A party to ignore lockdown
The Jewish Community Council of Victoria has expressed its strong disappointment in and condemns the actions of a small group of people in our community who have not followed COVID restrictions.
A speech being delivered at the party
Following an illegal gathering held in a private house during lockdown, the JCCV worked in a swift response closely with the Department of Health and the Victorian Government to facilitate the testing of those that attended.
The JCCV continues to work closely with the DH to establish additional local testing sites and encourage members of the community to get tested. Anyone who has any symptoms (no matter how mild) should immediately get tested and isolate until they receive their results.
To find testing sites, click on https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/getting-tested
The JCCV together with other communal organisations and leaders has reached out to the entire community with specific messaging around Covid-19.
We have and continue to;
• inform the community of exposure sites and testing sites
• reissue COVID protocols around social responsibility
• provide essential links to Government COVID websites
• liaise with the Department of Health and assisted them with their enquiries
JCCV President Daniel Aghion said: “The majority of our community has done the right thing, just like most Victorians, and continue to do so. This event is a stark reminder to us all of why it is so important that every single one of us complies with mandatory lockdown restrictions, without exception. The only way we can protect ourselves and our loved ones is if we act together! If you know of or are concerned about exposure events in the community, you must contact the authorities immediately.
We commend the Department of Health on their professionalism, level of expertise and genuine care for our community, and thank them for their guidance and support.”
The Australia/Israel and Jewish Affairs Council’s executive director Colin Rubenstein added: “AIJAC is appalled by the flagrant breaches of COVID restrictions in the Jewish community. While the vast majority of the Jewish community, like the wider community, are doing the right thing, those few involved have let everyone down through their selfishness and arrogance.
It is crucial that everyone observes the restrictions to limit the spread of this insidious virus, so they can be eased and lifted as soon as possible.”
Yes, the acts of a few (although 69 is a large number, and you’d think that at least the older people in attendance would have been more responsible) let all of us down. What was particularly abhorrent was hearing the audio of the video – the young man so flagrantly and carelessly joking about the illegality of what they were doing, the others laughing and adding to it.
Do those involved have no imagination for the possible dire consequences of their actions or capacity to consider the heavy workload they’ve now ensured health workers must engage in? Time to move away from self and inculcate some seriousness. Time to learn.
I wonder if the bloke who took the mobile phone footage at the engagement party will get invited to the wedding after he released it to the public?
Assuming it was a man… Could have been a woman. They might not have been the person who released it to the public.
I’d be surprised if anyone wanted to go to their wedding, if they’re even still together long enough. What they’ve done is outrageous, dangerous, and totally inexcusable. How the couple will ever clear their conscience is beyond me, and how their friends could forgive them is just as bewildering.
They’ll forever be remembered as that couple who had the reckless engagement party in a pandemic lockdown that put so many lives at risk.
How irresponsible are all these partying people. Premiers talk about a “ring of steel” on our state borders but we may need an “iron curtain” to descend in parts of Glen Eira and Port Phillip to contain lawbreaking folks so they don’t infect other local law abiding citizens like me in a nearby suburb.
By blocking out their faces you are protecting these disgusting individuals.
Why are you protecting them?
ANY organization that accepts them as members is condoning their behaviour-including shuls and other groups… such as the mikvah (HA HA).
I am ashamed to be Jewish that such alleged leaders of our community chose to disregard the health of others and the laws of Australia with such contempt.