The Australian Jewish News

The comments were withdrawn after only five days as Oboler leaves post early.

CLASHES AT JCCVOboler’s shock departure

NEW PRESIDENT’S VISIONAndre Oboler takes the JCCV reins

Key backer of Trump and Netanyahu, who donated hundreds of millions to GOP candidates in recent years, died after ‘complications from a long illness’.

President Donald Trump pats Las Vegas Sands Corporation Chief Executive and Republican mega donor Sheldon Adelson on the arm before speaking at the Israeli American Council National Summit in Hollywood, Fla., Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

JEWISH BILLIONAIRE DIES

Sheldon Adelson passes away aged 87

American businessman and investor Sheldon Adelson, left, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at a cornerstone laying ceremony for the Medicine Faculty buildings at Ariel University in the West Bank, June 28, 2017. (Ben Dori/Flash90)

TRIBUTES TO BILLIONAIRENetanyahu calls Adelson ‘champion of Jewish people’

CONTROVERSIAL REMARKS

Schwarzenegger says Capitol raid like Kristallnacht

Austrian-born film star and ex-Republican California governor compares mob’s ideology to Nazi lies, says it ‘shattered the ideas we took for granted,’ calls Trump failed president.

Robert Keith Packer's shirt, right, was one of many hate symbols present at the storming of the Capitol. Other rioters constructed a noose. (Andrew Caballero-Reynolds / AFP Images and screenshot from Reddit via JTA)

WASHINGTON RIOTSRioter in ‘Camp Auschwitz’ sweatshirt identified

Rep. Mary Miller speaks at pro-Trump rally against certifying the election results on January 5. (Screen capture/Twitter)

FURY AT REMARKSCongresswoman: ‘Hitler was right on one thing’

MJBW online event

MJBW Summer Bookclub: ‘The Watermill’ by Arnold Zable

Feb 9, 8pm – Arnold Zable will be interviewed by Tali Lavi about Arnold’s book, The Watermill, a quartet of true stories of displacement, survival, and resistance.

Joseph Szczepina. Photo: Travis Brown/Mint Pictures

FILMMAKER’S DISCOVERY

Australia’s most remote Jew?

When filmmaker Dan Goldberg travelled to the remote Queensland outback town of Birdsville to shoot a documentary, he wasn’t expecting to meet Joseph Szczepina.

US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin (left) and Sudanese Justice Minister Nasredeen Abdulbari signing the Accords. (Screen capture: Facebook)

ROAD TO NORMALISATION

Sudan signs ‘Abraham Accords’ with US

“Largely symbolic document” indicates Sudan’s intentions to move forward with normalisation – diplomatic ties between Khartoum and Jerusalem expected to happen in the near future.

VCE 2020

Melbourne’s Bialik College tops VCE rankings

Bialik College achieved the best VCE results in Victoria, based on a combination of its median study score and the percentage of study scores of 40 or more.

Shula Lazar (centre) with students
at Carmel.

Changing of the guardNew Leibler Yavneh College principal

Israel has vaccinated its one millionth citizen against COVID-19 and become the first country to have provided the first dose of the vaccine to more than 10% of its population.

Emanuel School students celebrate graduating year 12.

HSCEmanuel School: top of the class

By Shane Desiatnik and Sophie Deutsch

ISRAEL NEWS

Israel zooms past 1 million COVID-19 vaccinations

'Home at last'Jonathan Pollard arrives in Israel

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu gives a statement to the media in the Israeli Parliament in Jerusalem on December 22, 2020. Photo by Yonatan Sindel/Flash90

Parliament dissolvesIsrael to hold new election in March

MJBW | Thu Jan 28 - 8pm

Nicole Krauss In Conversation With Tali Lavi

In a highly-anticipated event, critically acclaimed American writer Nicole Krauss talks to Tali Lavi.

Screengrab from the Ask a Survivor program.

‘A MOVING PROJECT’

Award for JHC survivor program

Ask a Survivor was developed in coordination with the JHC’s community of Holocaust survivors. Over an eight-year period, 46 interviews with 32 different survivors were conducted.

Ribbons on the gate of the Adass Israel School this week. Photo: Peter Haskin

LEIFER EXTRADITION

‘Now, it’s not about if – but when’

“After many years of legal battle, it is our moral duty to allow the Australian legal authorities to put [Malka Leifer] on trial.” These were the long-awaited words uttered by Israel’s Justice Minister Avi Nissenkorn last week after he officially signed her extradition order.

Malka Leifer appears via video link during a hearing at the Jerusalem District Court on July 20, 2020.

'A day of great relief'Minister signs off on Leifer extradition

Ann Drillich working on her campaign
in 2016. Photo: Peter Haskin

POLISH HIGH COURT RULING

Australian declared rightful owner of family land

Poland’s Supreme Court rules in favour of Australian Ann Drillich, who claimed neighbour who saved her mother from Nazis later betrayed family and gave away their property.

Mizrachi in Caulfield North. Photo: Peter Haskin

Shule controversy

Negative momentum mounts at Mizrachi

An outpouring of disappointment and disdain has grown towards the Mizrachi Organisation following a decision to dump the only woman who sits on its executive in a secret ballot held late last month.

Sam Steif being honoured by UIA in 2013.

VALE SAM STEIF

‘An exceptional man’

The community is mourning the loss of Sam Steif, a stalwart who spent more than four decades devoting his time to JCA, JNF, Montefiore, Strathfield Synagogue and UIA.

Peace agreement

Israel, Morocco ink deals, agree to reopen mutual liaison offices

The first commercial flight from Israel to Morocco took off for a whirlwind trip by a joint Israeli-American delegation that included the signing of several bilateral agreements.

ISRAEL–MOROCCO TIES‘The fulfilment of the Zionist vision’

An Israeli woman in her 50s was found dead in a northern West Bank forest in the early hours of Monday after she went for a run on her own a day earlier, with authorities investigating the case as a suspected terror attack.

NEW PEACE PARTNERIsrael inks deal establishing diplomatic ties with Bhutan

suspected terror attack

Mother-of-six murdered in West Bank

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu receives a coronavirus vaccine at the Sheba Medical Center, the country's largest hospital, in Ramat Gan near the coastal city of Tel Aviv, on December 19, 2020. - Netanyahu, 71, and Israel's health minister were injected with the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine live on TV at Sheba Medical Center. Each recipient must receive a booster shot in three weeks for optimal protection from the novel coronavirus. (Photo by AMIR COHEN / POOL / AFP)

Coronavirus latest

Netanyahu gets vaccine to kick-start Israel rollout

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday night became the first Israeli to receive the coronavirus vaccine, hailing the occasion as a “very great day” for Israel.

