Government responds to interim Bondi royal commission recommendations
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.
Maccabi Bridge bridges generations
May 19, 2026 by J-Wire Newsdesk
Filed under Have You Heard?, Sports News
Last weekend, Maccabi Bridge held its inaugural 2026 National Championships in Sydney, bringing together more than 50 bridge players from across the community for a day of competition, strategy and social connection.
New book records Shepparton’s lost Jewish farming community
May 15, 2026 by David Marlow
Filed under Books, Have You Heard?
Physiotherapist Devorah Zmood has launched her first book, “Shepparton Jewish Agricultural Settlement Migrant Stories”, documenting the history of the Jewish agricultural settlement at Orrvale, near Shepparton.
NSW grants boost security for Jewish community
May 14, 2026 by J-Wire Newsdesk
Filed under Local, News
Jewish institutions in NSW are among faith communities set to benefit from a new $5 million state government funding round to improve safety at places of worship and other religious gathering places.
Girl accused of antisemitic crime spree has 109 charges withdrawn
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has defended her government’s youth crime laws after 109 charges against a 14-year-old girl accused of targeting Melbourne’s Jewish community were withdrawn.
Antisemitism expert warns commission that anti-Jewish hatred has entered mainstream
British antisemitism expert Dr Dave Rich has delivered a stark warning to the Royal Commission into Antisemitism and Social Cohesion.
Sydney University investigates posters accused of promoting violence
May 14, 2026 by J-Wire Newsdesk
Filed under Local, News
The University of Sydney has launched an investigation into anti-Israel posters circulated on campus that used blood-like imagery and a Palestinian cartoon symbol in material targeting Israeli universities.
Following ceasefire, mass Jewish wedding held in Kyiv, including a 92-year-old couple
May 13, 2026 by J-Wire News Service
Filed under News, World
In a powerful testament to faith, resilience and Jewish continuity, several couples were married according to Jewish law in Kyiv this week, including one remarkable couple, both aged 92, who had been together for more than 60 years.
Federal Budget adds $68.7 million in new Jewish community support
In tonight’s federal Budget, the Albanese government announced $68.7 million in new Jewish community-specific funding.
Social media posts expose ugly rise in antisemitic abuse
Antisemitic comments have flooded the online “public square”, the Royal Commission has been told, affecting the experience of many Jews on social media.
‘Greatest threat’: dire warning on antisemitic attacks
A spate of antisemitic firebombings and graffiti attacks has prompted a judge to warn that shadowy overseas actors are seeking to fracture Australian society.
Abraham Foxman, towering champion against antisemitism, dies at 86
Abraham H. Foxman, the Holocaust survivor who became one of the most influential Jewish leaders in the United States and a relentless global voice against antisemitism, has died at the age of 86.
The Royal Commission seeks truth, not ideological ‘balance’
May 11, 2026 by J-Wire News Service
Filed under Featured Articles
A Sydney councillor with a long record of antizionist activism has urged supporters of the pro-Palestinian movement to “flood” the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion with submissions.
Darwin honours Australia’s only Jewish premier
A ceremony in Darwin honouring Australia’s only Jewish state premier, Vaiben Louis Solomon, has highlighted the long but little-known history of Jewish contribution to the Northern Territory as community leaders warn of rising antisemitism nationwide.
Yom Haatzma’ut celebration marked by unity, resilience and defiance
Political leaders, diplomats and members of Sydney’s Jewish community gathered on Thursday night to celebrate Israel’s 78th Independence Day.
Second hearing block of Royal Commission to examine lead-up to Bondi terror attack
May 8, 2026 by J-Wire News Service
Filed under Local, News
The Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion has announced that the second hearing block will have a major focus on the circumstances surrounding the December 2025 terror attack at Bondi Beach during the “Chanukah by the Sea” celebration.
Firebombing of Kosher restaurant destroyed communal hub
Kosher eatery Lewis’ Continental Kitchen served customers in Bondi for over 50 years before being firebombed in an alleged antisemitic attack.
Accused Bondi shooter faces 19 new charges
The man accused over the Bondi Beach Chanukah attack that left 15 people dead is facing 19 additional criminal charges, according to court documents filed in Sydney.
AFP launches online counter-terrorism centre in shadow of Bondi Terror attack
The Australian Federal Police has today announced a new Counter Terrorism Online Centre aimed at detecting and disrupting extremist threats.
Former Age editor calls out antisemitism in submission
May 6, 2026 by J-Wire News Service
Filed under Featured Articles
Veteran journalist Michael Gawenda has written a submission to the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion, drawing on a long career in Australian media, including as editor in chief of The Age.
Royal Commission – antisemitism ‘interlaced’ with actions of Israel
While most Jewish Australians hold a strong attachment to the state of Israel, opinions on the government and its policies vary greatly, an inquiry has heard.
First day of Royal Commission hears fear, trauma and calls for action from Jewish Australians
May 4, 2026 by AAP J-Wire
Filed under News
The first day of public hearings at the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion has laid bare a mix of fear, anger and urgency within Australia’s Jewish community, with witnesses describing a shift from sporadic abuse to sustained intimidation and violence.
The interim report is a start, but I remain sceptical
May 1, 2026 by Michael Gencher
Filed under Featured Articles
An interim report should be judged for what it is, not criticised for what it was never meant to be.
UK raises terror threat level after London stabbings
Prime Minister Keir Starmer says Jewish people are living in fear in the United Kingdom as authorities raised the country’s terrorism threat level.
Jewish Australians urged to open homes for storytelling push to antisemitism Royal Commission
Jewish families and others who have experienced or witnessed antisemitism are being urged to open their homes this Sunday night for a coordinated community effort to drive submissions to the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion.
Special Envoy launches antisemitism handbook
May 1, 2026 by David Marlow
Filed under Local, News
Australia’s Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism, Jillian Segal AO, launched the handbook “Understanding Antisemitism in Australia” on Thursday morning at the Jewish Museum of Australia in St Kilda, Melbourne.
PM pledges to adopt all recommendations from interim Commission report
April 30, 2026 by AAP J-Wire
Filed under Local, News
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has pledged to adopt all recommendations from the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion, saying Australia’s Jewish community is still “grieving, still hurting, still craving answers” five months after the Bondi terror attack.
Jewish events to face tighter security as royal commission interim report sets out reforms
April 30, 2026 by AAP J-Wire
Filed under Local, News
Public Jewish life in Australia is set to operate under heightened security as the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion calls for nationwide changes following the Bondi terror attack, warning that festivals such as Chanukah will continue to be high-risk targets.
Another antisemitic arson attack in Melbourne
April 29, 2026 by David Marlow
Filed under Local, News
The Melbourne Jewish community has been targeted in another antisemitic arson attack, with a billboard promoting an event featuring United Hatzalah firebombed.
“Concert for Hope and Unity” cancelled after Greek choir declines to perform with Jewish group
A planned benefit concert at Sydney Town Hall to support families affected by the Bondi terror attack has been cancelled after members of a Greek choir refused to perform alongside a Jewish group, citing political objections and fears about security.
