Joshua Belinfante: learning from master filmmakers, telling his own stories
January 20, 2026 by Rob Klein
Young Australian filmmaker Joshua Belinfante has been mentored by two of the world’s most influential directors, German Werner Herzog and Iranian Asghar Farhadi, experiences he describes as defining and deliberately challenging.
Parliament honours 15 killed in Bondi Beach terror attack
Australia’s parliament fell into silence on Monday during a condolence motion in the House of Representatives, confronting the human cost of the antisemitic terror attack that killed 15 people at Bondi Beach on December 14, 2025.
Unique Holocaust education programme “In My Pocket” expands to Lithuania
January 19, 2026 by Rob Klein
The “In My Pocket” initiative, an innovative Holocaust education programme developed in Australia, has now extended to Lithuania.
ECAJ considers contempt action over extremist Islamic preacher’s video
January 17, 2026 by Rob Klein
The Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ) is exploring contempt of court proceedings against Islamic preacher Wisam Haddad. This follows allegations that he violated a federal injunction regarding antisemitic statements in a recent online video.
Waverley Council awards Keys to the City to heroes of Bondi Beach terror attack
January 16, 2026 by Rob Klein
Waverley Council has unanimously agreed to award Keys to the City to three people who intervened during the December 14 terror attack at Bondi Beach, while also resolving to seek posthumous national honours for those killed trying to stop the gunmen.
From disinvitation to apology: Abdel-Fattah and the Adelaide Festival fiasco
The new board of the Adelaide Festival has issued an unreserved apology and issued an invitation to Palestinian-Australian writer Randa Abdel-Fattah to Writers’ Week 2027, reversing a controversial January decision that led to the event’s collapse.
Israel plans return to Venice Biennale
January 15, 2026 by Rob Klein
Israel will take part in the 2026 Venice Biennale, confirming its return to the world’s most prominent contemporary art exhibition after its national pavillion was closed during the 2024 event amid protests.
Waverley Council to consider fate of Bondi footbridge used in terror attack
January 15, 2026 by Rob Klein
The future of the pedestrian footbridge at the centre of the Bondi Beach terror attack will be debated by Waverley Council tonight (Thursday), as community division continues over whether the structure should remain, be removed, or be replaced.
Concerns grow that antisemitism bill leaves dangerous loopholes
Representatives of the Jewish community have told a Senate committee the government’s draft antisemitism bill risks missing its mark unless key flaws are fixed. At the same time, support for the legislation is reportedly splintering ahead of a vote next week.
Government names leaders to oversee recovery from Bondi terror attack
January 14, 2026 by Rob Klein
One month after the antisemitic terror attack at Bondi Beach, the NSW Government has appointed two senior figures to oversee the long-term recovery of the affected community.
Parliament recalled as government moves to tighten hate laws
January 12, 2026 by Rob Klein
Federal parliament will reconvene in Canberra on 19 and 20 January to consider new laws targeting antisemitism, hate crimes and extremism in the wake of the Bondi Beach terror attack, with the government seeking broad bipartisan support.
Thousands gather at Bondi Pavilion for Shloshim memorial following deadly terror attack
January 12, 2026 by Rob Klein
Despite heavy rain, more than 2,000 people came together at Bondi Pavilion on Sunday night, standing shoulder to shoulder to mark 30 days since the terror attack that tore through a Chanukah gathering at Bondi Beach.
Age and SMH apologise for ‘antisemitic’ Cathy Wilcox cartoon
January 11, 2026 by Rob Klein
The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald have today issued apologies after publishing a controversial cartoon by Cathy Wilcox that addressed the political fallout from the Bondi Beach massacre and prompted widespread claims of antisemitism. Read more
Bushfires force evacuation of Habonim leaders, camp delayed
January 11, 2026 by Rob Klein
Habonim Dror youth movement has been forced to delay the start of its Federal Summer Camp after all leaders were evacuated from the campsite amid worsening bushfire conditions in Victoria, creating what the organisation has described as an urgent and costly situation.