An Israeli medical worker holds a coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccination, at Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov), on December 20, 2020. Photo by Miriam Alster/Flash90 *** Local Caption *** בישראל נגד נגיף
הקורונה
קורונה
חיסון
תל השומר
איכילוב

Israel kicks off mass coronavirus vaccine drive

An Israeli medical worker receives a Covid-19 vaccine jab at the Sheba Medical Center, the country's largest hospital, in Ramat Gan near the coastal city of Tel Aviv, on December 19, 2020. (Photo by JACK GUEZ / AFP)

Netanyahu said to seek a third national lockdown within days

Senior firefighter Eddie Vaysbakh.
Photo: Shane Desiatnik

FIRE AND RESCUE NSW

Award for hero Jewish firefighter

After bravely attempting to save his 90-year-old Dover Heights neighbour Marcus Opit during a house fire while off-duty, Jewish senior firefighter Eddie Vaysbakh humbly received a Fire and Rescue NSW Individual Commendation for Courageous Action.

Joshua Levi at a ceremony in Israel marking the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Beersheba in 2017. Photo: AAP Image/Dan Peled

B’NAI B’RITH, JNF AWARDS

Community’s Changemakers honoured

At this week’s B’nai B’rith and JNF Changemaker Awards ceremony, hosted via Zoom, it was announced that a new category is being added to the annual awards in Joshua Levi’s honour.

Tributes for Shirley Lowy

‘Her loss to us is immense’

Lady Shirley, wife to Westfield founder Sir Frank and matriarch of the Lowy family, passed away in Tel Aviv aged 86 last Wednesday, December 9, just before Chanukah.

From left: Josh Frydenberg, Scott Morrison and Julian Leeser.

CHANUKAH ON THE HILL

Lighting up Canberra

In a video message to the community, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Chanukah reminds us that “even when things seem bleak, a light will continue to shine”.

VideoHappy Chanukah from the PM

Premier Daniel Andrews playing dreidel with Lev Kaltmann. Photo: Ash Waters

CHANUKAH FROM THE HEART

Melbourne reawakens to lights and latkes

For Premier Daniel Andrews, a spin of the dreidel and a set of large illuminated pillars were the perfect Chanukah antidote to a CBD that’s been unusually dull and dark for much of 2020, as COVID lockdowns drained the lifeblood from Melbourne’s geographic heart.

ADF JEWISH CHAPLAINCY‘Bringing light into dark places’

A previous Chanukah celebration
in Federation Square.
Photo: Peter Haskin

CHANUKAH HITS FED SQUARESharing light and hope

Watch

PM Scott Morrison’s tribute to Rabbi Sacks

Scott Morrison pays tribute to the late Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks as part of a shloshim memorial service hosted by the Rabbinical Association of Australasia, RCV and RCNSW.

A police joint counter terrorism team arresting the man, 18, in Albury. Photo: NSW Police

'Right wing ideology'

NSW teenager charged with terror offences

A teenager from the southern NSW city of Albury has been charged with terrorism-related offences after police became aware of his “escalating” online posts allegedly inciting acts of violence.

Senator Janet Rice (left) speaking in the Senate. Photo: AAP Image/Lukas Coch

RABIN SPEECH SLAMMED

Greens Senator: ‘My timing was clumsy’

The Greens Foreign Affairs spokesperson told The AJN this week her “timing was clumsy” when she delivered a speech last week attacking Israel during a motion marking 25 years since Yitzhak Rabin’s assassination.

EditorialGreens at it again

VideoLiberals, Labor stand up for Israel

Senator's remarksPenny Wong puts spotlight on antisemitism

Aboriginal activist William Cooper and his protest against Kristallnacht.

APOLOGY FOR COOPER SNUB

Germany, 82 years on: ‘We are sorry’

The German government issued a historic apology on Sunday, 82 years since the day William Cooper and a delegation from the Australian Aborigines’ League marched to the German consulate in Melbourne to protest against the Nazis.

William Cooper’s grandson Uncle Boydie (left) delivering a copy of his grandfather’s protest letter following
Kristallnacht to Dr Felix Klein of the German government in 2017.

‘An incredible moment’Germany to apologise for William Cooper snub

Monash Health in Clayton where Dr Nasis consults.

ANTISEMITIC EMAIL

Doctor disciplined after probe

An investigation by Monash Health into an antisemitic incident involving employee Dr Arthur Nasis has issued him with a “first and final warning”. The senior cardiologist had earlier apologised for an offensive email he sent.

Regret at slurDoctor’s personal apology

BackgroundMinister slams cardiologist’s ‘jew bags’ jibe

Marise Payne addressing the UN General Assembly. Photo: UN Photo/Loey Felipe

FOREIGN MINISTER AT ECAJ

Payne: ‘One step closer for the Jewish people’

Foreign Minister Senator Marise Payne has addressed a second sitting of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry’s annual conference.

LEADERS TACKLE ISSUES

Nuclear Iran on Abbott’s agenda

Addressing the annual Leadership Dialogue, a series of talks between officials from Australia, the UK and Israel, Abbott called the Iranian regime “a monstrosity”.

Irris Makler with Ruth Hampel, one of the survivors featured in Just Add Love.

COMPETITIONS

Win a copy of Griffith Review 69: The European Exchange

The AJN has five copies to give away of Griffith Review 69: The European Exchange. Good luck!

CompetitionsWin tickets to Wanderlust Melbourne

'Prejudiced remarks'

Roald Dahl’s family apologises for author’s antisemitism

Over 30 years after his death, the estate of Roald Dahl issued a quiet apology on Saturday for the antisemitic positions the celebrated children’s author had regularly expressed.

KYLIE MOORE-GILBERT

Video reveals Israeli husband

An Iranian propaganda video posted online in the past few days has revealed freed Australian academic Kylie Moore-Gilbert married an Israeli man of Russian heritage, Ruslan Hodorov, under a chuppah in 2017.

