The Jerusalem rally was a reminder that democracy didn’t lose; the left did

Those of us who were among the hundreds of thousands of participants in the right-wing rally in Jerusalem on Thursday evening weren’t surprised when the “resistance” bloc pulled a two-fer: downplaying the significance of and attendance at the event, on the one hand; and treating the happening as evidence that Israeli democracy is in danger of annihilation at the hands of fanatics, on the other. Read more

‘Righteous justice’: Credit Suisse’s Nazi bank accounts

There are times when the oldest jokes sound quite fresh. I am thinking of the one about the neophyte banker who visits a tailor to be fitted with a new suit. When he returns a week later to collect it, he discovers to his surprise that the pants are without pockets. “You told me you were a banker,” explained the tailor. “Whoever heard of a banker with his hands in his own pockets?” Read more

Selling Kabul: a Melbourne theatre review by Alex First

We are in Kabul, Afghanistan in 2013, as the US troops are starting a major withdrawal from the country. Read more

On the other hand

Despite all the doomsday commentators Yom Ha’Atzmaut (Independence Day), celebrating 75 years of re-established Jewish sovereignty, was a resounding success. Read more

L’Chaim to Life: Chris Cantor – Israel is an amazing and magical project

Morry Frenkel speaks with Chris Cantor, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Israel in Australia, about his role at the embassy, the collaborations between Israel and Colombia, and his view on Israel’s greatest achievements since the Declaration of Independence in 1948. Read more

The antisemitism that drives identity politics

A furore over a British Labour Party politician tells us a great deal about the tsunami of Jew-hatred rolling across Britain, America and the West. Read more

True West – a Melbourne theatre review by Alex First

Cain and Abel – biblical brothers at loggerheads. Read more

75 not out

As we celebrate seventy-five years of re-established Jewish independence, I can’t help thinking is Israel still loved at 75? Read more

Israel at 75

I have recently read two great books. “Israel’s Declaration of Independence: The History and Political Theory of the Nation’s Founding Moment” by Neil Rogachevsky and Dov Ziegler (Cambridge University Press). Just published. And the 2019 “A State at Any Cost: The Life of David Ben-Gurion” by Tom Segev (Picador). Read more

An afternoon among the angels

The best time to visit Mount Herzl Military Cemetery on Yom Hazikaron (Memorial Day for the Fallen of Israel’s Wars) is in the afternoon. The morning rush has ended. The ceremonies are over. There are no jostling crowds craning their necks to see, no politicians, no photographers looking for the perfect picture to encapsulate the day. Read more

Michael Shafar – Well Worth the Chemo: as reviewed by Alex First

He’s such a naturally funny guy, quick-witted, endlessly talented and responsive. With his boyish charm and relaxed attitude, he welcomes audience interaction. Read more

Veterans of Israel’s War of Independence say the Holocaust was not why they fought

Many see the creation of the modern-day State of Israel as part of a historical narrative in which Israeli independence was a reaction to the Holocaust. Read more

Shabbat Acharei Mot & Kedoshim: Morality

For many of us reading the third Book of the Torah, Leviticus( Vayikra), is not a particularly inspiring or easy exercise. Read more

May 1 showdown threatens Hashemite Kingdom of Palestine & havoc

A showdown between Israel’s Government and High Court of Justice on 1 May concerning the demolition and evacuation of an illegal Bedouin encampment – Khan al-Ahmar – is threatening to shred the implementation of the Hashemite Kingdom of Palestine solution, cause an international uproar and create a humanitarian crisis in Judea and Samaria (West Bank) and Gaza. Read more

A Good Person: a movie review by Alex First

Broken, bruised and beaten. Read more

Do animals have rights?

Ask the rabbi. Read more

Resilience and love: Inge Woolf’s legacy

Finishing her memoir was Holocaust Centre of NZ founder Inge Woolf’s last wish, and the drive to do so consumed her final weeks. Read more

Hashemite Kingdom of Palestine key to end conflict in Middle East

Visits to Saudi Arabia this past week by Jordan’s King Abdullah, PLO President Mahmoud Abbas and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh could be the prelude to negotiations with Israel to implement the Saudi-based 2022 Hashemite Kingdom of Palestine solution (Saudi Solution) and end 100 years of unresolved conflict between Jews and Arabs. Read more

Wesley Edward BROWNE OAM

On the eve of ANZAC Day, J-Wire publishes his obituary of late father Wesley Browne written by his Garry. Wesley Brown was a highly-respected member of Sydney’s Jewish community involved in preserving the memories of those Jewish Australians who served in their country’s military. Read more

Gallipoli, Warsaw and Jerusalem and the Arc of Jewish History

We are currently in the midst of four important days in our modern history as Jews and as Australians. Read more

Never give up!

On April 7 this year the world lost one of its most significant quiet achievers. Ben Ferencz was the chief US prosecutor at the 1945 Nuremberg trials, resulting in the conviction of all 22 Nazi Einsztzgruppen members indicted. Read more

Beau is Afraid: a movie review by Alex First

Beau Wasserman (Joachim Phoenix) has issues and is having a very, very bad few days. Read more

On the other hand

This time of the year in Israel is usually a roller coaster of emotions. Read more

The Marvellous Elephant Man – The Musical: a Melbourne theatre review by Alex First

Nominated for eight Oscars, David Lynch’s 1980 dramatic biographical film The Elephant Man – featuring Anthony Hopkins, John Hurt, Anne Bancroft and John Gielgud – remains seared into my consciousness. Read more

Berlin: a Melbourne theatre review by Alex First

Joanna Murray-Smith’s remarkable insight, attention to detail and writing prowess are front and centre in a captivating production of Berlin at Melbourne’s The MC Showroom. Read more

Memorials to the Holocaust

This week we witnessed another impressive Holocaust Memorial Day in Israel when the country came to halt to remember. As well as the return of the annual March of the Living pilgrimage to Auschwitz. Elsewhere? Hardly anyone noticed. Read more

Save the planet with innovation – Earth Day 2023

Tomorrow on April 22nd Earth Day will be celebrated in New Zealand and around the world…writes Israel’s ambassador to New Zealand, Ran Yaakoby. Read more

The Voice: Two Jewish views

Henry Greener talks with two community members with opposing points of view.
Read more

Feeding crocodiles

Winston Churchill knew a thing or two about nations that tried to appease those plotting their eventual demise. Read more

Israel has it approaches its 75th anniversary

As we approach the 75^th anniversary of the State of Israel’s reestablishment, there will be much reflection on the national rebirth of the Jewish people. Read more

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