Unique challenges of antisemitism in Australia amid global surge
March 7, 2025 by Rob Klein
Daniel Aghion, President of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ), has just returned from representing Australia at the Anti-Defamation League’s (ADL) “Never Is Now” summit in New York, the world’s largest gathering on antisemitism and hate. Read more
Wentworth campaign tensions rise – updated
March 6, 2025 by Rob Klein
A dispute has erupted in the federal seat of Wentworth over the placement of an election sign for independent MP Allegra Spender, following claims by Liberal candidate Ro Knox that it covered a poster of the Bibas family.
Jewish Comedy Showcase returns to Sydney with a star-studded line-up
March 5, 2025 by Rob Klein
The Jewish Comedy Showcase is back at the Sydney Comedy Festival, bringing an electrifying mix of seasoned professionals and rising comedic talent to the stage. Read more
Heroism and resilience: Noam and Gali Tibon’s rescue mission amidst the Oct 7 attack
March 4, 2025 by Rob Klein
At 6:30 in the morning of October 7, 2023, Noam and Gali Tibon were enjoying a peaceful swim from a beach in Tel Aviv when the sound of sirens pierced the air. Read more
Adrien Brody wins second Oscar, calls out antisemitism and hate in powerful speech
March 3, 2025 by Rob Klein
Adrien Brody made history Sunday night by securing his second Academy Award for Best Actor, this time for his role in The Brutalist. Read more
Dayenu celebrates 25 years of pride, inclusion, and community at Sydney Mardi Gras
March 3, 2025 by Rob Klein
In marking its 25th anniversary, Dayenu took to the streets once again, proudly marching in the Sydney Mardi Gras Parade, a celebration of pride, diversity, and unity. Read more
Shalom Collective announces new Australian Jewish Writer Awards
The Shalom Collective Australian Jewish Writer Awards will return in 2025, with an expanded program that introduces two new prizes alongside existing awards. Read more
New definition to help combat antisemitism on campuses
Australia’s universities have taken a major step in addressing antisemitism, with more than 30 institutions formally adopting a comprehensive definition designed to protect Jewish students and staff from discrimination, harassment, and vilification.
“Outrageous and scandalous” – Jewish leader condemns use of students in divisive protest
A protest today outside Granville Boys High School in Western Sydney has drawn strong condemnation from David Ossip, President of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies. Read more
“If you have the why, you’ll find the how” – parents of a murdered hostage share their journey of loss and advocacy
February 24, 2025 by Rob Klein
A packed audience at Sydney’s International Convention Centre for a UIA Gala event last night, heard Rachel Goldberg and Jon Polin share a deeply personal account of heartbreak, courage, and advocacy following the loss of their son, Hersh Goldberg-Polin. Read more
NSW parliament passes hate speech and antisemitism laws amid heated debate
February 21, 2025 by Rob Klein
New South Wales Parliament passed landmark hate speech and antisemitism legislation early today following intense overnight debate. Read more
Chris Minns issues apology and strong commitment to combat antisemitism
February 20, 2025 by Rob Klein
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns delivered a powerful and deeply personal address today at the Sky News Australia Antisemitism Summit at Central Synagogue in Bondi. Read more
Sydney University Swiftly Addresses Concerns Following Controversial Incident
February 20, 2025 by Rob Klein
During an Orientation Week event, a student group presented an inflammatory slide on the Israel-Palestine conflict and antisemitism at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Read more
Sydney’s Inner West Council unites to condemn rising antisemitism
February 19, 2025 by Rob Klein
The Inner West Council unanimously passed a motion condemning the alarming surge in antisemitic attacks across Sydney. Read more
Muslim groups downplay antisemitic remarks by Bankstown nurses
February 18, 2025 by Rob Klein
The controversy surrounding the dismissed Bankstown Hospital nurses, Ahmad “Rashad” Nadir and Sarah Abu Lebdeh, continues to escalate as several mainstream Muslim organizations and radical Islamist groups align in their defence. Read more
Randwick councillor calls for healing and inclusion during Harmony Week
February 17, 2025 by Rob Klein
Councillor Daniel Rosenfeld is set to present a motion at next week’s Randwick Council meeting on Tuesday calling for Harmony Week celebrations to focus on healing for the Jewish community in response to rising antisemitism in the local area. Read more