Prisoner exchangeKylie Moore-Gilbert released from Iran jail

Kylie Moore-Gilbert. Photo: The Modern Middle East via AP

CommentOur community must rally to Kylie’s cause

By Anna Pasternak

SHER’S CITATION INTACT

‘Sanity has prevailed’

Felix Sher said if ADF Chief General Angus Campbell wanted his son’s citation back, he could “collect it himself from my son’s gravestone”.

Outside the soon-to-be reconstructed Kadimah Centre, from left, Barry Fradkin,
John Gandel, Ros Spence, Glen Eira mayor Margaret Esakoff, and Ben Mand.
Photo: Ben Weinstein

Jewish Arts Quarter

‘Dream is becoming a reality’

Victorian Multicultural Minister Ros Spence was given a briefing on plans for the new Jewish Arts Quarter, which will showcase Jewish culture for ‘generations to come’.

Antisemitic graffiti in the Melbourne suburb of Ashwood.

ANTISEMITISM REPORT

Figures down, but worst categories flare

Antisemitism dipped by 10 per cent during the 2019-20 review period, according to Julie Nathan, the ECAJ’s research director on antisemitism, in her annual report.

CULT OF THE TITANS

The stolen swastika

‘The swastika invokes a deep-seated response from Jews everywhere … We applaud the Sydney Dance Company for turning the production into an educational vehicle’.

Brothers David (left) and Daniel Rifkin started Do Good Labs, creating healthy snack food with a strong mental health message.

INTERVIEW

Brothers do good for mental health

Brothers Daniel and David Rifkin are on a mission to make us nosh with purpose, creating Do Good Labs, a social enterprise which combines healthy food and helping people in need.

MUSIC

Sydney songwriter Avital tops charts

Nineteen-year-old singing sensation Avital recently released her debut single, That Way, which quickly hit #1 on the singer-songwriter charts.

An artist’s impression of the new building. Image: Supplied

BUILDING APPROVED

Emanuel School’s double fortune

Emanuel School students will be learning in new purpose-built spaces within three years after the school was granted both DA approval for a major construction project and JCA approval to hold a capital appeal next year.

Josh Frydenberg (left) and Abe Goldberg symbolically turn the first sods on the construction of the new Holocaust
Museum. Photo: Sav Schulman

‘BUILDING TOLERANCE’

Construction commences on new JHC

A ground-breaking ceremony has marked the start of construction on the Jewish Holocaust Centre’s (JHC) extensive new museum in Elsternwick, replacing the old JHC building, which was established in 1984 and demolished earlier this year.

Effi Eitam in March 2017. Photo: Yossi Zeliger/Flash90

THE BATTLE FOR YAD VASHEM

Outrage over proposed Holocaust memorial head

Communal leaders and academics in Australia have added their voice to global concerns about the proposed appointment of a former Israeli far-right politician to lead Yad Vashem.

Mount Scopus hopes to move to
the site of Caulfield Hospital.
Photo: Peter Haskin

VICTORIAN BUDGET 2020

Boosts for Scopus hopes, arts quarter

Mount Scopus Memorial College’s hopes of relocating to the geographic core of the Jewish community received a significant boost in Tuesday’s Victorian Budget.

Parole terminated

Netanyahu phones Pollard: ‘When are we going to see you here?’

Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday spoke by phone with Jonathan Pollard, telling the former US Navy analyst convicted of spying for Israel that the Jewish state is awaiting his arrival.

Convicted spy Jonathan Pollard and his wife, Esther, enter federal court in New York, Thursday, April 7, 2016. Pollard served 30 years for selling intelligence secrets to Israel. He is now on parole. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)

Jonathan PollardUS terminates Jonathan Pollard’s parole

Meeting with crown prince

Netanyahu, Mossad chief fly to Saudi Arabia

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu travelled to Saudi Arabia on Sunday, where he met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, officials said.

AnalysisMeeting with Saudis a major step, but don’t say normalisation yet

(COMBO) This combination of pictures created on October 23, 2020 shows (L to R) an Israeli flag during a rally in the coastal city of Tel Aviv on September 19, 2020; and a Sudanese flag during a gathering east of the capital Khartoum on June 3, 2020. - Sudan and Israel agreed on Otober 23 to normalise relations, in a US-brokered deal to end decades of hostility that was widely welcomed but stirred Palestinian anger. The announcement makes Sudan, technically at war with Israel since its 1948 foundation, the fifth Arab country to forge diplomatic relations with the Jewish state. (Photos by JACK GUEZ and ASHRAF SHAZLY / AFP)

Israel-Sudan dealIsrael sends first official delegation to Sudan

‘It’s a cancer’

Pompeo says US will brand BDS ‘antisemitic’

The US will formally designate the anti-Israel boycott movement antisemitic and immediately start cracking down on groups affiliated with it, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says.

U.S. Vice President Joseph Biden, left, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, right, talk before a dinner at the Prime Minister's residence in Jerusalem, Tuesday, March 9, 2010. (AP Photo/Baz Ratner, Pool)

Bibi's message to BidenNetanyahu warns against reengaging with Iran

Monash University has issued this animated video as part of their "Plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating".The...
Posted by ADC AntiDefamation Commission on Saturday, November 14, 2020

MONASH UNIVERSITY

‘Cheating’ Jew replaced in video

Monash University has apologised “to anyone who may have taken offence” to an animated video on its website about plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating featuring a visibly Orthodox Jewish character.

Jeremy Corbyn. Photo: Daniel Leal-Olivas/AFP

ANTISEMITISM WHITEWASHED

‘Deplorable’ USYD motions back Corbyn

AUJS has accused the University of Sydney Students’ Representative Council of “gaslighting the Jewish community” after it passed a motion opposing the suspension of Jeremy Corbyn from the British Labour Party.

Britain's opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn arrives at the count centre in Islington, north London, on December 13, 2019 as votes are counted as part of the UK general election. - The Conservative Party appeared on course for a sweeping victory in Thursday's snap election, an exit poll showed, pointing toward the best result for the Conservatives since 1987. By contrast, the exit poll spells disaster for the main opposition Labour party which was projected to win just 191 seats -- its worst result since 1935. (Photo by ISABEL INFANTES / AFP)

Corbyn readmitted to UK Labour after 19-day suspension

UK probe finds Labour guilty of antisemitic discrimination

Pete Evans. Photo: AAP Image/James Morgan

TV chef under fire

Pete Evans in hot water over neo-Nazi cartoon

Disgraced celebrity chef Pete Evans drew condemnation from federal Labor MP Josh Burns and the Anti-Defamation Commission this week after posting a cartoon featuring a neo-Nazi symbol on social media.

