Wong hauls in Israeli ambassador over ‘shocking’ video
May 21, 2026 by AAP J-Wire
Australia has added its voice to a barrage of criticism of an Israeli minister who posted a video of himself berating detained pro-Palestine activists. Read more
Australia’s new ambassador to Israel takes up his post
May 21, 2026 by J-Wire Newsdesk
Australia’s new ambassador to Israel, Neil Hawkins, has formally taken up his post after presenting his credentials to President Isaac Herzog in Jerusalem in mid‑May.
Anne Aly sends a message for Shavuot
May 21, 2026 by J-Wire News Service
I extend my warmest wishes to all those celebrating Shavuot. May this sacred time bring peace, renewal and warmth to those you love. Read more
Government announces full-time counter-terrorism coordinator
May 21, 2026 by J-Wire News Service
Senior national security figure Brendan Dowling has taken up the role of Australia’s first dedicated, full-time Counter-Terrorism Coordinator, a direct response to recommendations from the Royal Commission into Antisemitism and Social Cohesion.
Bondi attack security failures under Royal Commission scrutiny
May 21, 2026 by J-Wire News Service
The Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion will turn its attention to the security and intelligence failures surrounding the Bondi terrorist attack when its second block of public hearings begins this Sydney on Monday, 25 May 2026.
Iran threatens war ‘beyond the region’ if US attacks
May 20, 2026 by J-Wire News Service
President Donald Trump claims he came within an hour of restarting the US war with Iran, prompting Tehran to threaten a wider war if it is attacked again.
Frank Lowy calls for a new game plan against antisemitism
May 20, 2026 by J-Wire News Service
Sir Frank Lowy has urged Australia to launch a major national campaign against antisemitism, saying the country can learn from the way ethnic conflict was removed from Australian soccer.
Israeli Knesset expected to dissolve today, go to early elections
May 20, 2026 by Pesach Benson
Israeli lawmakers are expected to advance a bill to dissolve the Knesset on Wednesday, a move that would lead to early elections. Read more
Educate 10,000 opens doors to understanding Judaism
May 20, 2026 by J-Wire News Service
More than 40 organisations and hundreds of individuals have pledged to learn more about Victoria’s Jewish community through the JCCV’s Educate 10,000 campaign.
Light over darkness: Shabbat dinner to reclaim Bondi
May 20, 2026 by J-Wire Newsdesk
Waverley Council is inviting members of the public to register their interest by this Friday in attending a community Shabbat dinner at Bondi Pavilion on 29 May, part of a series of initiatives aimed at fostering healing and solidarity in the wake of the 14 December terror attack.
All boats in latest Gaza-bound Flotilla stopped by Israeli forces
May 20, 2026 by J-Wire News Service
All 50 boats in the Global Sumud Flotilla listed by organisers as sailing have been intercepted by Israeli naval forces in the eastern Mediterranean, with about 430 activists being taken to Israel.
Government responds to interim Bondi royal commission recommendations
May 19, 2026 by Rob Klein
The Albanese government says it prioritised support for victims, helped affected businesses and strengthened security for Jewish community events in its first formal response to the interim report of the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion.
Herzog hosts Israel’s Eurovision runner-up Noam Bettan in Jerusalem
May 19, 2026 by JNS
Israeli President Isaac Herzog hosted Noam Bettan, Israel’s runner-up representative at the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna, at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem on Monday, praising him for bringing pride to the Jewish state amid international hostility. Read more
Lost Holocaust songbook published in English for the first time
May 19, 2026 by J-Wire Newsdesk
A rare Holocaust-era songbook compiled by Jewish refugees and survivors has been translated into English and published for the first time, following more than a decade of international research by University of Sydney researchers.
Your body may be cancelling out your workout, study finds
May 19, 2026 by Pesach Benson
Many people spend hours exercising in the hope of losing weight, only to step on the scale and see little change. Read more
Create a lasting legacy this charity wills week
May 19, 2026 by J-Wire News Service
United Israel Appeal (UIA) is proud to continue its partnership with Safewill, one of Australia’s leading online Will-writing platforms, helping supporters create a legacy that protects their loved ones and strengthens the future of the People of Israel. Read more
Cast announced for Australia’s Fiddler on the Roof
May 19, 2026 by Rob Klein
Troy Sussman began preparing for Tevye before he knew the role was his.
Trump delays planned strike on Iran as Gulf leaders press for diplomacy
May 19, 2026 by JNS
US President Donald Trump announced on Monday that he was postponing a planned military attack on the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Pianist knew he was “overstepping the mark” on Gaza
May 19, 2026 by AAP
Concert pianist Jayson Gillham has denied he deliberately misled the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra about performing a piece dedicated to journalists killed in Gaza.
Israel launches new AI strategy
The Israeli government on Sunday unanimously approved Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s proposal for a preliminary work plan for the recently established National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Directorate.
Israel activates death penalty clause in counter terror legal overhaul
May 18, 2026 by Pesach Benson
Palestinians convicted of deadly terrorist attacks in military courts in Judea and Samaria can now face the death penalty after a regional military commander signed an amendment to security regulations on Sunday night. Read more
Israeli study points to potential breakthrough in spinal cord injury care
May 18, 2026 by Pesach Benson
Spinal cord injuries often worsen in the hours after the initial trauma, as a chain reaction of chemical damage spreads through the nervous system.
Pianist’s Gaza remarks spark Federal Court fight
May 18, 2026 by AAP
A court has heard the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra was thrown into turmoil after pianist Jayson Gillham made comments about the war in Gaza during a concert.
New Israeli military museum and recruitment facility planned at former UNRWA Jerusalem site
May 18, 2026 by Pesach Benson
The Israeli government has approved a plan to establish a new Israel Defense Forces museum, a central recruitment office and an office for the defence minister in eastern Jerusalem, in a move officials say will strengthen the state’s presence in the capital.
Israel to expand mobile phone ban to middle schools nationwide
May 18, 2026 by Pesach Benson
By Pesach Benson
Israel’s Ministry of Education announced on Sunday that it will extend its ban on mobile phone use to middle schools nationwide in the upcoming academic year.
Israel-US preparing to resume hostilities with Iran
May 17, 2026 by AAP
The Israeli military has been placed on high alert for a potential resumption of attacks on Iran, Israel’s Yedioth Ahronoth daily newspaper has reported.
Iran would talk with US ‘only if it is serious’
May 17, 2026 by AAP
Iran’s foreign minister says a lack of trust is the biggest obstacle in negotiations to end the war with the United States.
Israel defies Eurovision pressure to claim second place
Israel’s Noam Bettan has finished second at the Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna, after a campaign marked by boycott calls, protests and intense scrutiny of Israel’s place in the competition.
Terror suspect charged over alleged Iran-backed attacks on Jewish targets
May 17, 2026 by J-Wire News Service
An Iraqi militia commander accused of directing attacks on Jewish, Israeli and US targets across Europe, Canada and the United States has been charged in New York in a case American authorities say exposed an Iran-backed campaign of violence.
Israel kills top Hamas military commander in Gaza City strike
May 16, 2026 by J-Wire News Service
Israel has eliminated Hamas’s most senior military commander in Gaza, Izz al-Din al-Haddad, in a precision airstrike, describing the operation as a major blow to the group’s remaining leadership.
