News Archives – J-Wire

Wong hauls in Israeli ambassador over ‘shocking’ video

AAP J-Wire — Thu, 21 May 2026 08:00:12 +0000

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. Israel’s ambassador to Australia will be hauled in for a “please explain” after the country’s national security minister posted a video of himself berating detained pro-Palestine activists. Foreign Minister Penny Wong […]

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Australia’s new ambassador to Israel takes up his post

J-Wire Newsdesk — Thu, 21 May 2026 07:12:45 +0000

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. In a ceremony at the President’s Residence, complete with national anthems and a military honour guard, Hawkins was welcomed as Australia’s 25th ambassador to Israel, with both sides highlighting the […]

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Anne Aly sends a message for Shavuot

J-Wire News Service — Thu, 21 May 2026 06:57:33 +0000

I extend my warmest wishes to all those celebrating Shavuot. May this sacred time bring peace, renewal and warmth to those you love. This is a season of learning and reflection, where traditions of study, worship and shared meals continue to unite Jewish Australians across generations. A powerful reminder of faith, tradition, learning and the strength found in community and […]

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Government announces full-time counter-terrorism coordinator

J-Wire News Service — Thu, 21 May 2026 06:04:37 +0000

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. The federal government tabled its reply to the commission’s interim report in parliament this week, almost five months after the deadly antisemitic attack […]

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Bondi attack security failures under Royal Commission scrutiny

J-Wire News Service — Thu, 21 May 2026 05:41:39 +0000

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. Hearing Block 2 will examine the circumstances of the 14 December 2025 attack at the Chanukah by […]

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Iran threatens war ‘beyond the region’ if US attacks

J-Wire News Service — Wed, 20 May 2026 11:40:14 +0000

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. Iran is threatening to spread the war beyond the Middle East if the United States attacks again, after Trump said he had come within an hour of […]

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Frank Lowy calls for a new game plan against antisemitism

J-Wire News Service — Wed, 20 May 2026 07:31:45 +0000

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. In a submission to the Royal Commission into Antisemitism and Social Cohesion, extracts of which have been reported by The Australian and The Australian Financial Review, […]

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Israeli Knesset expected to dissolve today, go to early elections

Pesach Benson — Wed, 20 May 2026 07:17:23 +0000

Israeli lawmakers are expected to advance a bill to dissolve the Knesset on Wednesday, a move that would lead to early elections. Ahead of Wednesday’s session, all other bills were removed from the Knesset plenum agenda for a second consecutive day. With no legislation available for debate, lawmakers are expected to focus instead on symbolic […]

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Educate 10,000 opens doors to understanding Judaism

J-Wire News Service — Wed, 20 May 2026 06:38:34 +0000

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. The statewide initiative was launched after the Bondi Beach terror attack to encourage Victorians from all backgrounds to learn about Jewish culture, identity and community life. The program includes facilitated sessions, synagogue […]

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Light over darkness: Shabbat dinner to reclaim Bondi

J-Wire Newsdesk — Wed, 20 May 2026 04:46:34 +0000

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. The dinner is being held in partnership […]

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