UPDATE: Council chambers will be locked at Port Phillip until just before public meetings start, following a tasteless publicity stunt this week, aimed at discrediting a Jewish councillor.

After a stoush over Port Phillip’s mayoral election turned nasty, Cr Dick Gross was left visibly shaken on Wednesday night when someone, understood to be a member of the Greens, left 30 pieces of silver on his desk.

Mayor Bernadene Voss said all nine councillors “unanimously condemned” the act.

“Our CEO Peter Smith has reviewed our council’s security arrangements and the council Chamber will now be locked until just before the meeting starts to prevent any similar incidents.

“We are concerned and appalled at this action as our diverse city has a long-standing reputation as inclusive and welcoming to all, regardless of race or religion.

“Councillors should be able to make decisions on behalf of their community in a safe environment without being subjected to stunts such as this.”

media_camera Deputy mayor Dick Gross. Picture: Susan Windmiller

The stunt came days after posts on Greens’ Facebook pages claimed Labor and Liberal-affiliated councillors had teamed up to block Cr Katherine Copsey’s bid for the mayoral position.

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The 30 silver coins represents Judas’ betrayal of Jesus which ultimately led to Christ’s death.

And the “pernicious and malicious ploy” has been slammed by Australia’s leading anti-defamation group.

Dvir Abramovich, chairman of the Caulfield-based Anti-Defamation Commission, told the Leader the gesture was a “foundation stone of anti-Semitism”.

“This age-old blood-libel, which has a dark and violent history, has now chillingly resurfaced in the chambers of Port Phillip Council,” he said.

“(Judas) has come to represent the supposed deviousness of the money-grabbing Jew and the Nazis exploited this satanic stereotype in their propaganda, resulting in the extermination of millions.

“Now this grotesque lie has been used in an ugly attempt to smear a Jewish councillor as treacherous, as someone who will sell out his peer to the highest bidder for his ill-gotten needs.”

Dr Abramovich called for the Greens councillors and the Mayor to “forcefully condemn” the hurtful stunt.

Cr Gross said he did not want to comment publicly, and referred the Leader to Mayor Bernadene Voss.

Cr Voss said it was “unacceptable” behaviour.

“As Mayor and chair of our council meetings, I condemn this type of childish and disrespectful behaviour towards me or any of my fellow councillors,” she said.

In a statement sent to the Leader Greens councillors Ogy Simic, Katherine Copsey and Tim Baxter condemned the act.

“The action taken was inappropriate and hurtful and we condemn it,” the statement said.