If you’re in Australia and Jewish, please be aware that in Victoria, Melbourne a synagogue was firebombed with worshippers inside this morning.
Thankfully no one was killed however this is a horrific attack that could lead to copycats and or an escalation of hate crimes against Jewish Australians. I am in no way qualified to talk on how to handle such an event as a non-Jewish person. I cannot begin to think of the many Jewish Australians who are now fearful of their life in public, in their place of worship and in their home. I can only provide you some resources that may help ease you.
Here are some helplines that are catered to Jewish people and for anyone else impacted by the attack to call or use;
- JewishHouse: 24/7 service offering support for those experiencing a crisis. ➡️ 1300 544 357
- JewishCare: 9am to 5pm service offering counselling. ➡️ 1300 133 660
- HeadSpace: provides online counselling and telephone support for young people aged 12 to 25. ➡️ 1800 650 890
- Kids Helpline: 24/7 telephone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25. ➡️ 1800 55 1800
- Mental Health Line: 24 hour mental health telephone access service for adults and children. ➡️ 1800 011 511
- Lifeline: 24 hour telephone counselling service. ➡️ 13 11 14
Please don’t hesitate to reach out for support or to connect with the people in your community. I believe that as people we can always find comfort and strength in one another to get through tough times.
amhrancas 