Andre Oboler appointed as an adviser to inquiry into antisemitism in Victorian schools
Dr Andre Oboler is to support the investigative team reviewing incidents of antisemitism in Victorian state schools.
Dr Andre Oboler
The Independent Inquiry was established by Victorian Education Minister, James Merlino in July and Dr Oboler’s appointment as an Intercultural Adviser comes as the Inquiry, which was previously collecting information, now moves on to reporting and making recommendations.
Oboler, a JCCV Executive member since 2014, CEO of Online Hate Prevention Institute and an antisemitism expert appointed to the Australian Government’s delegation to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, is well placed to offer a Jewish cultural lens to the Independent Inquiry particularly on matters related to antisemitism.
Originally due to report back at the end of August, the Inquiry has been extended by a few weeks to allow for the appointment of a Jewish Intercultural Adviser. As an experienced community leader and expert in antisemitism, Dr Oboler is an ideal choice for this role.
The inquiry is investigating the handling of a number of complaints at Brighton Secondary College and the recommendations from a 2019 review into antisemitic incidents at Cheltenham Secondary School and Hawthorn West Primary School as well as the application of those recommendations.
The 2019 review followed a series of consultations with key Jewish community organisations which resulted in a number of actions designed to improve responses to antisemitism. The responses included a full review and creation of teaching and learning resources in schools.
The development of Holocaust Educational Resources for Staff and Students in Years 9 and 10 has been a direct result of this initiative with representatives from the Education Department, JCCV, UJEB, Jewish Holocaust Centre, ADC, Jewish Museum of Australia, Courage to Care and Gandel Philanthropy, who actively participated in this development.
The JCCV said it looks forward to hearing the outcome of the investigation and working together with all parties to combat hate speech, racism and antisemitism across Victoria, and particularly in schools.
