Government announces full-time counter-terrorism coordinator
May 21, 2026 by J-Wire News Service
Senior national security figure Brendan Dowling has taken up the role of Australia’s first dedicated, full-time Counter-Terrorism Coordinator, a direct response to recommendations from the Royal Commission into Antisemitism and Social Cohesion.
Bondi attack security failures under Royal Commission scrutiny
May 21, 2026 by J-Wire News Service
The Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion will turn its attention to the security and intelligence failures surrounding the Bondi terrorist attack when its second block of public hearings begins this Sydney on Monday, 25 May 2026.
Iran threatens war ‘beyond the region’ if US attacks
May 20, 2026 by J-Wire News Service
President Donald Trump claims he came within an hour of restarting the US war with Iran, prompting Tehran to threaten a wider war if it is attacked again.
Frank Lowy calls for a new game plan against antisemitism
May 20, 2026 by J-Wire News Service
Sir Frank Lowy has urged Australia to launch a major national campaign against antisemitism, saying the country can learn from the way ethnic conflict was removed from Australian soccer.
Israeli Knesset expected to dissolve today, go to early elections
May 20, 2026 by Pesach Benson
Israeli lawmakers are expected to advance a bill to dissolve the Knesset on Wednesday, a move that would lead to early elections. Read more
Beau Jest
May 20, 2026 by Alex First
A Melbourne theatre review by Alex First Read more
When “independence” becomes an excuse
May 20, 2026 by Michael Gencher
There is a familiar pattern when institutions are asked to confront antisemitism seriously. Read more
Educate 10,000 opens doors to understanding Judaism
May 20, 2026 by J-Wire News Service
More than 40 organisations and hundreds of individuals have pledged to learn more about Victoria’s Jewish community through the JCCV’s Educate 10,000 campaign.
Chaim Grade’s “Sons and Daughters”
May 20, 2026 by Anne Sarzin
Book review by Dr Anne Sarzin Read more
Light over darkness: Shabbat dinner to reclaim Bondi
May 20, 2026 by J-Wire Newsdesk
Waverley Council is inviting members of the public to register their interest by this Friday in attending a community Shabbat dinner at Bondi Pavilion on 29 May, part of a series of initiatives aimed at fostering healing and solidarity in the wake of the 14 December terror attack.
All boats in latest Gaza-bound Flotilla stopped by Israeli forces
May 20, 2026 by J-Wire News Service
All 50 boats in the Global Sumud Flotilla listed by organisers as sailing have been intercepted by Israeli naval forces in the eastern Mediterranean, with about 430 activists being taken to Israel.
BJE’s Project Heritage inspires families through “The Happiest Man on Earth”
May 20, 2026 by J-Wire Newsdesk
The Board of Jewish Education (BJE)’s Project Heritage brought together students and parents for a powerful cultural and educational experience at the theatrical production, “The Happiest Man on Earth” at the Sydney Opera House last Sunday afternoon.
The four reasons why we can’t move on from a blood libel
May 20, 2026 by Jonathan S. Tobin - JNS.org
“The New York Times” and its enablers are counting on the public’s short attention span and the “suicidal empathy” of liberal Jews to bury Nicholas Kristof’s lie about rapist dogs in Israel.
Government responds to interim Bondi royal commission recommendations
May 19, 2026 by Rob Klein
The Albanese government says it prioritised support for victims, helped affected businesses and strengthened security for Jewish community events in its first formal response to the interim report of the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion.
Herzog hosts Israel’s Eurovision runner-up Noam Bettan in Jerusalem
May 19, 2026 by JNS
Israeli President Isaac Herzog hosted Noam Bettan, Israel’s runner-up representative at the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna, at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem on Monday, praising him for bringing pride to the Jewish state amid international hostility. Read more
The charges the world did not want to see: Palestinians accuse Hamas of war crimes
May 19, 2026 by Elliot Vesely
For nearly two years, the International Criminal Court’s investigations into the Israel-Hamas war have drawn global attention.
Bill Maher deserves praise, not gratitude, for telling the truth about Israel
May 19, 2026 by Ruthie Blum - JNS
In his typically acerbic, dry humour, comedian-pundit Bill Maher marked the 78th anniversary of Israel’s Declaration of Independence with a hard-hitting monologue that promptly went viral. Read more
Lost Holocaust songbook published in English for the first time
May 19, 2026 by J-Wire Newsdesk
A rare Holocaust-era songbook compiled by Jewish refugees and survivors has been translated into English and published for the first time, following more than a decade of international research by University of Sydney researchers.
Maccabi Bridge bridges generations
May 19, 2026 by J-Wire Newsdesk
Last weekend, Maccabi Bridge held its inaugural 2026 National Championships in Sydney, bringing together more than 50 bridge players from across the community for a day of competition, strategy and social connection.
Your body may be cancelling out your workout, study finds
May 19, 2026 by Pesach Benson
Many people spend hours exercising in the hope of losing weight, only to step on the scale and see little change. Read more
Trump reaches historic agreement with Xi Jinping on handling Iran
May 19, 2026 by David Singer
The meeting between President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping this week marks one of the most consequential diplomatic moments of the decade – when the two leaders quietly reached an agreement on an issue that has threatened global stability for more than twenty years: preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Read more
Create a lasting legacy this charity wills week
May 19, 2026 by J-Wire News Service
United Israel Appeal (UIA) is proud to continue its partnership with Safewill, one of Australia’s leading online Will-writing platforms, helping supporters create a legacy that protects their loved ones and strengthens the future of the People of Israel. Read more
Cast announced for Australia’s Fiddler on the Roof
May 19, 2026 by Rob Klein
Troy Sussman began preparing for Tevye before he knew the role was his.
From Australia’s Jewish past
May 19, 2026 by Features Desk
Dr Joseph Brown AO OBE – an art dealer and philanthropist who made a huge and enduring difference to the culture of this country. Read more
Trump delays planned strike on Iran as Gulf leaders press for diplomacy
May 19, 2026 by JNS
US President Donald Trump announced on Monday that he was postponing a planned military attack on the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Pianist knew he was “overstepping the mark” on Gaza
May 19, 2026 by AAP
Concert pianist Jayson Gillham has denied he deliberately misled the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra about performing a piece dedicated to journalists killed in Gaza.
The Iran war exposed Europe’s strategic collapse
May 18, 2026 by JNS
For more than a century, the United States has served as the primary guarantor of European security. American power helped save Europe in two world wars, deter Soviet expansion during the Cold War, sustain NATO and lead the fight against jihadist terrorism after the attacks of September 11, 2001.
Israel launches new AI strategy
The Israeli government on Sunday unanimously approved Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s proposal for a preliminary work plan for the recently established National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Directorate.
Israel activates death penalty clause in counter terror legal overhaul
May 18, 2026 by Pesach Benson
Palestinians convicted of deadly terrorist attacks in military courts in Judea and Samaria can now face the death penalty after a regional military commander signed an amendment to security regulations on Sunday night. Read more
The West is “sleepwalking” into catastrophe on antisemitism
May 18, 2026 by J-Wire News Service
David Harris was once described by the late former Israeli president and prime minister Shimon Peres as “the foreign minister of the Jewish people”.
