new zealand Archives – J-Wire

Jewish stories and talent showcased at South African Film Festival

J-Wire News Service — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 06:28:45 +0000

Three films with strong Jewish connections will feature in this year’s South African Film Festival, including the feature directorial debut of acclaimed actress Embeth Davidtz and a new short film from the creators of the award-winning Holocaust documentary I Am Here. The South African Film Festival (SAFF) returns from 21 June to 26 July across […]

The post Jewish stories and talent showcased at South African Film Festival appeared first on J-Wire.

New Zealand joins 21 nations condemning Iranian-linked attacks on Jewish communities

Greg Bouwer — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 08:31:58 +0000

New Zealand has joined twenty-one other countries in condemning what Western governments describe as an Iranian-backed campaign targeting Jewish communities, dissidents, journalists and American interests across Europe, North America and Australia. Released by the United States State Department, the joint statement accuses Iranian security agencies and their proxies of involvement in attacks, intimidation campaigns and […]

The post New Zealand joins 21 nations condemning Iranian-linked attacks on Jewish communities appeared first on J-Wire.

New Zealand imposes travel bans on three Israeli settlers

Greg Bouwer — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 07:55:27 +0000

New Zealand has imposed travel bans on three Israeli settlers accused of involvement in violence and settlement expansion in Judea and Samaria (the “West Bank”), marking the latest step in Wellington’s increasingly critical approach toward Israeli settlement activity. In a statement released on Tuesday, Foreign Minister Winston Peters announced that New Zealand would join partners […]

The post New Zealand imposes travel bans on three Israeli settlers appeared first on 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.