Celebrity chef Pete Evans slammed over Icke interview

AMBASSADOR MEETS RIVLIN

Best of friends

Israeli President Reuven Rivlin told Australia’s new ambassador to the Jewish state Paul Griffiths that Australia is “one of the best friends Israel can have”.

Paul Griffiths (right) presents copies of his credentials to Israeli Chief of State Protocol Meron Reuben.

Paul GriffithsAustralia’s new ambassador to Israel

Chris Cannan with his twin sons Nicholas and Alexander and Reuven Rivlin in 2017.

Chris CannanShalom and farewell, ambassador

Zohar Edelshtein Budde with catwalk models at Paris Fashion Week.

FEATURE

Flying solo to Paris Fashion Week

From Australia to Paris Fashion Week and back again in the midst of a pandemic had jewellery designer Zohar Edelshtein Budde on the edge of her seat.

WORLD NEWS

Bahrain FM lands in Israel

Bahrain’s foreign minister landed in Tel Aviv Wednesday morning for a whirlwind visit, marking the first-ever nonstop commercial flight from the Gulf nation to Israel.

An Etihad Airways plane carrying a delegation from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on a first official visit, lands at at Israel's Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv, on October 20, 2020. - The UAE delegation left on the country's first official visit to Israel with a string of deals set to be signed after the two countries signed a deal to normalise ties last month. (Photo by JACK GUEZ / AFP)

'A historic moment'Etihad formally announces launch of daily direct flights to Israel

'Sky isn’t our limit'Israel to send its second-ever astronaut into space

By Nathan Jeffay

HOPE FOR BRCA CARRIERS

‘This could make a huge difference’

The PA announced on Tuesday that it was renewing security and civil ties with Israel, which were severed six months ago amid Israel’s plans for unilateral West Bank annexation.

A new clinical trial hopes to offer women with the BRCA gene mutation an option other than a mastectomy.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas heads a leadership meeting at his headquarters, in the West Bank city of Ramallah, Tuesday, May 19, 2020. (Alaa Badarneh/Pool Photo via AP)

WORLD NEWS

Palestinians announce renewal of ties with Israel

Netanyahu and Rivlin phone to congratulate Biden

Health minister Yaakov Litzman speaks during a press conference at the Prime Ministers office in Jerusalem on March 12, 2020. Photo by Olivier Fitoussi/Flash90 *** Local Caption *** יעקב ליצמן
שר הבריאות
קורונה
וירוס

Litzman to be appointed housing minister — again

Emirati Norah al-Awadhi and her
Israeli friend Ronny Gonen face
Dubai’s iconic Burj Khalifa, draped in
their countries’ flags to celebrate the
Abraham Accords. Photo: Abdullah Sameh Houssny/@dubai.uae.dxb

Blooming in the desert

The journey of Jewish Dubai

While the small Jewish community in the UAE is now thriving – boosted by the Abraham Accords – the seeds for its success were planted in more challenging times, by four families.

Memorial

Australian Jewry remembers Rabbi Sacks

‘The event was a fitting tribute to a man whose teachings inspired a generation and will continue to do so for many years to come’.

Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks. Photo: Blake Ezra/Courtesy

Vale Rabbi Sacks‘A shining example for world Jewry’

‘Iran and the Palestinians are relishing his arrival, anticipating a return to Obama-era thinking and policies. Let’s hope they’re mistaken’.

Following a double Torah dedication at Parliament House, Victoria, in 2012, then chief
rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks carries one of the Torahs in a procession to East Melbourne
Hebrew Congregation. Photo: Peter Haskin

Reflections‘The finest teacher of the most important lessons’

By Rabbi James Kennard

(FILES) In this file photo taken on March 11, 2010 US Vice President Joe Biden gestures during a speech in Tel Aviv. - Biden, set to become the Democratic Party's presidential nominee next week, will face in Donald Trump a president that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has described as Israel's best friend to ever sit in the White House. (Photo by DAVID FURST / AFP) (Photo by DAVID FURST/AFP via Getty Images)

'First, do no harm'

A message to US President-elect Joe Biden

By DAVID HOROVITZ

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with then-US vice-president Joe Biden in Jerusalem in 2016. Photo: Amit Shabi/Pool

BIDEN ELECTED PRESIDENT‘A great friend of the State of Israel’

Kamala Harris (left) hosted by Benjamin Netanyahu in his Jerusalem office
in 2017. Photo: Amos Ben Gershom/GPO

MADAM VEEP-ELECTKamala Harris – the political and personal resonance

LABOR, LIBERALS UNITE

MPs honour Yitzhak Rabin

A bipartisan motion was moved in federal Parliament affirming Australia’s “ongoing commitment” to the late Israeli prime minister Yitzhak Rabin’s vision of a peaceful two-state solution to end the Israeli–Palestinian conflict.

ANTISEMITIC BULLYING

More measures to come, but families ‘disappointed’

The independent inquiry commissioned by the Victorian Department of Education and Training into serious allegations of antisemitic bullying at Brighton Secondary College has concluded, resulting in 18 recommendations for the school.

KRISTALLNACHT COMMEMORATION

‘We stand with you’

On Kristallnacht, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian remarked, “We stand with you in remembering every single victim, every single Jew who experienced the worst in humanity.”

View of a destroyed Jewish shop in Berlin on November 11, 1938.

CommentThe power to choose our response

By Vic Alhadeff

Leibler Yavneh College. Photo: Peter Haskin

LGBTQI+ WELLBEING POLICY

‘It is our obligation’

Melbourne’s Leibler Yavneh College: ‘Caring for the wellbeing of LGBTI+ students does not negate nor detract from our commitment to Torah and Torah values. It is our obligation’.

JCA encourages those who need help to reach out. Source: Supplied

JCA

COVID community relief extended

Families struggling to afford school fees will be able to apply for assistance under a new short-term program administered by JCA.

WORLD NEWS

Saeb Erekat dies at 65

Saeb Erekat, a Palestinian diplomat who spent decades leading negotiations with Israel, has died at the age of 65 due to complications from coronavirus, the Israeli hospital where he has been hospitalised said on Tuesday.

Outgoing Ebola czar Ron Klain listens as President Barack Obama speaks about the Ebola outbreak response by the U.S. in West Africa, Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2015, in the South Court Auditorium of the White House complex in Washington. Obama plans to withdraw most US military troops fighting Ebola outbreak in West Africa. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Biden taps longtime adviser Ron Klain as White House chief of staff

Then Vice-President Biden with former President Barack Obama.

