Jewish Council of Australia media releases
Our media releases
Jewish Council calls on Albanese to rescind Herzog invitation
The President of Israel, Isaac Herzog, has confirmed today that he will visit Australia from 8 to 12 February and will meet with members of the Australian Jewish community. The Jewish Council of Australia has expressed outrage that the Albanese Government would fuel the flames of division by inviting Herzog to visit Australia, warning that…
Media Release: Over 60,000 Australians call for unity as leaders politicise Bondi ahead of National Day of Mourning
Ahead of the National Day of Mourning, over 60,000 Australians have now signed the Jewish Council’s petition, “We Will Not Be Divided After Bondi,” calling on leaders to reject attempts to weaponise Jewish grief, erode civil liberties, or pit communities against one another in the aftermath of the antisemitic attack at Bondi. The Jewish Council…
Media Release: Jewish Council urges pause on rushed and dangerous hate speech Bill
The Jewish Council is concerned by a number of the proposed measures in the Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism Bill that will be tabled this Monday, and urges the Government to undertake extensive consultation before moving forward. Lack of real consultation risks a bill that is both harmful to human rights and ineffective against the…
Jewish Council will work with Royal Commission to adopt an anti-racist approach and ensure diverse Jewish voices are heard
The Jewish Council of Australia is committed to working with the Royal Commission into the Bondi massacre, stressing that the inquiry must prioritise accountability, and understand antisemitism as an issue deeply intertwined with all forms of racism — rather than being derailed into a political battle that encourages more racism and division. The Council said…
Media Release: Unity, safety and prevention — not fulfilling divisive pro-Israel wishlist — must guide the Government’s response to Bondi attack
In the wake of the horrific antisemitic attack in Bondi, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese today made a series of announcements in regard to combatting antisemitism and stated that the Government would enact the Antisemitism envoy’s divisive and controversial plan. This is a week of profound grief for Jewish people and the entire nation. We mourn…
Chanukah – Vigil and candle lighting – Melbourne/Naarm
The Jewish Council planned to hold a Chanukah celebration this Sunday 21st of December, but our community is still reeling after the terrifying attack on the Chanukah gathering in Bondi. Many of us know people who were impacted, and all of us have experienced this as an attack on our community as a whole, and…
Media Release: Mass shooting at Chanukah event in Bondi
We are horrified and shaken in the wake of the mass shooting at a Chanukah event in Bondi this evening, which has left at least ten people dead and injured many more. This is the first night of Chanukah when we gather with loved ones and friends to light the Chanukiah. Many within our community have…
Sydney Chanukah Community Day 2025/5786
Jewish Council Chanukah Community Day: A Light for Dark Times The Jewish Council of Australia invites you to a community Chanukah gathering! There will be something for everyone: eating, kids activities, crafts, more eating, dreidel spinning, and lighting chanukiot. Please bring a plate to share if you’re able. All are welcome as we gather, eat,…
Chanukah Community Day 2025/5786
This event has been changed to a Chanukah vigil and candle lighting to gather in community, mourn for those lost and express solidarity in person. See the updated event details here. Jewish Council Chanukah Community Day: A Light for Dark Times The Jewish Council of Australia invites you to a community Chanukah gathering and pot…
Jewish Coalition Opposes Anti-Democratic Antisemitism Plan, Calls for United, Whole-of Society Approach
November 14, 2025 The Jewish Council of Australia joins a coalition of nine Jewish organisations in releasing an open letter urging the Australian Government to reject the plan proposed by Australia’s Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism (ASECA plan). It warns that the plan risks undermining Australia’s democratic freedoms like freedom of expression and will not…
New Victorian Protest Laws Still Threaten Democracy
November 12, 2025 The Jewish Council of Australia welcomes the decision of the Victorian Government to step back from the harshest versions of its proposed anti-protest laws, including a ban on face coverings at protests. This is a partial victory for civil society, and for the more than 1,000 Australian Jews who signed our petition…
Diaspora Jewish Leaders Urge Action Against Israel as it Orders Strikes on Gaza and Advances West Bank Annexation
October 29, 2025 The Netanyahu government has ordered strikes on Gaza killing nine people, violating the ceasefire for the second time after less than three weeks at the same time as the Parliament votes to advance bills that would annex large parts of the occupied West Bank. Over the course of just one week, the…
Two years on: as long as Israel’s genocide continues, our responsibility remains
October 7, 2025 This week marks two years since Israel began its genocide against Palestinians in Gaza and two years since the Hamas-led attacks that killed over 1,000 people in Israel and saw hundreds taken hostage. As talks over a new “peace plan” begin, this anniversary is a reminder that peace and safety will never…
On Revolution – in Palestine, Syria and beyond
What is a revolution, exactly? Where and how does it begin, and, perhaps more importantly, how does it end? This event is not the usual story of revolution: one of Kings and Generals, grand military or revolutionary acts, Che Guevara or Ahmed al-Sharaa style military fatigues and the storming of the capital. Rather, this event…
Tashlich 5786/2025 with the Jewish Council
The Jewish New Year period is once again upon us, and this year the Jewish Council will be holding an open gathering for Tashlich. There will also be some informal discussion after the ceremony. When: Sun 28th Sep 2025, 3:30pm-5:30pmWhere: Alexandra Gardens, MelbourneCost: A $5 donation to Olive Kids (+ processing fee) Click here to…
Recognition of Palestine not enough, Sanctions Must Follow to Stop Genocide
Media Release For immediate release: 22 September 2025 Recognition of Palestine not enough, Sanctions Must Follow to Stop Genocide SYDNEY – The Jewish Council of Australia affirms the Palestinian people’s fundamental right to self-determination—a right that has been systematically denied by the Israeli state. Australia’s decision to recognise the State of Palestine is a response…
Jewish Council launches ad campaign Demanding Government Sanction Israel for Genocide, Condemns Australian Complicity
September 18 2025 The Jewish Council of Australia has today launched a national campaign with adverts in the Daily Telegraph and Herald Sun featuring the faces of hundreds of Australian Jews, calling on the Australian government to take drastic action to halt Israel’s genocidal war on the Palestinian people. As part of this campaign, the…
Conversation with Rachel Shabi
Below is the recording of our event Off White: The Truth about Antisemitism – a Jewish Council Conversation with Rachel Shabi: You can also click here to watch the event directly on YouTube.
Statement: Jewish Council stands with First Nations people
September 1, 2025 The Jewish Council of Australia stands with First Nations people after the cowardly Nazi attack on Camp Sovereignty. Our struggles against racism, fascism and the ongoing colonisation of this land are bound together. Always was, always will be, Aboriginal land.
