Sydney Writers’ Festival faces criticism over antizionist bias in programming
The Sydney Writers’ Festival is drawing sharp criticism for what Jewish community leaders describe as a heavily one-sided approach to the Israel-Hamas conflict in its 2026 program. Critics argue the festival has prioritised anti-Israel perspectives in Gaza-focused sessions while sidelining Israeli voices and any reference to the Hamas-led October 7, 2023 attacks that killed about 1200 people and saw 251 hostages taken.
CEO refutes claims about Montefiore St Ives development
March 13, 2026 by Rob Klein
Further to yesterday’s article, opponents of a proposed Montefiore retirement living development in St Ives are largely acting on misinformation about the project, according to the organisation’s CEO Robert Orie.
Dennis Richardson resigns as Special Adviser to Royal Commission into Antisemitism
March 12, 2026 by Rob Klein
Former ASIO director-general Dennis Richardson has abruptly resigned from his role as Special Adviser to the Royal Commission into Antisemitism and Social Cohesion.
Residents campaign against Montefiore retirement complex planned for St Ives
March 12, 2026 by Rob Klein
A community campaign has emerged in Sydney’s St Ives against plans by Jewish aged care provider Montefiore to build a large retirement living complex behind Masada College. Read more
Sanctuary of Sydney’s Great Synagogue rededicated after 148 years
March 11, 2026 by Rob Klein
Sydney’s Great Synagogue has rededicated its sanctuary in a ceremony led by the Chief Rabbi of the Commonwealth, Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis, marking the completion of a major restoration of one of Australia’s most significant Jewish heritage buildings.
Sydney Biennale criticised for one-sided anti-Israel focus
The 2026 Biennale of Sydney, which will open this Saturday, is facing criticism following claims in many artworks, exhibition texts, and related statements that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. This has raised questions about political bias in one of Australia’s major publicly funded arts festivals.
$12m boost for Jewish education announced during Chief Rabbi Mirvis’s visit
March 10, 2026 by Rob Klein
A $12 million multi-year funding commitment to Jewish education and community programs was announced at Kesser Torah College during a visit by Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis.
Jewish women share stories of leadership and resilience
March 9, 2026 by Rob Klein
Sydney’s Emanuel Synagogue combined with WIZO to mark International Women’s Day yesterday, with a panel of Jewish women from film, journalism, humanitarian aid, and education reflecting on how storytelling and identity shape public conversation and social change.
Ryvchin warns global leaders after deadly attacks on Australian Jews
Jewish Australians have experienced the sharpest decline in physical security of any Jewish community in the world, according to Alex Ryvchin, a sobering assessment from a leader in a country long considered one of the world’s safest democracies.
Jewish community leaders welcome Hizb ut-Tahrir ban
March 6, 2026 by Rob Klein
Jewish community leaders have welcomed the federal government’s decision to ban Hizb ut-Tahrir under new hate group laws, describing it as a vital step to combat extremism, antisemitism and threats to social cohesion.
New screen fellowship aims to boost Jewish Australian stories
March 5, 2026 by Rob Klein
A new fellowship aimed at strengthening Jewish Australian representation on screen has been launched by Jump Street Films as part of its growing Jewish Australian Screen Fund.
Albanese and Carney warn Iran must not obtain nuclear weapons
March 5, 2026 by Rob Klein
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney have called for a wider de-escalation of hostilities in the Middle East while stressing that Iran must not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons.
Jack’s journey from dairy farm to Judaism
March 5, 2026 by Rob Klein
Jack O’Shea grew up on a dairy farm in northern Victoria where he had never met a Jew. Today he is preparing for an Orthodox conversion, keeping Shabbat and documenting his journey to Judaism on Instagram, where his account has attracted close to 20,000 followers.
Ecstatic reception greets Dayenu at Mardi Gras
March 3, 2026 by Rob Klein
Jewish LGBTQ+ group Dayenu marched in the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras last Saturday after reversing an earlier decision to withdraw over security concerns.
