 worth of fines,” Patton said. “That’s an expensive engagement party but that’s what we’re going to be doing.”

The Jewish Community Council of Victoria (JCCV) has condemned the actions of those within the community who did not follow Covid restrictions, and those who held an illegal gathering in a private house during lockdown, the JCCV said in a media release.