Biden will seek to reenter Iran deal ‘within months’

INTERVIEW

One-on-one with Alice Zaslavsky

Alice Zaslavsky first burst on to screens with her infectious energy on MasterChef eight years ago. Since then, she has become a well-respected cook, food writer and broadcaster.

Dalia Rabin lighting a memorial candle for her father during the online
commemoration. Photo: Screenshot

‘SHALOM, CHAVER’

Remembering Rabin, 25 years on

Yitzhak Rabin’s daughter Dalia Rabin spoke of a PM, defence minister, soldier and diplomat who was also a father who “took me to the doctor … visited my school”.

Curator’s pick: A photo of Bill
Clinton (left) and Yitzhak Rabin to
feature in the Unity exhibition.

B'nai B'rith NSWRare Rabin exhibition goes on show

From left: Yitzhak Rabin, US president Bill Clinton and PLO chairman Yasser
Arafat at the Oslo Accords signing ceremony in September 1993.

25 years onReflections on the assassination of Yitzhak Rabin

By Jeremy Leibler

From left: Dr Nariman Al Mulla, Rabbi Yaakov Glasman and Anton Block planting the olive tree. Photo: Peter Haskin

'A fruitful relationship'

UAE, Jewish community plant tree of peace

An olive tree symbolising peace and wisdom has been planted by the Victorian consulate of the United Arab Emirates and the Australian Jewish community to celebrate the Abraham Accords between the UAE and Israel.

Vic Alhadeff with NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian. Photo: Noel Kessel

END OF AN ERA

‘A dedicated and tireless leader’

After 16 years of service to the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, CEO Vic Alhadeff has notified the Board of his intention to step down.

From left: Vic Alhadeff, Gabrielle Upton, the late Jeremy Spinak.

Tributes to Vic Alhadeff‘There will be truly big shoes to fill’

Changing of the guardVic Alhadeff to step down from Board of Deputies

South Caulfield Hebrew Congregation. Photo: Peter Haskin.

MELBOURNE SHULES RE-OPEN

Welcome news as minyans return

As of midnight Tuesday, indoor religious ceremonies of up to 10 people plus one faith leader became permissible following the state government’s relaxing of COVID-19 restrictions.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announces Israel-Sudan peace in a Hebrew video, October 23, 2020.

Israel-Sudan peace deal

‘An extraordinary period of history’

Foreign Minister Marise Payne said Australia “welcomes the historic announcement by Sudan that it will normalise relations with Israel”.

Sudan and Israel agree to normalise ties

President Donald Trump talks to reporters before boarding Air Force One for a day of campaign rallies in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Nebraska, Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020, at Andrews Air Force Base, Md. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Trump: Up to 10 countries set for peace with Israel

Two years on

Tree of Life victims remembered

To mark the second anniversary of the shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, the Anti-Defamation Commission (ADC) has produced a short film commemorating the victims of the massacre.

A mother hugs her son in front of a memorial at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh on Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019, the first anniversary of the shooting at the synagogue, that killed 11 worshippers. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Pittsburgh congregations mark 2 years since shooting

HSC

Classical Hebrew exams: ‘Not too many surprises’

HSC students who sat the Classical Hebrew Continuers and Extension exams have been largely positive about the papers.

Jodi Kantor (right) and Megan Twohey leave the arraignment of Harvey Weinstein after he
turned himself in on rape charges in 2018. Photo: Sam Hodgson/The New York Times

FEATURE

This is what she said

It is three years since NYTimes journalists Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey broke the story that would expose Harvey Weinstein as a sexual predator and ignite the #MeToo movement.

INTERFAITH RELATIONS

Australian Catholics, Jews in conversation

The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference and the Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ) held their 22nd annual Conversation last week, bringing together participants from around Australia to share their wisdom and reflections.

Survivor and teacher Andrew Steiner (left) with Treasurer Josh Frydenberg at the Adelaide Holocaust Museum.
Photo: Facebook

Funding announcement

$2.5 million for Adelaide Holocaust Museum

The federal government has announced $2.5 million for the further development of the Adelaide Holocaust Museum, which is set to open next month, just weeks after rolling out $3.5 million to build a Holocaust museum in Brisbane.

Ministers hold talks

Enhancing defence ties between Israel, Australia

Australian Defence Minister Linda Reynolds and Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz recently ‘reiterated their commitment to continue cooperation in the field of defence’.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s international media
spokesperson Mark Regev. Photo: Twitter

AIJAC webinar

Mark Regev hails ‘the dawn of a new era’

Israel’s normalisation deals with the UAE and Bahrain have created an “unstoppable momentum” towards similar deals with other Arab and Muslim nations, according to Benjamin Netanyahu’s Australian-born spokesperson Mark Regev.

Rabbi Ralph Genende at the Caulfield Shule pulpit. Photo: Peter Haskin

‘SURPRISE AND REGRET’

Rabbi Genende to leave Caulfield Shule

Announcing his resignation last Thursday, Caulfield Hebrew Congregation’s senior rabbi Ralph Genende will remain in his role for 12 months, while a successor is sought.

MORIAH FOUNDATION

Supporting families impacted by COVID-19

The Moriah Foundation has launched “The Moriah Response 2020 – No family left behind” campaign to support families whose ability to afford school fee payments has been impacted by COVID-19.

A past Changemakers awards ceremony. Photo: Noel Kessel

JEWISH CHANGEMAKER AWARDS

Recognising our volunteers

Voting for the 2020 B’nai B’rith and JNF Jewish Changemaker Awards closes on November 16.

Nominate nowB’nai B’rith & JNF Jewish Changemaker Awards 2020

Diehard Richmond supporter Rafi Werdiger and his dad David (pictured left), and Willy Eckstein (pictured right), who proudly
barracks for Geelong. Photos: Peter Haskin

AFL

Saturday night grand final footy fever fix

While a Saturday night grand final feels a little strange, it will enable Shabbat observant footy fans to watch at least the last three quarters live on TV for the first time.

2020 NRL GRAND FINALShowing their true colours

From left: Dave Sharma, Ron Hoenig, Vic Alhadeff, Woollahra mayor Susan
Wynne, Waverley Councillor Leon Goltsman, Mick Willing, Rabbi Mendel Kastel,
Jewish House president Roger Clifford.

