David Ossip, president of the Jewish Board of Deputies, told the Royal Commission on Antisemitism that a pro‑Palestinian rally on Oct 9, 2023, featured chants targeting Jews and an Israeli flag set alight, and that police advised Jews to avoid Sydney’s CBD, which he called appalling.
Victorian Premier Ben Carroll expressed willingness to appear before a royal commission into construction sector corruption, an inquiry he announced. However, he dismissed the opposition's proposed terms of reference and witness list as a "stunt," stating he's working with the chief commissioner.
Discussion on Jacinta Allan's ousting, Ben Carroll's appointment as Victoria's Premier, and potential election outcomes, alongside insights into the royal commission on antisemitism.
Unprecedented drought in Wales uncovers long-hidden archaeological sites, including 5,000-year-old Neolithic long barrows, Roman buildings, and WWI practice trenches, visible through distinctive crop and grass marks from the air.
Shadow education minister Julian Leeser urged Australian universities to audit courses on the Jewish community, Israel, and Palestine for balance, citing concerns about antisemitism post-October 7. He also recommended legislating the IHRA antisemitism definition and removing antisemitic materials.
Ian Minus, 68, was fined $1,500 in Sydney for wearing a T-shirt with a banned Nazi symbol and an antisemitic slogan outside the Royal Commission into Antisemitism. The judge, while finding his act impulsive and not motivated by hatred, deemed it insensitive and reprehensible, leading to his conviction.
A royal commission in Melbourne heard that antisemitism in Australia has surged post-Oct 7, targeting even Jewish critics of Israel. Witnesses detailed increased threats, security needs, and community trauma, with anti-Zionism often used as an excuse for antisemitism.
Australian Jewish schools are forced to pay for armed guards and increased security levies, impacting budgets and students, due to rising antisemitism. Principals testified to a Royal Commission, revealing parents pay over $1,000 annually, with government funding covering only 30% of costs, despite a recent $124 million federal pledge for enhanced security.
The president of the Australian Holocaust survivors association, George Foster, told a royal commission that rising antisemitism in Australia, marked by exclusion and attacks, has 'disturbing parallels' to Nazi Germany's social climate. Community leaders detailed increased incidents since October 2023, with one synagogue attack allegedly directed by Iran.
Former Australian Attorney General Mark Dreyfus has urged governments to consider banning protests near synagogues and Jewish schools, citing a High Court decision on safe access zones for abortion clinics. His testimony to the antisemitism royal commission highlighted a "substantial and ongoing threat" to the Jewish community, with security needs doubling since October 2023.
The Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion hears evidence from Melbourne's Adass Israel Synagogue community, firebombed in December 2024. Australia's spy agency alleges Iran orchestrated the attack, which damaged priceless Torah scrolls.
Spain secured their first FIFA World Cup title since 2010 by defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 in extra time, with substitute Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal. Argentina played with 10 men after Enzo Fernández was sent off, while a controversial half-time show and a post-game incident involving Donald Trump and Gianni Infantino also occurred.
Services Australia whistleblower Jeannie-Marie Blake is suing the Australian government, alleging repeated threats and retaliatory actions after her testimony at the robodebt royal commission, including warnings her job could be at risk.
A UNSW academic reported students performing Nazi salutes during a business class. The royal commission into antisemitism heard from Jewish students and academics about their experiences, including loss of friends and being called slurs after the Oct 7 attacks. Universities face new standards to combat discrimination.
Australian universities must adopt legally enforceable definitions of antisemitism, Islamophobia, and racism against Indigenous people from 2027. This new standard aims to combat discrimination on campuses and follows recommendations from a Human Rights Commission report and the federal government's antisemitism plan.
The Australian Jewish News has removed an article by Nomi Kaltmann that criticized the treatment of Jewish Council of Australia executive officer Sarah Schwartz by community members. The article, which called for respectful discourse, was taken down after complaints, highlighting broader societal issues with civil debate.
Australia's antisemitism envoy, Jillian Segal, has proposed an oversight committee for ABC and SBS Israel coverage. Meanwhile, Telstra CFO Michael Ackland defended the triple-zero network amid ongoing fallout from a nationwide outage, and Angus Taylor defended Sarah Henderson's actions during the crisis.
Australia's ABC and SBS defended their internal complaints systems against antisemitism envoy Jillian Segal's proposal for an external regulatory body. Segal cited a perception of unbalanced Middle East coverage and disproportionate voice to anti-Israel perspectives. Broadcasters argued their existing ombudsmen and ACMA are sufficient.
Jillian Segal, Australia's antisemitism envoy, proposed a new external committee to oversee ABC and SBS coverage of Israel. She cited a "common and pervasive perception" within the Jewish community of unbalanced reporting, overemphasis on Gaza, and disproportionate voice to anti-Israel perspectives. Both broadcasters have independent ombudsmen, but Segal suggested a UK-style regulator like Ofcom could provide "tick" or "guidance."
A royal commission into antisemitism heard that Meta's January 2025 decision to "reduce censorship" on platforms like Facebook and Instagram may have led to increased hate speech, including antisemitic content. Meta stated its processes now focus on offline harm, but critics argue the changes are unrealistic and impact content moderation.
Australia's eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant told the antisemitism royal commission that mainstream platforms, including X, are actively fighting to distribute and monetise 'gore' and 'fringe' content, challenging regulatory efforts and spending less on safety teams.
The author, a Jewish supporter of Palestinian freedom, details how Israel's defenders weaponize Holocaust memory and Jewish grief against critics, including herself. She argues this framework recasts criticism of Israel as antisemitism, flattening Jewish identity into allegiance to the state and silencing dissent.
Witnesses to Australia's antisemitism royal commission are facing severe online abuse, including misogynistic attacks on the partner of a Labor MP. Research shows factual reports quickly morph into conspiracy theories, with spikes in both anti-Jewish and anti-Muslim hate following major events.
A Jewish Australian MP details the rise of antisemitism, including accusations of disloyalty and dehumanizing rhetoric, and calls for an end to vilification to protect freedom of expression for all Australians.
