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
Hillel Neuer calls on Australia to end funding for UNRWA and confront UN bias
“Your tax dollars are funding hate.”
Jewish community leaders warn NSW inquiry of ‘terrifying’ rise in antisemitism
May 19, 2025 by Rob Klein
The NSW Jewish community has issued a powerful call for urgent and sustained action against antisemitism, warning a parliamentary inquiry that the state is experiencing the worst wave of anti-Jewish hate in living memory—across schools, universities, online platforms, and public spaces.
Read more
Man charged with 53 hate crimes after being caught red-handed in Sydney’s Inner West
May 18, 2025 by Rob Klein
A 21-year-old man has been arrested and charged with 53 hate-related offences after police allegedly caught him in the act of spray-painting offensive graffiti in Petersham early Sunday morning.
Adass Israel synagogue firebombing – fresh lead
May 15, 2025 by Rob Klein
A stolen blue car may hold the key to solving several high-profile alleged crimes, including an alleged “politically motivated” synagogue firebombing and other arsons and shootings.
UAP Senator says he’ll quit politics after his first term amid outrage over praise for Kanye West’s track ‘Heil Hitler’
May 15, 2025 by Rob Klein
United Australia Party Senator Ralph Babet says he plans to quit politics in 2028 at the end of his first term, but not before launching a tirade that has drawn national condemnation for glorifying neo-Nazis and endorsing Kanye West’s antisemitic track ‘Heil Hitler’.
Australia to chair the J7 group, taking helm of global antisemitism response
May 13, 2025 by Rob Klein
The Executive Council of Australian Jewry has confirmed that Australia will assume the rotating chair of the J7 Task Force and also host the group’s next international summit later this year. Read more
Rabbi Joseph Telushkin illuminates moral imagination
May 12, 2025 by Rob Klein
Sydney’s Emanuel Synagogue has hosted the esteemed Rabbi Joseph Telushkin, a celebrated Jewish scholar and New York Times bestselling author, for an insightful lecture on the vital concept of moral imagination. Read more
Sydney man accused in antisemitic vandalism granted bail
May 12, 2025 by Rob Klein
A Sydney man accused of targeting Jewish properties and vehicles with anti-Israel graffiti and arson has been granted strict conditional bail after a Friday Supreme Court hearing, amid concerns over radicalisation and community safety.
Aussie Jewish leader sounds alarm in Berlin on antisemitism in Australia
May 8, 2025 by Rob Klein
As the world commemorates the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, the J7 Large Communities’ Task Force Against Antisemitism has released its inaugural J7 Annual Report on Antisemitism, documenting sharp increases in antisemitic incidents in the seven largest Jewish communities outside of Israel.
Self-taught artist Lucila Zentner named 2025 Archibald Prize finalist
May 8, 2025 by Rob Klein
In a compelling blend of artistic vision and scientific precision, Sydney-based radiologist and self-taught painter Lucila Zentner has been named a finalist in the 2025 Archibald Prize, Australia’s most prestigious award for portraiture. Read more
Third man charged over antisemitic attack on former home of Jewish leader
May 6, 2025 by Rob Klein
A third man has been charged over a deliberate antisemitic attack in Sydney’s east that targeted the former home of Alex Ryvchin, co-CEO of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ), amid a documented rise in hate-motivated incidents across the country.
Four Corners probe reveals fugitive behind hoax terror threat
May 6, 2025 by Rob Klein
A dramatic Four Corners exposé that screened on the ABC this week revealed the alleged ringleader of a series of antisemitic assaults in Sydney. The man now in the middle of one of Australia’s strangest and most chilling criminal dramas has finally spoken out in self-imposed exile in Türkiye.
Federal election exposes deep fault lines on Jewish community issues
May 1, 2025 by Rob Klein
With only days remaining until the federal election, Jewish Australians are approaching the vote with unprecedented concern, faced with increased antisemitism, conflict in Israel, and growing anxiety about community safety. Read more
