new zealand Archives – J-Wire

Mother shocked by racist and antisemitic graffiti at local playground

J-Wire News Service — Fri, 01 May 2026 05:50:50 +0000

A mother in Rolleston near Christchurch, New Zealand, says she felt sick and unsafe after discovering racist and antisemitic graffiti, including a swastika, at a children’s playground used by her young son. Amanda Cursino, a Brazilian national who has lived in the Selwyn district for about six months, found the graffiti at Ackland Park on […]

The post Mother shocked by racist and antisemitic graffiti at local playground appeared first on J-Wire.

B’nai B’rith unveils global ‘Passport’ as Australian fans head to World Cup in North America

J-Wire News Service — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 02:33:50 +0000

Thousands of Australian football fans, including many Jewish supporters, are set to travel to North America for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Jewish fans will have a new way to connect as they move between cities, with B’nai B’rith International launching a global “Passport” initiative in Seattle. The program will debut at a reception in […]

The post B’nai B’rith unveils global ‘Passport’ as Australian fans head to World Cup in North America appeared first on J-Wire.

The Jewish ANZACs: a legacy of service and sacrifice

Rob Klein — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 07:35:36 +0000

As Australians and New Zealanders mark ANZAC Day this week, the contribution of Jewish servicemen and women stands as a clear example of how a small community has played a significant role in the defence of both nations. From the First World War onwards, Jewish Australians have served in numbers well beyond what their population […]

The post The Jewish ANZACs: a legacy of service and sacrifice appeared first on J-Wire.

Court rules NZ Super Fund policy unlawful — but stops short of ordering divestment

Greg Bouwer — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 02:09:47 +0000

A New Zealand High Court ruling on the country’s sovereign wealth fund has found its ethical investment framework unlawful, but stopped short of requiring divestment from companies linked to Israeli settlement activity. The case challenged decisions by the New Zealand Superannuation Fund to retain investments in four companies — Airbnb, Booking.com, Expedia and Motorola Solutions […]

The post Court rules NZ Super Fund policy unlawful — but stops short of ordering divestment appeared first on J-Wire.

Auckland Council passes Israel-linked procurement motion on Holocaust Remembrance Day

Greg Bouwer — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 01:22:34 +0000

Auckland Council has passed a motion requesting staff advice on whether its procurement policies align with international frameworks relating to Israeli settlements, following a vote held on Yom HaShoah. The motion, introduced by Councillor Julie Fairey, was approved by the council’s Policy, Planning and Development Committee with 14 votes in favour. Several councillors opposed the […]

The post Auckland Council passes Israel-linked procurement motion on Holocaust Remembrance Day appeared first on J-Wire.

Regional representative named for B’nai B’rith mission to Latin America

J-Wire News Service — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 05:08:17 +0000

B’nai B’rith Australia and New Zealand President Janine Zimbler will represent the region on an upcoming B’nai B’rith Leadership Mission to Latin America. The week-long mission, scheduled for May 3–9, will include official visits to Argentina, Uruguay and Chile. It will bring together senior B’nai B’rith leaders from around the world, including Rob Spitzer, President […]

The post Regional representative named for B’nai B’rith mission to Latin America appeared first on J-Wire.

Death threats after Israeli flag protest at Lower Hutt restaurant

Greg Bouwer — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 07:47:56 +0000

The owner of a restaurant in Lower Hutt, New Zealand, has reported receiving death threats after placing Israeli and United States flags on the floor of his premises, triggering confrontation, online backlash, and a police response. Alex Aragon, owner of the Persian restaurant Banoo, said the display was intended as a political statement. The flags were […]

The post Death threats after Israeli flag protest at Lower Hutt restaurant appeared first on J-Wire.

Jewish leaders highlight imbalance in Australia NZ Gaza statement

J-Wire Newsdesk — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 03:17:18 +0000

The Australian and New Zealand foreign and defence ministers have issued a joint statement criticising Israeli actions in Gaza while making no direct reference to Hamas. This decision has prompted concern from Jewish community leaders about what they describe as an increasingly one-sided diplomatic framing of the conflict. In a statement released on Tuesday 17 […]

The post Jewish leaders highlight imbalance in Australia NZ Gaza statement appeared first on J-Wire.

Elderly Israeli woman killed in New Zealand road incident

Greg Bouwer — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 03:44:29 +0000

An Israeli woman in her 70s has died following a road incident in New Zealand’s South Island. Initial reports from Israeli media indicated that the woman was struck by a vehicle in the town of Te Anau. Other reports placed the incident near Winton, also in the Southland region. Authorities in New Zealand have not […]

The post Elderly Israeli woman killed in New Zealand road incident appeared first on J-Wire.

Chabad rabbis from Australia and New Zealand gather in Bondi after terror attack

Rob Klein — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 05:05:46 +0000

More than 80 Chabad rabbis from across Australia and New Zealand gathered in Bondi this week for a major regional leadership conference marked by mourning, spiritual resolve and a renewed commitment to rebuilding Jewish life after the devastating Bondi Beach terror attack. Held at Chabad of Bondi on February 17 and 18, the Regional Kinus […]

The post Chabad rabbis from Australia and New Zealand gather in Bondi after terror attack appeared first on J-Wire.