Hosted by the Victorian Multicultural Commission’s (VMC) Multifaith Advisory Group (MAG), the event brought together senior leaders from Victoria’s faith communities to reflect on ways to build a more harmonious and inclusive Victoria.

“We live in the best country on earth. People of all faiths — Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist — live side by side. We just need to respect each other and turn down the temperature,” he said, adding that diversity remains Australia’s greatest strength."

Bipin Joshi, a 23-year-old agricultural student from Nepal, was abducted by Hamas gunmen from Kibbutz Alumim during the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed his condolences, condemning the violence and affirming solidarity with the UK.

“Australia is calling for a ceasefire. For the immediate release of the hostages. For aid to flow to those in desperate need. And for the terrorists of Hamas to have no role in Gaza’s future. And this week, Australia recognised the State of Palestine.”

“They are hard-working, family-oriented and peace-loving communities, and it is a national disgrace that they have been publicly vilified from any quarter.”

ASIO had gathered credible evidence that the Iranian government directed the October 2024 attack on Lewis’ Continental Kitchen in Sydney and the December firebombing of the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne.

The arrest follows charges laid against a 21-year-old Werribee man last month and a 20-year-old Melton South man last year for allegedly stealing a vehicle used in the attack.

“This is a foreign policy humiliation and diplomatic crisis of Mr Albanese’s own making. Mr Albanese should act immediately to begin repairing this vital relationship.”

AJA questioned the accountability of aid distribution and shared images from the rally with signs reading “Abolish Australia” and “Kill the IDF”, accusing police of ignoring calls to violence.