Federal coalition pledges $8.5m for Sydney Jewish Museum expansion
The Federal Coalition has announced an $8.5 million commitment to fund the expansion of the Sydney Jewish Museum, matching the $8.5 million already pledged by the NSW state government. Read more
Another Sydney restauranteur faces backlash for antisemitic posts
October 15, 2024 by Rob Klein
Nick Stone, owner of Bistro St Jacques in Redfern, Sydney, is under fire after posting antisemitic content on his Instagram account. Read more
Nomad owner’s antisemitic history revealed
Al Yazbek, the founder of the upscale Nomad restaurant group, recently apologized for carrying a flag with a swastika superimposed over an Israeli flag at a pro-Palestine protest, but media reports that this was not an isolated incident.
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Antisemitic attack on popular Sydney bakery
October 14, 2024 by Rob Klein
Avner’s Bakery in Sydney’s Surry Hills was defaced with antisemitic graffiti over the weekend, with upside-down red triangles painted on the window—a symbol used by Nazis to mark individuals in concentration camps and by Hamas to identify Jewish targets. Read more
Will Nemesh elected first Jewish mayor of Waverley in 16 years
October 11, 2024 by Rob Klein
In a dramatic meeting at Bondi Pavilion last night, Will Nemesh was elected as Waverley’s new Mayor through a draw after a tie vote among councillors. Read more
Nomad restaurant owner faces backlash over Nazi symbol charge
Al Yazbek, the restaurateur behind the upscale Nomad restaurant in Surry Hills, Sydney is reportedly facing criticism from his Jewish landlords, Robert and Geula Burke, following charges related to the alleged display of a Nazi symbol at a pro-Palestine rally. Read more
Sydney Jewish Community stands with Israel on October 7 anniversary
More than 12,000 members of the Jewish community and friends gathered in Sydney for a solemn vigil commemorating the first anniversary of the October 7, 2023, massacre. Read more
At a difficult time, ‘Shir – Songs of Hope’ unites Sydney in music
October 7, 2024 by Rob Klein
A sense of anticipation filled Sydney Town Hall on October 6th as nearly 2,000 people gathered for the debut of Shir – Songs of Hope, marking the inaugural Australian Jewish Music Festival. Read more
Young woman charged following Hezbollah flag display at Sydney protest
Sarah Mouhanna, 19, has been charged after allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag during a pro-Palestine and Lebanon rally in Sydney’s CBD. Read more
“Shock and Dismay” – no judicial inquiry into university antisemitism
Australia’s Jewish Community has expressed disappointment in Universities Antisemitism Inquiry Recommendations. Read more
Commemorations on October 7
September 30, 2024 by Rob Klein
One week from today, the Jewish world will commemorate the tragic events in Israel on October 7, 2023, following Hamas’s invasion, resulting in the brutal, sadistic murder of 1200 people in southern Israel and the capture of 251 hostages. Read more
Sydney to host first global commemoration of October 7 attack
Sydney will lead the world in hosting the first official commemoration of the October 7, 2023, attack at sunrise, marking a significant moment of reflection and unity. Read more
Jillian Segal lays out ambitious agenda to confront antisemitism crisis
September 27, 2024 by Rob Klein
In the wake of a troubling rise in antisemitic incidents, particularly since October 7, Jillian Segal, Australia’s inaugural Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism, delivered her first public address in Sydney. Read more
Review: Alex Edelman: “Just For Us” – The most Jewish comedy special since Jackie Mason
September 24, 2024 by Rob Klein
A confession: Until last week, when he won an Emmy Award, I had never heard of Alex Edelman. Read more
AUJS condemns universities amid senate inquiry on antisemitism
September 23, 2024 by Rob Klein
The Australasian Union of Jewish Students (AUJS) has launched a scathing attack on the University of Sydney and the Australian National University (ANU) following Senate hearings into the proposed Commission of Inquiry into Antisemitism at Australian Universities Bill 2024. Read more