Segal condemns Wilcox cartoon as Jewish leaders warn of antisemitic tropes
January 9, 2026 by Rob Klein
Australia’s special envoy to combat antisemitism, Jillian Segal, has added her voice to criticism of a recent cartoon by Cathy Wilcox.
Three times a day at Bondi Beach, a rabbi helps a community grieve
January 9, 2026 by Rob Klein
In the days after the Bondi Beach massacre, as mourners arrived with flowers and stood quietly in front of the memorial at Bondi Pavillion, Rabbi Yossi Friedman sensed that many people wanted to grieve but did not quite know how.
Jewish community welcomes announcement of royal commission into antisemitism
Australia’s peak Jewish organisations have welcomed the federal government’s decision to establish a Commonwealth Royal Commission into antisemitism and the circumstances leading to the Bondi Beach terrorist attack. They described the move as a necessary national response to unprecedented levels of hatred directed at Jewish Australians.
Israeli hailed as hero granted permanent residency
January 7, 2026 by Rob Klein
Gefen Bitton, a 30-year-old Israeli national who was seriously injured while helping others during the terrorist attack at Bondi Beach in December 2024, has been granted permanent residency in Australia as he continues his recovery in Sydney.
Light in the darkness: ‘Sunnukiah’ finds new meaning after Bondi terror attack
January 7, 2026 by Rob Klein
At around 3 am on 15 December, Rabbi Mendy Litzman of Hatzolah was driving home from hospital. He had spent hours helping victims of the Bondi Beach terror attack the previous evening.
Waverley Council to join growing national call for Bondi terror royal commission
Waverley Council will move to formally call for a Commonwealth Royal Commission into antisemitism and the events leading up to the Bondi Beach terror attack.
Law Council joins growing coalition calling for royal commission into Bondi attack
January 6, 2026 by Rob Klein
Australia’s peak legal body has backed calls for a federal royal commission into the Bondi Beach terror attack and the rise in antisemitism, adding fresh weight to mounting pressure on the Albanese government.
PM opens door to federal royal commission after Bondi killings
January 6, 2026 by Rob Klein
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has indicated he is prepared to consider further steps, including a potential Commonwealth royal commission, in response to antisemitism and the Bondi terror attack.
Chalmers says calls for royal commission come from a good place
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has acknowledged growing calls for a Commonwealth Royal Commission into the Bondi terror attack and antisemitism, saying the push comes from “a good place”.
Relief and caution grip Venezuelan Jews after Maduro’s capture
January 5, 2026 by Rob Klein
Members of Venezuela’s Jewish community are reportedly reacting with a mixture of relief and unease following the capture of President Nicolás Maduro by United States forces during military strikes that shook Caracas and other parts of the country on 3 January.
Teal independents intensify push for Royal Commission into Bondi attack
January 5, 2026 by Rob Klein
Pressure is continuing to mount on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to establish a Commonwealth Royal Commission into the Bondi Beach terror attack, with four Teal independents warning that existing reviews will not address federal failures or rising antisemitism.
Courage remembered as Ashes players honour first responders and civilians
January 4, 2026 by Rob Klein
This morning, players from Australia and England formed a guard of honour at the Sydney Cricket Ground to pay tribute to first responders, volunteers and civilians who helped save lives during the Bondi Beach terror attack.
Sports stars join call for royal commission in wake of Bondi terror attack
January 4, 2026 by Rob Klein
More than 60 prominent Australian sports figures have joined growing calls for a Commonwealth royal commission into antisemitism, radicalisation and the Bondi terror attack.
Written in stone: the quiet memorial growing on Bondi Beach
What began as a simple, instinctive act of mourning has grown into one of the most resonant and unifying forms of remembrance following the Bondi Beach massacre.
A menorah was projected but where was the ABC?
January 1, 2026 by Rob Klein
At 11pm on New Year’s Eve, Sydney paused for a powerful minute’s silence for the victims of the Bondi terror attack. Read more
Secret cabinet records show warnings on Islamist radicalisation 20 years before Bondi terror attack
January 1, 2026 by Rob Klein
Recently released cabinet documents show that concerns about homegrown Islamist radicalisation were already shaping Australian national security policy two decades before the alleged ISIS-inspired Bondi massacre.