Remembrance service

Honouring our police

NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Mick Willing gave the keynote address at a police remembrance service at Central Synagogue last Friday.

Coronavirus vaccine

Israeli COVID-19 vaccine to begin human trials by month’s end

Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz on Monday night announced that Israel’s Institute for Biological Research would begin testing a coronavirus vaccine on humans at the end of the month.

making history

Senior UAE delegation lands in Israel

In another major milestone for Israel-Gulf relations, a delegation of senior UAE officials arrived in Tel Aviv on Tuesday for a series of meetings with their Israeli counterparts.

UAE asks Israel to move quickly on establishing mutual embassies

Etihad flight lands at Ben-Gurion Airport

‘From friends to family’

Israel, Bahrain sign deal establishing formal ties

At a ceremony in Manama on Sunday, Israel and Bahrain formally declared that they have made peace and established diplomatic relations.

US President Donald Trump and Democratic Presidential candidate Joe Biden. Photos: Jim Watson/Saul Loeb

US ELECTION

Red, white and Jew: inside the US election

Americans go to the polls on November 3 in one of the most crucial ballots in history. What issues are important to Jews and what impact might the result have on Israel policy?

The US Jewish vote

A President Biden would likely take less combative approach on Israel than Obama

Poll among US Jews shows Biden widening gap over Trump to 75%-22%

Parke vs Sharma

Defamation action against Sharma dropped

Federal Liberal MP Dave Sharma has had defamation proceedings against him over a tweet accusing former federal Labor MP Melissa Parke of antisemitism dismissed in the Federal Court.

OzHarvest’s 15th birthday celebration. Photo: Joyce Ong

FEATURE

Ronni Kahn: Behind the glasses

In a new tell-all memoir, OzHarvest charity queen and internationally renowned leader Ronni Kahn reveals how she found her true calling.

MINYANS RETURN

Clash on street after shule gathering

An ugly confrontation between worshippers and a man recording them on video broke out after a Simchat Torah celebration in Ripponlea last Saturday night.

Survivors at the Jewish Holocaust Centre in Melbourne protesting against Facebook in July 2018. From left: Joseph
De Haan, David Prince, Abe Goldberg and Lusia Haberfeld. Photo: Peter Haskin

CHANGE IN FACEBOOK POLICY

Holocaust deniers denied a platform

Facebook announced that it will now ban any posts that deny or distort the Holocaust, a landmark change from its previous policy.

Tackling denial will be a challenge for Facebook

By Dr Andre Oboler

Time for real change

FEDERAL BUDGET

Australian government halves UNRWA aid

Australia’s annual contribution to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has been reduced from $20 million to $10 million, federal budget papers have revealed.

The Israel-UAE peace accord will help create a more peaceful, tolerant and prosperous and Middle East says UAE Ambassador to Australia, HE Abdulla al Subousi.
Posted by AIJAC - Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council on Sunday, October 11, 2020

AIJAC WEBINAR

UAE ambassador: ‘It’s time for new approaches’

Abdulla Al Subousi: ‘[The UAE and Israel] look forward to strengthening joint cooperation in various sectors … and I’m already astonished by how fast we’re moving forward’.

BACK TO SCHOOL – AGAIN

‘I couldn’t wait to get back’

Melbourne students returned to classrooms this week after months of home learning due to the coronavirus pandemic.

An issue of The AJN from October 27, 1950. Photo: Peter Haskin

180 years of papers

A treasure trove of Jewish history

With the support of The AJN, 180 years of Australian Jewish history will soon be available at everyone’s fingertips.

Izzat Salah Abdulhadi (left) and Rabbi Elhanan Miller. Photo: ACT Jewish Community

Building bridges

Palestinian envoy visits ACT Jewish Centre

Izzat Salah Abdulhadi, the head of the Palestinian delegation to Australia, visited the ACT Jewish Community Centre last Friday.

ISRAEL NEWS

Israel passes 2,000 COVID-19 deaths

Israel passed the bleak milestone of 2,000 deaths due to the coronavirus, the Health Ministry announced on Monday.

An Israeli soldier opens the gates of the Rosh Hanikra border crossing between Israel and Lebanon in northern Israel, Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2020. Lebanon and Israel began indirect talks Wednesday over their disputed maritime border, with American officials mediating the talks that both sides insist are purely technical and not a sign of any normalization of ties. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)

Lebanon, Israel have ‘productive’ first talks on setting maritime border

Netanyahu and UAE crown prince agree to meet ‘soon’ as cabinet okays treaty

C Care volunteers Jeremy Sher and Taryn Abrahams deliver a C Care Shabbat pack to 98-year-old Rose
Sugarman. Photo: Peter Haskin

COMMENT

How our traditions help in these difficult times

By Ronit Joel

‘The Jewish values of tzedakah, gemilut chasadim and centrality of community, continue to guide our leaders and organisations to respond to this crisis’.

Labor MP Josh Burns and Liberal MP Dave Sharma. Photo: Auspic/DPS

PARLIAMENTARY TASK FORCE

MPs cracking down on online antisemitism

Federal MPs Dave Sharma and Josh Burns will represent Australia on a newly established Inter-Parliamentary Task Force on combating online antisemitism together with bipartisan representatives from Israel, the UK, USA and Canada.

Queensland-based Shoah survivor George Stein shows former premier Joh Bjelke-Petersen around the temporary
Holocaust exhibition in 1982.

'HISTORIC FOR QUEENSLAND'

$3.5 million for Holocaust museum in Brisbane

In what’s been described as a “historic day for Queensland”, the federal government has announced it will provide $3.5 million to build a Holocaust museum in Brisbane.

A swastika at Bondi Beach last year. Photo: CSG

EditorialEducation is key

NAZI MEMORABILIA

ADC chair in stoush with auction house

Dvir Abramovich: ‘If Hitler was alive today, he would be applauding JB Military Antiques for offering the instruments of his monstrous crimes for sale’.

COMMENT

Standing up to the scourge of domestic violence

By Rabbi Gabi Kaltmann

‘I believe it is no longer a taboo for rabbis to discuss domestic violence and the ways in which community leaders can combat and assist victims in need’.

SUCCOT – ON WHEELS

Bringing the mitzvah to the people

‘It’s been really heartwarming and exciting to see everyone enjoying the succah and the celebration of our traditions despite the circumstances’.

