Featured
Fast Facts: Aid back into Gaza – what we know
The current resumption of aid delivered via UN agencies and NGOs is expected to continue until a new method of distributing aid is rolled out in the coming weeks. Israel prevented virtually all aid entering Gaza from 2 March until May 19. Its rationale for doing so was that there was enough aid stockpiled in Gaza to last for several months, and that Hamas had been stealing large proportions of aid that was entering Gaza.
Read MoreIsrael’s real victory at Eurovision
Yuval ended her grand final performance in the most perfect way she could, expressing solidarity, strength and unity in the face of adversity. She called out to the millions of viewers watching in Switzerland, Israel and the rest of the world the traditional Jewish affirmation, “Am Yisrael Chai”, meaning the “The people of Israel live.” And that rallying cry was embodied in both her performance and in Raphael herself.
Read MoreHouthi deal is a dangerous blow to US credibility and deterrence
This general and by now predictable pattern of Trump’s threatening rhetoric followed quickly by unilateral US capitulation, whether on foreign or trade policy – always spun as a victory without accomplishing anything of substance – has made the world a far more dangerous place for US allies and partners.
Read MoreGreens’ wild turn on Israel cost them
The Greens party’s dismal election results, which may see them all but ejected from the lower house, show that Australia has largely rejected and is punishing its hatred and inflammatory, divisive rhetoric.
Read MoreAustralia has voted — so what happens now for the Jewish community?
The road ahead remains uncertain and likely challenging. There is some hope that a Labor government, now less reliant on Greens support, may pursue a more centrist and pragmatic approach toward Israel. Yet, their track record over the past term offers serious reasons for concern.
Read MoreHow many civilians are really being killed in Gaza?
The exact civilian-to-combatant ratio, as well as the total number of direct deaths from the war, is simply unknown right now, and may remain so indefinitely. That said, we can be reasonably confident that the Israeli narrative regarding its casualty estimates and general conduct, particularly the fact that it doesn’t indiscriminately target civilians, is consistent with the available data – including from Hamas.
Read MoreGreens ran a ‘toxic and divisive’ election campaign for Jewish voters: Joel Burnie on Sky News
Australia/Israel and Jewish Affairs Council’s Joel Burnie spoke to Sky News’ Chris Kenny about Greens Leader Adam Bandt potentially losing his seat in Melbourne due to the backlash against his strong anti-Israel point of view.
Read MoreAIJAC congratulates Labor on its emphatic election victory
AIJAC Executive Director Dr Colin Rubenstein said, “We congratulate Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his team on retaining government, and look forward to once again working with them constructively in the interests of Australia, including our Australian Jewish community.”
Read MoreAustralia’s Jewish community faces an election — and an unprecedented threat
On May 3, 2025, Australians will head to the polls in one of the most pivotal elections in recent memory — especially for Australian Jews.
Read MoreAussie leaders and laws turn against antisemitism
More than 30 years ago, my wife and I left South Africa to escape the cruel injustice and racism of apartheid. We came to Australia delighting in its openness to diversity, its freedom and acceptance of difference, its dazzling multicultural palettes, and its respect for its first peoples… Nothing prepared us for the pandemic of antisemitism unleashed in Australia by the events of 7 October.
Read MoreAustralia’s Antisemitism crisis: AIJAC Executive Manager Joel Burnie addresses AJC Global Forum
Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council (AIJAC) Executive Manager Joel Burnie joined other diaspora leaders in New York to discuss how Jewish communities around the world are coping in the wake of the October 7, 2023 terror attacks in Israel.
Read MoreEditorial: After three momentous years
Three years ago, I wrote that regardless of whether the parties of the Prime Minister or Opposition Leader came out ahead, a sea change in Australia’s historic, mutually-beneficial and close relationship with Israel was not on the ballot. Many would argue that this is no longer the case.
Read More