Melbourne synagogue defaced for fourth time in five weeks
July 31, 2025 by Rob Klein
The Melbourne Hebrew Congregation in South Yarra has been vandalised for the fourth time in just over a month, in what Jewish leaders are calling a sustained campaign of antisemitic harassment.
ZFA calls for more humanitarian aid to Gaza
July 30, 2025 by Rob Klein
Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA) has issued a statement urging increased humanitarian aid to Gaza, while placing ultimate responsibility for the crisis on Hamas and backing Israel’s efforts to defeat the terror group.
Second man arrested over Adass Israel Synagogue firebombing
July 30, 2025 by Rob Klein
A second man has been arrested in connection with the firebombing of the Adass Israel Synagogue in Ripponlea, in what police continue to investigate as a politically motivated act of terrorism.
Read more
Sharri Markson to receive Scopus Award at Hebrew University centenary celebration
July 30, 2025 by Rob Klein
Renowned journalist Sharri Markson will make history next week as the first Australian to receive the prestigious Scopus Award, the highest honour bestowed by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. The award will be presented at a special celebration in Sydney on Sunday, 3 August, as part of a national tour marking the university’s centenary.
Planned Harbour Bridge Gaza protest sparks backlash
July 28, 2025 by Rob Klein
A planned pro-Palestinian protest across the Sydney Harbour Bridge this Sunday has drawn significant opposition.
Emanuel Synagogue and Emanuel Woollahra Preschool reunify
July 23, 2025 by Rob Klein
Sydney’s Emanuel Woollahra Preschool (EWP) and Emanuel Synagogue (ES) have officially reintegrated after a unanimous vote by EWP members on June 12, transitioning the preschool to a Company Limited by Guarantee with ES as its sole member.
Notre Dame University and The Great Synagogue unite for Jewish philosophy study
July 23, 2025 by Rob Klein
The University of Notre Dame Australia has joined with The Great Synagogue Sydney in a new partnership aimed at deepening understanding of Jewish philosophy and its history in Australia.
Jewish leaders warn against Labor-Greens deal in Tasmania
Australia’s peak Jewish representative body has urged Tasmanian Labor leader Dean Winter to reject any governing alliance with the Greens, following inflammatory remarks by state Greens leader Rosemary Woodruff accusing Israel of committing “genocide” and calling for “the return of Palestinian lands.”
New report finds online hate follows fires at Melbourne synagogues
When Melbourne’s Adass Synagogue was burned to the ground in late 2024, and the East Melbourne Synagogue’s entrance was set ablaze on 4 July 2025, you might have expected widespread public condemnation and solidarity.
“I’m That Jew” creator Eitan Chitayat: “We need to be visible, not just proud”
July 17, 2025 by Rob Klein
In an exclusive interview with J-Wire on the eve of his visit to Australia, Israeli branding expert and Jewish identity advocate Eitan Chitayat offers a compelling call to action: Jewish people must be visible, not just proud.
Segal’s antisemitism report urges bold reforms across education, media and migration
In response to a 300% surge in antisemitic incidents across Australia, a landmark action report was today launched with the support of the government, aimed at combating anti-Jewish hatred.
Jewish community calls for urgent national action on antisemitism
July 9, 2025 by Rob Klein
Amid a palpable sense of “hyper-anxiety” within the Jewish community, a high-level roundtable convened by Wentworth MP Allegra Spender on July 3 in Sydney’s east issued an urgent plea for national action against escalating antisemitism.
Widespread condemnation of antisemitic Melbourne attacks
July 5, 2025 by Rob Klein
Melbourne’s Jewish community has been left reeling after a synagogue was set alight with families inside, an Israeli restaurant stormed by protesters chanting “death to the IDF”, and a weapons company allegedly linked to Israel firebombed, in what authorities and Jewish leaders are calling a dangerous escalation of antisemitic hate crimes.
Jewish Melbourne’s Friday evening of horror
July 4, 2025 by Rob Klein
Melbourne’s Jewish community rocked by synagogue arson and restaurant attack. Read more
Questions raised after reinstatement of controversial artist for Venice Biennale
July 3, 2025 by Rob Klein
Serious concerns are being raised over Australia’s decision to reinstate artist Khaled Sabsabi and curator Michael Dagostino to represent the country at the 2026 Venice Biennale, with Jewish leaders and others questioning the government’s mixed messages on terrorism, antisemitism, and Australian values.
