peter wertheim Archives – J-Wire

Royal Commission – antisemitism ‘interlaced’ with actions of Israel

AAP — Tue, 05 May 2026 09:35:55 +0000

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. Jewish Australians should not be held accountable for the actions of the Israeli government, despite most holding a strong attachment to the country itself, the inquiry was told. Peter […]

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Jewish community leaders welcome Hizb ut-Tahrir ban

Rob Klein — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 03:41:11 +0000

Jewish community leaders have welcomed the federal government’s decision to ban Hizb ut-Tahrir under new hate group laws, describing it as a vital step to combat extremism, antisemitism and threats to social cohesion. The federal government has banned the Islamist organisation Hizb ut-Tahrir, making membership and support for the group a criminal offence under new […]

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ECAJ considers contempt action over extremist Islamic preacher’s video

Rob Klein — Sat, 17 Jan 2026 09:55:32 +0000

The Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ) is exploring contempt of court proceedings against Islamic preacher Wisam Haddad. This follows allegations that he violated a federal injunction regarding antisemitic statements in a recent online video. Lawyers are currently reviewing the six-minute clip to determine if legal charges are appropriate according to the ABC. The video […]

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ECAJ calls for compromise on hate speech laws

J-Wire Staff — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 06:09:36 +0000

Australia’s peak Jewish body has warned against a wholesale rejection of the federal government’s proposed hate speech legislation, as both the Coalition and the Greens signal they will not support the bill in its current form. The Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ) says the draft laws have clear shortcomings but argues they also contain […]

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Concerns grow that antisemitism bill leaves dangerous loopholes

Rob Klein — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 05:35:04 +0000

Representatives of the Jewish community have told a Senate committee the government’s draft antisemitism bill risks missing its mark unless key flaws are fixed. At the same time, support for the legislation is reportedly splintering ahead of a vote next week. The public hearing into the federal government’s draft Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism Bill […]

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Government unveils hate speech and gun reform bill after Bondi terror attack

JWire-AAP — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 05:37:05 +0000

The federal government has released draft legislation aimed at strengthening hate speech laws and tightening gun controls in response to the antisemitic terror attack at Bondi Beach that killed 15 people and injured dozens more. The draft legislation, tabled alongside the announcement, combines new hate crime offences with gun law reforms. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese […]

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Parliament recalled as government moves to tighten hate laws

Rob Klein — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 06:23:54 +0000

Federal parliament will reconvene in Canberra on 19 and 20 January to consider new laws targeting antisemitism, hate crimes and extremism in the wake of the Bondi Beach terror attack, with the government seeking broad bipartisan support. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he would advise the Speaker to recall the House of Representatives, with the […]

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Stories of starvation spurs statehood push for Palestine

AAP — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 06:26:49 +0000

Australia recognising Palestinian statehood is only a matter of time, the Australian treasurer says, as an expert warns starvation has reached a tipping point in Gaza. Australia has the “opportune moment” to recognise a Palestinian state as the nation’s leaders say formal acknowledgement is now only a matter of time. Canada has followed the UK […]

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Islamist preacher unable to ‘bury’ antiSemitism ruling

AAP — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 05:28:33 +0000

An Islamist preacher who used harmful racial stereotypes about Jewish people in sermons will be forced to tell the world of his antisemitism through prominent online posts. Sydney-based Al Madina Dawah Centre cleric Wissam Haddad was ordered by the Federal Court earlier in July not to repeat the perverse and racist tropes used in a […]

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Segal’s antisemitism report urges bold reforms across education, media and migration

Rob Klein — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 06:17:59 +0000

In response to a 300% surge in antisemitic incidents across Australia, a landmark action report was today launched with the support of the government, aimed at combating anti-Jewish hatred. This unprecedented move threatens to strip funding from schools, universities, cultural bodies, and charities that fail to take action against antisemitism. The Special Envoy’s Plan to Combat […]

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