Celebrating Rabbi Ninio’s 25-year journey: a model of compassion
September 9, 2024 by Rob Klein
Emanuel Synagogue in Sydney yesterday honoured Rabbi Jacqueline Ninio’s 25 years of dedicated service with a heartwarming celebration. Read more
Students demand USYD vice chancellor’s resignation over antisemitism
September 6, 2024 by Rob Klein
This afternoon, Jewish students and their supporters rallied at The University of Sydney, demanding the immediate resignation of Vice Chancellor Mark Scott. Read more
Sydney University responds to claim of ‘racist campaign’ on campus
The University of Sydney has responded to a workplace claim filed by several Jewish employees, alleging “psychosocial harm” due to a “vicious, racist campaign” on campus. Read more
Eylon Levy urges global action against Hamas
Eylon Levy, a former spokesman for the Israeli government, delivered a powerful address to a full house on Tuesday evening at Sydney’s Central Synagogue for the JNF NSW Annual Event. Read more
Sydney rally mourns six slain hostages
Former Israel Government spokesman Eylon Levy has addressed over one thousand members of Sydney’s Jewish community at Bondi Beach gathered to mourn the six hostages brutally murdered in Gaza by Hamas. Read more
Jewish leaders welcome Woollahra Council policy shift
September 2, 2024 by Rob Klein
The NSW Jewish Board of Deputies has welcomed Woollahra Council’s decision to revise its policies in the wake of a controversy surrounding an employee’s extreme social media comments about Israel. Read more
Portrait of Rabbi Lewin unveiled
August 29, 2024 by Rob Klein
A special celebration marked Rabbi Paul Lewin’s two decades of leadership and dedication at Sydney’s North Shore Synagogue (NSS) on Sunday. Read more
SHIR Australian Jewish Music Festival to host “Songs of Hope” concert in Sydney
August 28, 2024 by Rob Klein
Songs of Hope, a concert organized by the SHIR Australian Jewish Music Festival, will be focused on Sydney’s Jewish community. Read more
WIZO NSW raises vital funds for bomb shelter construction in Israel
August 27, 2024 by Rob Klein
WIZO NSW held their major fundraising event at Emanuel Synagogue, which attracted more than 600 attendees last Sunday. Read more
Backlash over Greens’ decision to appoint Faruqi to antisemitism inquiry
August 27, 2024 by Rob Klein
The Greens’ decision to appoint Senator Mehreen Faruqi to a Senate committee investigating antisemitism at universities has sparked a significant backlash, raising concerns about her suitability for the role. Read more
Michael Gawenda honoured at inaugural Australian Jewish Book Awards
August 26, 2024 by Rob Klein
Renowned journalist and author Michael Gawenda has been awarded the Leslie and Sophie Caplan Award for Jewish nonfiction at the inaugural Australian Jewish Book Awards for his book My Life as a Jew. Read more
Remembering Wolfie Pizem: Legendary restaurateur and community stalwart
August 25, 2024 by Rob Klein
With the passing of Wolfie Pizem, a beloved restaurateur whose influence on the city’s dining scene is unparalleled, Sydney has lost a Jewish community and culinary icon. Read more
PwC under fire: senior executive leaves after posting extreme anti-Israel content on social media
August 21, 2024 by Rob Klein
A PwC’s senior banking manager, Jim Christodouleas, has left the firm following a controversy sparked by his extreme anti-Israel posts on social media. Read more
Foxtel CEO apologises to Jewish leaders after Nazi salute backlash
August 20, 2024 by Rob Klein
Foxtel CEO Patrick Delany today met with David Ossip, President of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, and issued a “full and unreserved apology” after a photo surfaced showing Delany performing a Nazi salute. Read more
Hakoah tender process continues as CFMEU intervenes in project
August 19, 2024 by Rob Klein
The CFMEU (Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining, and Energy Union) has threatened to disrupt construction of Sydney’s long-delayed Hakoah Jewish community hub in White City, escalating tensions in an already complex dispute between the Hakoah Club and builder Parkview Constructions. Read more