Australian Jewish leaders welcome Kanye ban
July 3, 2025 by Rob Klein
Jewish leaders have welcomed the decision to ban Kanye West from Australia, describing his relentless antisemitic campaign as dangerous and a threat to Jewish communities worldwide.
Jewish comedy returns to Bondi with Kosher Theatresports
July 2, 2025 by Rob Klein
Kosher Theatresports, an improvisational comedy show known for its blend of quick wit and Jewish humour, is set to return to the Bondi Pavilion Theatre. The first show on Sunday, August 31 is now sold out but there will be a second one on Thursday 4 September.
ECAJ welcomes court ruling banning antisemitic sermons
July 1, 2025 by Rob Klein
A Federal Court judge has ordered the removal of a Muslim preacher’s speeches containing “fundamentally racist and antisemitic” statements from social media, in a ruling celebrated by Jewish leaders as a significant step in confronting hate speech in Australia.
Sydney preacher’s new speech inflames tensions ahead of key court ruling
June 29, 2025 by Rob Klein
A Sydney-based Islamic preacher facing legal action over allegedly antisemitic remarks has delivered a new speech accusing the “Jewish lobby” of attempting to undermine Islam, further inflaming tensions ahead of a high-profile court ruling.
Rabbi Shmotkin brings message of inner health to Australia
June 26, 2025 by Rob Klein
When Rabbi Levi Shmotkin first began reading the letters of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Menachem Mendel Schneerson, writing a book was the furthest thing from his mind. Read more
TikTok’s latest viral anti‑Israel meme: ‘Just do it’
June 18, 2025 by Rob Klein
The phrase ‘Iran, if you’re listening, just do it,’ emerged as a viral anti-Israel meme on TikTok following Israel’s recent strike on Iranian nuclear facilities, and underscores the ongoing challenges social media platforms face in addressing hate speech.
Northern Beaches Council rejects Gaza ceasefire motion amid fiery debate
Northern Beaches Council in Sydney has voted down a motion from a Greens councillor calling for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, support for Palestinian refugees, and the boycott of companies linked to Israel, after heated scenes inside and outside the chamber.
University of Notre Dame launches landmark initiative in historic partnership with the Great Synagogue
June 17, 2025 by Rob Klein
The University of Notre Dame Australia’s Centre for the History of Philosophy (CHOP) is launching a groundbreaking academic initiative focused on the study of Jewish philosophy, the first of its kind in Australia.
Sydney University’s “Good Job” claim under fire amid lawsuit
June 16, 2025 by Rob Klein
The University of Sydney has ignited fresh controversy after its senior leadership declared it ‘did a good job’ in managing the country’s longest-running pro-Palestine encampment.
Radical preacher escalates threats ahead of court battle with ECAJ
June 10, 2025 by Rob Klein
Controversial Sydney preacher Wissam Haddad has intensified his rhetoric leading up to a Federal Court hearing, releasing a video widely condemned as a call to violence. Read more
Lakemba cleric apologises for antisemitic sermon, but doubts over sincerity
An extremist cleric who preached that Jews were “bloodthirsty monsters” who “ran like rats” during the October 7 Hamas attacks has issued a formal apology following a racial vilification complaint lodged by the Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ).
ECAJ condemns Husic’s sanctions call
May 29, 2025 by Rob Klein
Australia’s peak Jewish body has launched a blistering attack on former federal minister Ed Husic, condemning his call for sanctions on Israel and a diplomatic rebuke of its ambassador over the Gaza conflict.
Julian Leeser reappointed as shadow Attorney General
May 28, 2025 by Rob Klein
Federal Liberal MP Julian Leeser has been appointed Shadow Attorney-General and Shadow Minister for the Arts in a significant reshuffle of the Coalition frontbench, announced today following the reunification of the Liberal and National parties.
Police investigate “hateful” antisemitic graffiti in the Gold Coast
May 28, 2025 by Rob Klein
Queensland Police are investigating a shocking act of antisemitic vandalism discovered near Collyer Quays in Robina, Gold Coast. Read more
Albanese says Israel’s blockade of Gaza ‘an outrage’
May 26, 2025 by Rob Klein
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has sharply criticised Israel’s ongoing blockade of humanitarian aid into Gaza, calling the restrictions “outrageous” and accusing Israel of providing explanations that are “without credibility.” Read more
