Jewish Council of Australia news & media
We aim to work with media personnel, politicians, and policymakers to provide expert Jewish voices on issues of antisemitism in Australia
Max Kaiser speaks to SMH responding to ECAJ’s unreliable data on antisemitism rates
Max Kaiser recently spoke to Sydney Morning Herald, responding to ECAJ’s unreliable data on antisemitism rates. Click here to read the full article (requires subscription).
Sarah Schwartz interviewed on Channel 10 news about the October 7th anniversary
Sarah Schwartz was interviewed on Channel 10 news, about all of the people we were thinking of on October 7, and how the horrors of that day, and the atrocities we have seen since, provide us with all the more reason to fight against oppression. Click here to watch the segment.
Max Kaiser speaks to AAP about the changing tide in the Jewish community
Max Kaiser was recently interviewed about the changing tide in the Jewish community by the AAP, and the growing number of Jewish people who stand in opposition to Israel’s actions. Click here to read the full story.
One year on, Israel’s aggression continues unabated and we urge our politicians to act
[Image credit] October 7 marks one year since the Hamas attacks which led to the killing of over 1,000 people in Israel. This week also marks the start of Israel’s genocidal war, which has led to the mass destruction of Palestinian life in Gaza. One year on, countless Palestinians in Gaza have been killed by…
Max Kaiser speaks to Crikey about the appointment of the Islamophobia Envoy
Max Kaiser recently spoke to Crikey about the appointment of the Islamophobia Envoy. From Max’s quote in the article: “We wish the Islamophobia envoy well and look forward to working with him [but] although we recognise Islamophobia and antisemitism have increased in Australia over the past year, we don’t think these specialised envoys are the…
Our first in-conversation series, with Peter Beinart
The recording of our first in-conversation series, with Peter Beinart is now online. Thanks to all who came, asked questions, and contributed donations! You can also watch the video below:
Antony Loewenstein interviewed by Al Jazeera about Israel’s escalation in Lebanon
Advisory Committee member Antony Loewenstein was recently interviewed by Al Jazeera about Israel’s escalation in Lebanon. Click here to watch the segment on Al Jazeera’s Instagram page.
Sarah Schwartz speaks to The Guardian about the campaign demanding the resignation of University of Sydney vice-chancellor
Sarah Schwartz recently spoke to The Guardian for a piece titled “Campaign demanding University of Sydney vice-chancellor resigns is ‘dangerous’, Jewish Council warns.” An excerpt from her comments as published in the article: This campaign against him is aimed at sending a clear warning to other universities to not allow Palestinian solidarity, discourse, or events…
Louise Adler op-ed in SMH: “These are the things I’ve learnt you can’t ask about Israel”
Advisory Committee member Louise Adler AM has recently had an op-ed published in SMH titled “These are the things I’ve learnt you can’t ask about Israel.” Click here to read the piece (requires SMH subscription).
Sarah Schwartz and Elizabeth Strakosch appear before the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee
Sarah Schwartz and Elizabeth Strakosch recently appeared before the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee about the Antisemitism at Australian Universities Bill 2024 #2. Click here to view the committee proceedings on the Australian Parliament House website. Sarah and Elizabeth’s testimony starts at approximately [10:21:50]. There is also some analysis of the proceedings and…
Jewish Council quoted in SBS, SMH and The Guardian about Australia’s abstention from recent UN vote
Max Kaiser was recently quoted in SBS for a piece titled “Penny Wong voices support for Palestinian self-determination despite abstaining on UN vote” and The Guardian for a piece titled “Albanese government called ‘gutless’ after sitting out UN vote on Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories.” An excerpt of his comments as published in these article:…
Jewish Council of Australia to speak at Senate inquiry today opposing Coalition’s divisive antisemitism Bill
[Image credit] Sarah Schwartz and Dr Elizabeth Strakosch from the Jewish Council of Australia will speak today at 10.15 am at the Senate inquiry into the Coalition’s Commission of Inquiry into Antisemitism at Australian Universities Bill (2024). They will warn that the proposed legislation could be used to justify policies which stifle free speech and…
Jewish Council disappointed at Australia’s UN abstention, calls for strong international action to prevent Israeli war crimes
[Image credit] The Jewish Council of Australia is deeply disappointed at Australia’s abstention from a critical United Nations General Assembly resolution calling on Israel to end its occupation of the Palestinian territories within 12 months. The resolution passed with 124 votes in favour, highlighting global frustration with Israel’s actions. Australia’s abstention does not align with…
International Day of Peace Lecture featuring Louise Adler
[Image credit] Advisory Committee member Louise Adler AM is amongst the speakers for the International Day of Peace Lecture, an upcoming event for the United Nations Association of Australia. The event will be held on 21st September at 6pm in St John’s Cathedral in Brisbane. This is a free event but registration is required. Click…
Max Kaiser piece in Meanjin: “Jews, antisemitism and power in Australia”
Max Kaiser has recently had a piece published in Meanjin titled “Jews, antisemitism and power in Australia.” An excerpt from the start of the piece: In the midst of Israel’s genocidal war in Gaza, I am highly aware that Jews in Australian society have never been so visible, and that the question of antisemitism has…
Uniting against hate: Jewish Council stands with refugees facing Neo-Nazi intimidation
The Jewish Council of Australia strongly condemns the recent spate of attacks by neo-Nazis against refugees protesting for permanent visas. Last week, a masked group of men marched through the streets of Adelaide brandishing a neo-Nazi flag in a blatant attempt to intimidate a group of refugees who have been protesting for permanent safety. The…
Jewish Council says Australia must combine support for UK arms controls with action
[Image credit] The Jewish Council of Australia welcomes Foreign Minister Penny Wong’s support for the decision by the United Kingdom to suspend 30 arms export licenses to Israel. We also welcome the Foreign Minister’s statement that Australia is working with allies to place pressure on Israel to stop its human rights abuses. In order for…
Solidarity and the right to protest: student encampments for Gaza
The Jewish Council’s Dr Liz Strakosch is on this upcoming panel, which discusses the global phenomenon of student solidarity encampments for Gaza. Thursday 12 September, 6pm, Sydney. Click here for more info or to book tickets.
Jewish Council of Australia opposes Coalition’s antisemitism Bill, citing political agenda to stifle free speech on Palestine
[Image credit] The Jewish Council of Australia has today expressed its opposition to the Coalition’s Commission of Inquiry into Antisemitism at Australian Universities Bill (2024), warning that the proposed legislation could be used to justify policies which stifle free speech and academic freedom. In a submission to the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee,…
Max Kaiser speaks to Times of Israel about the growing number of Jewish people who don’t align with Israel
Max Kaiser recently spoke with The Times of Israel about the growing number of Jewish people who don’t align with Israel: “More and more Jews see the fight against antisemitism as being part of a more general fight against racism and that there is real value in forming multicultural, interfaith coalitions to do this. This…
