First Birthright Israel group since Iran war began arrives from Australia
April 24, 2026 by J-Wire Newsdesk
A group of 120 young Australian Jews has landed in Israel, becoming the first organised tourist group to enter the country since the outbreak of war with Iran.
Children’s book scrapped after illustrator’s remarks on Bondi victims
April 23, 2026 by J-Wire Newsdesk
The University of Queensland Press (UQP) has cancelled a forthcoming children’s book after concluding it could not proceed without appearing to endorse public comments made by its illustrator following the Bondi terror attack.
Yom Ha’atzmaut message from Israel’s ambassador to Australia
April 22, 2026 by J-Wire Newsdesk
This year marks my first Yom Ha’atzmaut in Australia, and it is a privilege to share it with the resilient Jewish community here. I know that the vast majority of the Jewish community in Australia acknowledge that Israel is an integral part of their Jewish identity, sharing in the belief in Zion and the shared heritage and destiny.
Australia’s ambassador visits MDA
April 17, 2026 by J-Wire Newsdesk
Australia’s ambassador to Israel, Neil Hawkins, was a member of a delegation of ambassadors and senior diplomatic representatives who toured Magen David Adom’s national headquarters in Ramla, in a visit aimed at gaining a closer understanding of Israel’s emergency medical system and its role in national resilience.
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“Kill all Jews” daubing in NZ
April 16, 2026 by J-Wire Newsdesk
The New Zealand Jewish Council has condemned antisemitic graffiti discovered under a Nelson footbridge, warning that such “kill all Jews” messages are a direct incitement to violence and have no place in a democratic society. Read more
Sylvan Adams: rising antisemitism signals risk of a second Holocaust
April 15, 2026 by J-Wire Newsdesk
World Jewish Congress Israel President Sylvan Adams has issued a stark warning that rising antisemitism around the world risks paving the way for a “second Holocaust”, telling senior law enforcement leaders at Auschwitz that hatred is again being normalised in democratic societies. Read more
Magen David Adom event cancelled by Dublin concert hall
April 14, 2026 by J-Wire Newsdesk
An event at the National Concert Hall in Dublin, at which Magen David Adom was set to feature testimony from survivors and first responders to the October 7 Hamas attacks, was cancelled by the Irish auditorium.
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Antisemitic daubing in Melbourne
April 13, 2026 by J-Wire Newsdesk
A chilling act of antisemitic hate has erupted in the heart of Melbourne, with the words “Death to Israel” scrawled outside the State Library of Victoria, one of the city’s most iconic public spaces. Read more
JNF Blue Box continues to strengthen Israel
April 12, 2026 by J-Wire Newsdesk
For 125 years, JNF has played a central role in building and strengthening the State of Israel.
Sydney Jewish comedy showcase returns with laughs, stories and a stacked line-up
April 12, 2026 by J-Wire Newsdesk
Sydney’s Jewish comedy scene is gearing up for a lively night, with the Sydney Jewish Comedy Showcase returning next month as part of the Sydney Comedy Festival.
AIJAC criticises government position on Lebanon
April 12, 2026 by J-Wire Newsdesk
The Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council has criticised the federal government’s call for de-escalation in Lebanon, arguing the position risks misrepresenting the origins of the conflict and drawing false equivalence between Israel and Hezbollah.
Jewish and war memorials damaged in Caulfield Park
April 7, 2026 by J-Wire Newsdesk
Several significant memorials in Caulfield Park, Melbourne, including those connected to Jewish history, have been damaged or destroyed, prompting concern from the local community and calls for a thorough investigation by Glen Eira City Council and police.
New Israel Fund Australia condemns passage of death penalty law in Israel
March 31, 2026 by J-Wire Newsdesk
New Israel Fund Australia has condemned the Knesset’s passage of legislation that mandates the death penalty for Palestinians convicted of lethal acts of terrorism in the West Bank, describing it as a serious setback for equal rights and core moral and human rights principles.