CHANGING OF THE GUARD

CEO’s vision for UIA Victoria

Jeff Feldman: ‘I’m bringing business disciplines into the organisation, but I’m not changing it into a business, I’m changing it into the best charitable organisation that it can be’.

Holocaust memorial visit

‘Never again,’ UAE’s top diplomat declares

The foreign ministers of Israel and the United Arab Emirates visited the Holocaust Memorial in central Berlin during their historic first meeting in the German capital on Tuesday.

Anniversary

47 years since the Yom Kippur War

Israel’s Defence Ministry on Tuesday released colour footage — some of it never before published — of the 1973 Yom Kippur War in honour of the conflict’s 47th anniversary.

World News

Netanyahu discusses Iran with Putin

Benjamin Netanyahu and Vladimir Putin spoke by phone Wednesday, days after a Kremlin diplomat said Moscow could sell an ultra-advanced air defence system to Iran.

TENNIS

Diego reaches French semis

Argentine 12th seed Diego Schwartzman defeated US Open champion and third seed Dominic Thiem in a five-hour epic on Tuesday to reach the Roland Garros semi-finals.

From left: NSW Jewish Board of Deputies CEO Vic Alhadeff, Greens MP Jamie Parker and JBOD president Lesli Berger.

ANTI-RACISM SPEECH

NSW Greens MP slams antisemitism

In a recent speech to Parliament, NSW Greens MP Jamie Parker stressed the need to stand against antisemitism and described racism as an “enduring and insidious blight on our community”.

Outgoing president Justice Stephen
Rothman congratulates incoming
president David Lewis at The Great
Synagogue’s AGM.

Passing the Baton

Changeover at The Great Synagogue

Sydney’s David Lewis has been appointed president of The Great Synagogue, replacing Justice Stephen Rothman.

Rabbi Yehuda Niasoff (right) with instructor Sam Warriner (left) and son
Avi (back).

NORTH COAST BRIS

The flying mohel

Sydney’s Rabbi Yehuda Niasoff was concerned about catching a commercial flight to the NSW north coast to perform a bris due to the coronavirus. So he flew himself to Mullumbimby and back – literally.

Australia–Israel relations

ASX eases terms for dual listing of Israel tech firms

Companies that are listed on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange and are seeking to list their shares in Australia as well will now find it easier to do so, as the ASX now sees Tel Aviv as an “acceptable home exchange”.

Jewish worshippers pray in front of the Western Wall, Judaism's holiest prayer site, in Jerusalem's Old City, during the Cohen Benediction priestly blessing at the Jewish holiday of Sukkot. October 05, 2020. Photo by Yonatan Sindel/Flash90
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Trump latest

Rabbis, worshipers pray for Trump’s recovery

At the Western Wall on Monday, a special prayer was made for the recovery of US President Donald Trump, who has fallen ill with the coronavirus.

President Donald Trump gestures while speaking during the first presidential debate Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2020, at Case Western University and Cleveland Clinic, in Cleveland, Ohio. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Trump dodges condemnation of white supremacists, takes aim at left instead

Labor Senator Kimberley Kitching. Photo: AAP Image/Mick Tsikas

SENATOR TAKES AIM AT UN

ECAJ: ‘Proud to count Kitching as a friend’

Communal leaders have commended Labor Senator Kimberley Kitching for her remarks about the ‘shameful double standards to which Israel is held’ at the United Nations.

Children interned at the Tatura camp. Photo: Courtesy Duldig Studio

THE ROAD FROM SINGAPORE

Queen Mary refugees mark 80th anniversary

Last week marked the 80th anniversary of the ocean liner Queen Mary docking in Sydney on September 25, 1940. On board were 232 Jewish refugees from Singapore.

79 years on

Babi Yar: ‘Pierce the silence’

Australian Jews must continue talking about the horrors of the Babi Yar massacre, and its 34,000 victims, “until the world remembers those wretched, innocent souls with us”.

WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 30: Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, celebrating her 20th anniversary on the bench, is photographed in the West conference room at the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, D.C., on Friday, August 30, 2013. (Photo by Nikki Kahn/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

VALE RUTH BADER GINSBURG'May her memory be a revolution'

The Notorious RBG

When Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg passed away on erev Rosh Hashanah, the outpouring of grief was global. Four local Jewish leaders share their reflections on RBG and her legacy.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg buried in private ceremony

Ginsburg: ‘The demand for justice runs through Jewish history’

Front: Hersz Friedman enjoying a 100th
birthday luncheon at COA in
January. Back: The Bondi mural his family painted
of him as a present.

VALE HERSZ FRIEDMAN

Bondi legend Mr Friedman mourned

Hersz Friedman, who passed away last month aged 100, has been remembered as ‘the life of the party’ and ‘an inspiration to us all’. May his memory be a blessing.

Addressing the United Nations General Assembly, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday revealed a secret...
Posted by The Australian Jewish News on Tuesday, September 29, 2020

Netanyahu at the UN

PM warns of fresh Beirut ‘tragedy’

Addressing the UN General Assembly, Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday revealed a secret arms depot belonging to the Iranian-backed Hezbollah near Beirut’s International Airport.

General Assembly - 65th Session: General Debate
22nd Plenary Meeting

His Highness Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, Minister for Foreign Affairs of United Arab Emirates

After years of bashing Israel at UN, UAE and Bahrain dramatically soften tone

CHICKENS ON A PLANE

Airborne Yom Kippur ritual for locked down Melbourne Jews

By JTA

A Melbourne pilot took to the skies with three chickens on Sunday to carry out a pre-Yom Kippur ritual that was otherwise off-limits for the city’s locked-down Jews.

Shule shooting anniversary

Halle terror attack: one year on

A year after the 2019 Yom Kippur synagogue attack in Germany, many Jews remain uneasy about going together to their houses of worship to pray.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has shared a High Holy Day message with the community as part of tonight's "Night to Unite" event hosted by the Rabbinical Association of Australasia.
Posted by The Australian Jewish News on Tuesday, September 22, 2020

PM'S ADDRESS

A Yom Kippur like no other

Prime Minister Scott Morrison: ‘The traditions and practices of these High Holy Days have been disrupted, so their essence is more important than ever’.