Leaders unite against antisemitism
February 17, 2025 by Rob Klein
Former Treasurer Josh Frydenberg and Reserve Bank board member Elana Rubin have launched the Dor Foundation, a new initiative dedicated to combating rising antisemitism and promoting social cohesion in Australia. Read more
“They will never work in NSW hospitals again”: Nurses suspended for anti-Israel remarks
Two NSW Health nurses have been suspended and are under police investigation after appearing in a social media video where they stated they would refuse to treat Israeli patients, threatened to kill them, and implied they had already done so. Read more
City of Sydney’s BDS push: a divisive distraction in a time of crisis
The City of Sydney’s controversial Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS)-linked motion is set to come before the full council on February 17, 2025, following a delayed committee vote that has only deepened community divisions. Read more
Teenager avoids criminal conviction over antisemitic vandalism at MP’s office
February 10, 2025 by Rob Klein
A 17-year-old boy, charged with causing over $100,000 in damage to the electorate office of Jewish Labor MP Josh Burns, has avoided a criminal conviction after completing a court-ordered diversion program. Read more
StandWithUs Australia expands campus advocacy
StandWithUs Australia is strengthening its impact on university campuses by selecting its second cohort of Emerson Fellows and adding two dedicated Campus Coordinators. Read more
Sydney mayors unite against antisemitism: City of Sydney declines invitation
A rare bipartisan and cross-faith mayoral meeting held at Bondi Pavilion, brought together 20 mayors from across Sydney to take a united stand against the rising tide of antisemitism and other religious and racial hate crimes. Read more
QUT under fire for antisemitic display at anti-racism symposium
The Queensland University of Technology (QUT) is under intense scrutiny after an antisemitic image was displayed during a “comedy” event associated with its controversial National Symposium on Unifying Anti-Racist Research and Action. Read more
Queensland University of Technology under fire for anti-Israel speakers at anti-racism symposium
The Queensland University of Technology’s (QUT) National Symposium on Unifying Anti-Racist Research and Action is generating controversy due to the participation of speakers with a history of making inflammatory anti-Israel and antisemitic statements. Read more
StandWithUs Australia launches nationwide campaign to combat rising antisemitism
January 23, 2025 by Rob Klein
StandWithUs Australia has announced a nationwide campaign, “Defend the Truth, Empower the Future,” set to run from 27 January to 2 February, in response to the unprecedented rise in antisemitism and anti-Zionist propaganda across the country, particularly on social media platforms. Read more
Man charged after attempted arson attack on Newtown Synagogue
January 22, 2025 by Rob Klein
A 33-year-old man, identified as Adam Edward Moule, has been arrested and charged in connection with an alleged antisemitic attack on the Newtown Synagogue in Sydney’s inner west. Read more
Australian government confirms Sue Lines will not attend Auschwitz commemoration
January 22, 2025 by Rob Klein
Contrary to reports, Senate President and Labor Senator Sue Lines will not attend the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz following backlash over her past comments accusing Israel of apartheid. The Australian government confirmed that Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong and Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus will represent the country at the commemoration in Poland. Read more
Woman to face court over Woollahra antisemitism attack
January 20, 2025 by Rob Klein
A western Sydney woman has been arrested and charged over an antisemitic firebombing and vandalism attack in Woollahra last month. Read more
Antisemitic attack in Dover Heights: Former home of Jewish leader targeted
The Dover Heights home targeted in an antisemitic attack early Friday morning was previously owned by Alex Ryvchin, a prominent Jewish leader and co-chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry. Read more
Albanese rules out recognition of Palestinian state before election
January 16, 2025 by Rob Klein
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has ruled out formally recognizing a Palestinian state before Australia’s federal election in May, asserting that such a move would require significant reform within Palestinian governance and the exclusion of Hamas from any future leadership. Read more