Courage to Care forum calls for united stand against rising antisemitism
March 30, 2026 by J-Wire Newsdesk
Courage to Care Victoria has brought together volunteers, faith leaders and community figures in Melbourne for a powerful evening of dialogue on combating antisemitism and strengthening social cohesion, as anti-Jewish incidents in Australia surge to nearly five times their pre-October 7 rate – the sharpest spike of any comparable country. Read more
Financial Review apologises over Netanyahu cartoon after backlash
March 30, 2026 by J-Wire Newsdesk
The Australian Financial Review has apologised for a controversial cartoon following strong criticism from Jewish leaders.
Victorian antisemitism hits record high for second year running
March 27, 2026 by J-Wire Newsdesk
For the second year in a row, Victoria’s Jewish community experienced record levels of antisemitism in 2025.
Sydney bagel shop targeted with Nazi symbol weeks before opening
March 27, 2026 by J-Wire Newsdesk
A bagel shop owner in Sydney has spoken of her heartbreak after a Nazi swastika was etched into the glass of her new Paddington store just weeks before it was due to open.
Bondi hero Ahmed Al Ahmed honoured with keys to the city of Waverley
March 26, 2026 by J-Wire Newsdesk
Bondi terror attack hero Ahmed Al Ahmed has been awarded the keys to the City of Waverley in honour of risking his life during the December 14 massacre targeting a Jewish Chanukah celebration.
Yad Vashem chairman meets Pope Leo XIV
March 25, 2026 by J-Wire Newsdesk
Yad Vashem Chairman Dani Dayan met with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican this week to discuss strengthening cooperation on Holocaust remembrance, documentation, and education. Read more
Women walk for peace in silent show of unity
March 25, 2026 by J-Wire Newsdesk
More than 1,000 women and supporters gathered on Sunday to walk side by side in a powerful demonstration of peace and solidarity. Read more
Iranian and Jewish Melburnians unite to mark Persian New Year
March 25, 2026 by J-Wire Newsdesk
Amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), more than 580 members of Melbourne’s Iranian and Jewish communities gathered on Sunday to celebrate Nowruz, the Persian New Year, in a show of unity and hope. Read more
The Iran war forces impacts The March of the Living
March 24, 2026 by J-Wire Newsdesk
Israeli delegations will not travel to Poland for this year’s March of the Living, the annual Holocaust Remembrance Day event that follows the route from Auschwitz to Birkenau. Read more
Workplace program aims to address antisemitism and strengthen social cohesion
March 24, 2026 by J-Wire Newsdesk
On Thursday, Melbourne Holocaust Museum will launch a new workplace program aimed at strengthening social cohesion and helping organisations address antisemitism, as Jewish communities across Australia continue to face a surge in incidents.
JNF Australia launches emergency response campaign
March 19, 2026 by J-Wire Newsdesk
JNF Australia has launched an emergency response campaign to support frontline emergency services and communities in Israel affected by ongoing security threats.
Jewish leaders highlight imbalance in Australia NZ Gaza statement
March 19, 2026 by J-Wire Newsdesk
The Australian and New Zealand foreign and defence ministers have issued a joint statement criticising Israeli actions in Gaza while making no direct reference to Hamas.
JCA completes the largest governance overhaul in its history
March 17, 2026 by J-Wire Newsdesk
The Jewish Communal Appeal (JCA) has unveiled the most significant governance reform in its history, introducing a new corporate trustee model and modernised trust structure to strengthen its ability to support the Jewish community now and in the future.
Queensland man charged over alleged antisemitic threats against Jewish community
March 15, 2026 by J-Wire Newsdesk
A 56-year-old Queensland man has been charged after allegedly posting antisemitic threats against the Jewish community on the messaging platform Telegram.
NSW man charged over alleged Nazi symbol and online threats
March 12, 2026 by J-Wire Newsdesk
A man from Armidale in NSW has been charged by the Australian Federal Police over the alleged display of a Nazi symbol and a series of threatening posts made online.
Sydney Jewish writer awards expand to six categories
March 11, 2026 by J-Wire Newsdesk
Shalom Collective will present six prizes at its annual Australian Jewish Writer Awards in August, adding poetry, illustrated manuscripts and emerging writers to a program that has grown steadily since its founding two years ago.
Matilda’s parents wed in quiet Sydney ceremony
March 11, 2026 by J-Wire Newsdesk
The parents of the youngest person killed in the Bondi Beach terror attack have married in a small, private ceremony in Sydney, carving out a moment of joy after months of profound grief.