Four inseparable friends and the enduring legacy of Bondi
March 2, 2026 by Rob Klein
Marika Pogany went down to Bondi Beach with three close friends for a celebration on an idyllic Sydney summer afternoon. They were all in their 80s, and they had enjoyed this kind of outing for years. They talked about the chaos of Bondi traffic while settling into their white plastic chairs to enjoy the Chanukah by the Beach gathering.
Millions receive defection alert after Iranian app hacked
March 1, 2026 by Rob Klein
A popular Iranian prayer-time app was hacked on Saturday morning, sending push notifications in Persian that urged military and security personnel to defect and join efforts to liberate the country.
Netanyahu – “together we will fight”
February 28, 2026 by Rob Klein
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this morning said the operation was launched to remove “the existential threat posed by the terrorist regime in Iran”. He also thanked our “great friend, President Donald Trump, for his historic leadership.”
Israel and US carry out pre-emptive strike on Iran
February 28, 2026 by Rob Klein
Israel and the US have conducted a pre-emptive military strike on Iran, according to Defence Minister Israel Katz, who described the action as necessary to eliminate immediate threats to Israel.
Bondi survivor Arsen Ostrovsky on dedicating his life to fighting for the Jewish state
Arsen Ostrovsky has built his career defending Israel in what he calls the world’s “most hostile arenas”. This week at the annual policy conference of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) in Washington DC, that defence became deeply personal.
Knesset advances bill cementing Orthodox control of Western Wall
February 27, 2026 by Rob Klein
Israel’s Knesset has advanced controversial legislation that would place prayer arrangements at the Western Wall under the exclusive control of the ultra-Orthodox Chief Rabbinate, prompting a sharp response from mixed-gender non-Orthodox Jewish leaders in Israel and abroad.
Activist loses case over “All Zionists are terrorists” chant
Melbourne activist Hash Tayeh, who led crowds in chanting “All Zionists are terrorists” at pro-Palestinian rallies, has been found to have breached Victorian law in a ruling delivered today by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
Author Marisa Meltzer reflects on fame, feminism and Jewish identity ahead of Sydney visit
February 26, 2026 by Rob Klein
New York-based journalist and author Marisa Meltzer has built her career exploring women the world too often flattens into symbols, from the founder of Weight Watchers to Jane Birkin, the actress, singer and style icon. In each case, she digs past the caricature to reveal the vivid, complicated human story beneath.
Israeli mayor brings message of radical hope to Sydney
February 25, 2026 by Rob Klein
Michal Uziyahu has a phrase she returns to again and again: snap out of it. Read more
Monday Morning Cooking Club is back with a book for the next generation
The Monday Morning Cooking Club did not set out to build a publishing brand. It set out to save recipes. The project began in 2006 when six women from Sydney’s Jewish community came together to write a cookbook for charity. Read more
Teen punched three times at scout camp in antisemitic attack, police say
A Jewish teenager was allegedly punched three times in the face at a major Victorian scout camp after being singled out for wearing a kippah and an Israeli flag over his shoulders, as community leaders warned of a worsening climate of hostility towards Jewish Australians.
92-year-old survivor urges action against hatred at Adelaide museum reopening
February 23, 2026 by Rob Klein
At 92, Holocaust survivor Andrew Steiner delivered a message shaped by experience and urgency: remembrance must lead to action.
Friends host Dan’s Legacy Cup to remember Bondi terror victim
February 22, 2026 by Rob Klein
A memorial football tournament took place at Barracluff Park in Bondi on Saturday to celebrate the life and passion for the game of Dan Elkayam, one of the Jewish victims of the Bondi terror attack. Read more
Portrait of love and loss unveiled at Chabad gathering in Bondi
When Melbourne portrait artist Miriam Lange received the call from Rabbi Mendy Groner of Chabad Glen Eira, she did not hesitate. Read more
Asi Wind brings more than magic to Sydney
February 20, 2026 by Rob Klein
For Israeli-born magician Asi Wind, magic is not about fooling people. It is about reaching them. Read more
Dayenu confirms return to Mardi Gras parade – ‘delighted to be marching’
February 19, 2026 by Rob Klein
Sydney’s Jewish LGBTQIA+ organisation Dayenu will march in the 2026 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade on Saturday 28 February, reversing its earlier decision to withdraw after securing additional safety assurances.
