Australia is a long-term supporter of UNRWA. Its work is vital. Until there is a just and sustainable solution to the refugee situation, UNRWA is the only organisation that has the mandate and central role to provide relief and social services to Palestinian refugees in the region. In recognition of the vital work UNRWA undertakes…
In April 2022, the University of Melbourne Student Union (UMSU) passed a motion denouncing Zionism as a “racist, colonial ideology”, despite concerns raised from Jewish students about what such a motion would mean for their welfare on campus. The motion was later rescinded and a consultation process with student groups began. However, just this week…
Leader of the Labor Party Minister Merav Michaeli spoke this evening, Monday 18 July, after the results of the party leadership election were announced. “Good evening, friends, First of all, many congratulations to Luna Salpeter who won a bronze medal at the World Marathon Championships. That’s a very, very long distance run. Like Luna, tonight…
Following other states, South Australia has just adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of “antisemitism”. During the parliamentary debate, Greens MP Tammy Franks tried to prevent this from happening. “Let me be clear, antisemitism is a scourge and must be combated vigorously”, she told Parliament. “What is not as clear is what is a…
LGBT Palestinians fleeing persecution in the West Bank will be allowed to work in the country, ending years being allowed to reside in Israel but little else, the Israeli government told the High Court on Sunday night. The restrictions placed LGBT Palestinians in a highly precarious situation, driving many to work illegally under exploitative conditions…
Jewish-Arab political partnership isn’t doing so well in June 2022. But by and large we are heading in the right direction. And there is a partner. First for some good news. Every day that passes since the formation of the current coalition normalises a situation in which Arab political representatives – with Palestinian identity –…
It’s a pleasure and a privilege to be here with you – as we together celebrate the 74th anniversary of the State of Israel. I acknowledge the Gadigal people as the traditional owners of this land, paying my respect to elders past and present. Premier Dominic Perrotett, His Excellency Mr Amir Maimon, Ambassador of the…
A crude hatchet job on the Australian Labor Party is not in the best interests of Australian Jewry: A response to the ultra-conservative Australian Jewish Association by Philip Mendes Every now and then, strange hatchet jobs appear in the political sphere. Most of them disappear without trace, either because the allegations are completely unfounded, or…
Passover is a sacred time for Jewish communities all over the world, offering an opportunity to reflect on the guidance of faith and the important lessons of hope and perseverance. To all those celebrating, Chag Sameach!
In a “stunning rebuttal” to Amnesty’s claim that Israel is an apartheid state, the country has been ranked above Italy, Spain and the United States in a respected global index of democratic values. Published this week, the latest edition of the annual Democracy Index from the prestigious Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) puts Israel in 23rd…