COVID-19 in Israel

Israel’s virus death toll passes 1,500

Israel’s coronavirus death toll passed 1,500 on Monday night, the latest Health ministry data showed, with over 500 new deaths recorded in some three weeks.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Alternate Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Benny Gantz at the weekly cabinet meeting, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jerusalem on June 28, 2020. Photo by Olivier Fitoussi/Flash90 *** Local Caption *** ישיבת ממשלה
ראש הממשלה בנימין נתניהו
ביבי
בני גנץ
שר הביטחון

Netanyahu: It could be a year before coronavirus lockdown is fully lifted

Israel has highest rate in world of new coronavirus infections per capita

A goal for normalisation

UAE soccer team signs Israeli player

An Arab club has for the first time signed an Israeli footballer, Diaa Sabia, less than two weeks after the UAE normalised ties with the Jewish State.

ONE-ON-ONE WITH ROXY

Roxy Jacenko’s PR revolution

Roxy Jacenko has been dubbed Sydney’s public relations queen. Well known to the spotlight, the Sweaty Betty PR founder shares how the industry’s been forced to pivot amid COVID-19.

Nicola Di Bona. Photo: Seed + Salt Photography

FEATURE

Pageant with a purpose

Believed to be the first Jewish Miss Australia finalist, Nicola Di Bona is helping sexual assault survivors to connect and heal together.

Alleged victims of Malka Leifer, sisters (from left) Elly Sapper, Dassi Erlich and Nicole Meyer speak to the media during a
press conference in May following the Israeli court ruling that Leifer is mentally fit to be extradited to Australia.
Photo: AAP Image/James Ross

REACTION TO Leifer RULING

‘We literally jumped for joy’

Malka Leifer has been ordered to be sent back to Australia to face 74 charges of child sex abuse after an Israeli judge agreed to extradite the former Melbourne principal.

From left: Nicole Meyer, Dassi Erlich and Elly Sapper. Photo: Yonatan Sindel/Flash90

EditorialOur faith restored

Judge rules: Extradite Leifer

UAE CONSUL MEETING

A ‘miracle’ of health and peace

Melbourne’s David Klein, his wife Miriam and five sons have all had COVID-19. David and Miriam last week shared their story in a Zoom call with the UAE consulate in Melbourne.

From left: Benjamin Netanyahu, Donald Trump, Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani and Abdullah bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan wave from the
Truman Balcony at the White House after the signing of the Abraham Accords. Photo: Saul Loeb/AFP

OPINION

Why peace now is different to peace then

By Dr Bren Carlill

‘Yes, Gulf countries are making peace with Israel because it’s in their interests to do so. But this peace is not begrudging’.

President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan gestures as he gives a press conference after the cabinet meeting at the Presidential Complex in Ankara, Turkey, on September 21, 2020. (Photo by Adem ALTAN / AFP)

United Nations

At UN, Erdogan assails Israel’s ‘dirty hand’ in Jerusalem

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan aggressively censured Israel during his Tuesday address to the United Nations General Assembly.

A firm friendAustralia supports Israel at United Nations

A stunned Maria Schrader won the 2020 Emmy Award for her direction of the Netflix hit Unorthodox, which tells the story of a young Hasidic woman who flees her unhappy arranged marriage in Brooklyn to start a new life in Berlin.

Unorthodox wins Emmy for best directing in a limited series

Schitt’s Creek sweeps the 2020 Emmys and makes history

BLM controversy

Shalom sorry for Black Lives Matter endorsement

Sydney communal organisation Shalom has apologised for saying the number one thing “that needed to happen this Jewish year” was the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement.

A special message from Omer Yankelevich MK, Minister for Diaspora Affairs, Government of Israel about the Sydney community’s initiative Together Never Apart 🇮🇱Support Israel - Keren Hayesod UIA #UIANSW #UIA #UIA100 #ForThePeopleofIsrael
Posted by United Israel Appeal Australia on Wednesday, September 16, 2020

DIASPORA MINISTER’S TOUR

A ‘special community’

“You have something special in your community,” Israeli Minister for the Diaspora Omer Yankelevich told NSW Jewish leaders after being given a “virtual tour” of the community via Zoom earlier this month.

Happy New Year

Shana Tova to all our readers!

As we head into 5781, we hope for peace and prosperity and an end to the pandemic, and we wish you all Shana tova u’metuka.

From left: UAE Canberra embassy’s Deputy Chief of Mission Hamad Alawadi, UAE Ambassador to Australia Abdulla Al Subousi, Rabbi Shmueli Feldman and Rebbetzin Chasia Feldman.

CHABAD ACT

Tea and honey cake for UAE diplomats in Canberra

Just hours after the signing of the historic Abraham Accords at the White House this week, Chabad ACT’s Rabbi Shmueli and Rebbetzin Chasia Feldman paid an official visit to the UAE embassy in Australia.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese.

ROSH HASHANAH

Pollies’ new year greetings to community

PM Scott Morrison: ‘Many Jewish Australians will not be able to gather together to mark the start of the High Holy Days as they usually do. But faith teaches us that we can be together in spirit’.

MP reflects5780: A year that turned the world upside down

By Josh Burns

Bittersweet New Year

Under lockdown, Israel faces bitter start of Jewish New Year

Eating apples and honey on Rosh Hashanah is a Jewish tradition to symbolise the sweet start of a New Year. But in Israel this year, bitterness prevails on the eve of the holiday.

Israelis pray outside a synagogue ahead of Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish year, during a three-week nationwide lockdown to curb the spread of the coronavirus, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner)

Photo essayPrayers in a pandemic: Yom Kippur in pictures

ABRAHAM ACCORDS SIGNED

New year, new Middle East

‘This week is Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, and what a blessing we bring to this new year, a blessing of friendship, a blessing of hope, a blessing of peace’.

Dr Tal Becker (third from right) in Abu Dhabi earlier this month.

Israel-UAE dealAussie at negotiating table

At least two rockets were fired from the Gaza Strip at Israel on Tuesday night, one of which struck the city of Ashdod, injuring two people, the military said.

ISRAEL NEWS

Two hurt from Gaza rocket fire as Israel signs historic accords

Israel to enter 3-week lockdown from Friday

Jewish terrorist gets 3 life terms for killing Palestinian family

FOOTY

Best Rosh Hashanah wishes from Kevin Sheedy

The Ark Centre’s Rabbi Gabi Kaltmann blew the shofar for AFL and Essendon legend Kevin Sheedy and explained the nuts and bolts behind the Jewish New Year.

Leah Spivak with her winning card. Photo: Peter Haskin

ANNUAL CARD COMPETITION

A bee-utiful design