Jews of diverse sexual orientation and gender identity are all part of the community – new video
The Jewish Community Council of Victoria (JCCV) has launched a new video to highlight that Jews of diverse sexual orientation and gender identity are welcome members of the community.
Robin Scott
At the JCCV’s Plenum on Monday night, the Victorian Minister for Multicultural Affairs Robin Scott officially launched the new JCCV LGBTI Social Inclusion video. It has been developed by the JCCV’s young LGBTI advisory group called JADE (Jews All Diverse and Equal), which aims to highlight that you can be Jewish and LGBTI.
JCCV President Jennifer Huppert stated, “The aim is for a fully welcoming and respectful Jewish community, where Jews of diverse sexual orientation and gender identity participate actively in the community. Everyone must be treated with respect, dignity and equity.”
Minister Scott stated, “It is wonderful to see the Jewish community focus on love and respect. It is not about tolerance. The JCCV is to be commended for taking a leading role in this area. The Government has started to include LGBTI issues in the Multicultural space, so this step by the Jewish community is particularly welcome.”
Ms Huppert also expressed her appreciation for the commitment and good work of the JADE committee.
“We ask for all Jewish community organisations to help disseminate the video so that community members can hear these personal perspectives of our young Jewish LGBTI people.”
From a recent sermon by Rabbi Ben Elton, Great Synagogue: “Unless we are more inclusive and welcoming we will turn away many, many Jews from the synagogue, from the community, from Judaism and from God. We will increase pain and diminish faith, and that is not the way of the Torah.”
It is not about political correctness, but about treating people with respect, decency and understanding. Suicide rates and mental health issues in the LGBTI community arise because of mistreatment, alienation and lack of support. The JCCV believes in including all Jews of diverse sexual orientation and gender identity. All faiths should treat all people with respect and decency.
Thank you David. It is vitally important to hear this message from community leadership.
From your lips to Allah’s ear.
A step forward in breaking down the bigotry perpetrated by people who believe heterosexuality and cisgenger identity are superior characteristics.
Fine. Great. Marvellous. Sorted. Whoopee!
But I wonder how the Creator, who told Jews to “go forth and multiply”, feels about all this. After all, He (or perhaps I should say She) created “male and female” for that purpose.
I assume that Ms Huppert and the JCCV, who are so very politically correct, will now upbraid their friends in the Muslim community over Islam’s intolerance of homosexuality …
Nu?
Hilary your Hilarious and I agree with you. It states in scripture that it is an abomination in His eyes. It’s sad that these young people are twisting His word in many areas to suit there cause. I accept the choice they have made and don’t condemn them as God has given us the free will to choose, but to say he made us that way is just wrong. It’s a choice and they are now pushing other young people to do as they do and are pushing homosexuality, that is bullying.
Eleanora, the alternative to not providing support and acceptance of same-sex attracted and gender diverse people is either a life of misery – single or in a false marriage – or being remembered every yahrtzeit.
You have the power and the choice to affirm every person as an authentic individual or you can drive them to an early death. Your call.
Thank you, Eleonora.