We are members of the Jewish community across Australia who believe in justice, dignity, and safety for all people regardless of background, faith or nationality. 

A group calling itself “Lions of Zion” has publicly promoted an event in Caulfield Park celebrating a recent Israeli military operation in Lebanon that killed and injured civilians, including children. The United Nations' human rights chief, Volker Türk, said at the time that it violated international humanitarian law and constituted a war crime.

Promotional material for this gathering includes imitation weapons and militarised imagery directed at young people. A flyer produced by the organisation advertises "fun for all ages", including a battle game with toy NERF guns and Krav Maga training, a self-defence system developed by the Israeli military. 

This event has no permit from Glen Eira City Council, despite clearly meeting the criteria for an organised public event. Allowing it to proceed would undermine Council’s own Local Laws, set a dangerous precedent for extremist or militarised activities in our parks, and risk escalating tensions in a diverse and multicultural community.

As progressive Jews committed to human rights for all, we reject attempts to glorify violence carried out in our name. Weaponising Jewish identity to celebrate harm done to others betrays core Jewish ethical principles — pikuach nefesh (the sanctity of life), tzedek (justice), and dor l’dor (our responsibility to future generations).

We therefore call on Glen Eira City Council to:

• Cancel the event immediately and take any necessary enforcement actions to ensure the event does not go ahead.
• Prevent the use of Caulfield Park for militarised gatherings that target young people, celebrate violence and undermine community cohesion.

Jewish safety will never be secured by celebrating the suffering of others. Our children deserve spaces that nurture empathy, not aggression.

Add your name to protect our communities, and our shared democratic values. 

Jews for a Free Palestine