Resources

• Statement on Israel from Emanuel Synagogue
  
• Statement on Israel from UPJ, ARZA, ARC & Netzer
• Statement on Israel from the Executive Council of Australian Jewry
• Statement on Israel from Allegra Spender MP
  
• Statement and resources on Israel from Temple Beth Israel

COMING UP

• Conversations About Israel
  Emanuel Synagogue and streamed on emanuelplus – every Monday at 10.00 am (AEDT)
  Catch previous editions here

PAST EVENTS

• Australians United Against Antisemitism
  Sunday 3 March | CBD location
  Join the UIA family at their 2024 Campaign Gala event to hear from one of Israel’s greatest heroes and a beacon of hope. Hear stories of survival and courage; what the future holds and how we can support the people of Israel.
• Australians United Against Antisemitism
  Sunday 18 February | Central Sydney location
  We invite everyone to join us in opposing anti-Semitism at our upcoming event in central Sydney. Committed to ensuring a safe and inclusive Australia, we reject any excuse for hatred. We welcome individuals from diverse backgrounds to stand against darkness.
• NIF: Meeting These Challenging Times
  Tuesday 27 February | Venue on registration
  Join Rabbi Jeffrey Kamins OAM and Emanuel Synagogue member and founder of OzHarvest, Ronni Kahn AO, for a discussion that dives into the news coming from Israel-Palestine each day and increased challenges locally in Australia.
• Rebuilding the Dream: Uniting Hearts, Restoring Israel
  Sunday 3 March | Sydney CBD venue on registration
  Join the UIA family at their 2024 Campaign Gala event to hear from one of Israel’s greatest heroes and a beacon of hope. Hear stories of survival and courage; what the future holds and how we can support the people of Israel.
• #ridetobringthemhomenow 
  Join cyclists around the world wearing a yellow ribbon in solidarity on their bicycle ride this Sunday, January 14th, marking 100 days since the October 7 attack.
• #Metoo Womens March
  Join the #Metoo Womens March on Sun 17th December against the the atrocities committed on Israeli and Jewish women by Hamas on October 7.
• BRING THEM HOME: Hear their stories
  Sunday 3 December, 11am  | North Shore Location
  Hear from the family members of hostages and victims of the October 7 attacks, visiting Sydney from Israel. Register Here
  
• Kehilat Nitzan​​​​​​​ Q&A: Israel solidarity trip
  Thursday 30 November, 8.00 pm | Zoom
  Join us on Zoom to hear about our plan to run an inspiring Solidarity Trip from May 9 – 23, 2024. The aim of the trip is to show support for the People of Israel through a Masorti lens and will include: time in Jerusalem with Rabbi Ehud Bandel, visits to affected communities in the South, time devoted to volunteering, commemorating a very meaningful Yom Hazikaron, and Yom Ha’atzmaut on the streets of Israel’s Eternal Capital. More info here
• WEBINAR: Supporting Children In Times Of Crisis, Session 2
  Monday 4 December, 7.30 pm | Zoom
  Join Wolper Jewish Hospital and the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies for an exclusive Wellbeing Webinar Series dedicated to safeguarding our mental health during these challenging times.Info and registration here
  Missed session 1? Catch up here
• Bring Them Back Home Rally Sydney
  Sunday 26 November, 10.00am
• Set Them Free Solidarity Vigil
  Sun 12 November, 11.00 am, Sydney
• United Israel Appeal: Update From the Ground
  Monday 13 November, 7.30 pm | Eastern Suburbs location
• Israel in Crisis: Briefing with Yotam Polizer, IsraAID Global CEO
  Tue 14 November, 7.00 pm (AEDT) | Online
• Climate Shabbat Dinner: “L’dor v’dor” (From Generation to Generation)
  Emanuel Synagogue, Friday 17 November, 7.30 pm 
• Combatting Hate Speech in the Digital Age with Karel Fracapane (UNESCO)
  Melbourne Holocaust Museum, Thursday 9 November at 7.00 pm
• NSW Jewish Community Gathering – United with Israel
  Sydney, Wednesday 11 October 2023 at 6.00 pm (AEDT)
• Webinar with former Prime Minister of Israel, Naftali Bennett – Jewish National Fund of Australia
  Webinar, Thursday 12 October at 5.00 pm (AEDT)
• NCJWA’s Australian Jewish women’s solidarity and prayer meeting
  Online, Sunday 15 October 2023 at 8.00 pm (AEDT)
• Lost for Words: Talking to Our Kids About Crisis
  Discuss over Zoom how to navigate these conversations with under 5-year-olds, 5-8-year-olds and teens.
  16 October 2023 at 8.00 pm (AEDT)
• A gathering of song, support and solidarity for young Jewish adults
  Location in Sydney TBC, 15 October 2023 at 5.00 pm (AEDT)
• Jewish Communal Appeal (JCA) Israel update for Jewish high school students
  Online, Sunday 15 October 2023 at 5.00 pm (AEDT)
• Concert for Israel, presented by Friends of Wolper and Emanuel Synagogue 
  Sunday 29 October, 5.30 – 7.00 pm
  A special performance by world-renowned pianist Simon Tedeschi and international soprano Eleanor Lyons in support of Israel and to raise funds for Magen David Adom (MDA).
• The PTSD Fallout from the War with Hamas with Professor Bar Haim
  Tuesday 24 October, 6.30 pm (AEDT)
  Presented by Tel Aviv

WATCH

• Never Again: The Fight Against Antisemitism
  In a powerful new documentary, Josh Frydenberg investigates the devastating impact of antisemitism on Australia. Watch here (SkyNews subscription required).
  Watch Here
• Ultra-Orthodox draft explained
  Watch this explainer video on rising tensions over Ultra-Orthodox draft exemptions.
  Watch Here
• Jerusalem Marathon
  Watch scenes from the 40,000 who ran in 13th annual Jerusalem marathon, with a spotlight on hostages.
  Watch Here
• Brazil Rally
  Marvel at the scenes from the massive rally held in Brazil
  Watch Here
• Barbra Streisand’s Lifetime Achievement Award
  Enjoy Barbra Streisand’s powerful Life Achievement Award acceptance speech, where she addresses the importance of combating antisemitism
  Watch Here
• What It Means To Be Jewish
  Watch the powerful video on What it Means to Be Jewish in a post-October 7 world.
  Watch Here
• Super Bowl ad
  Watch the thousands of Jews gathered at the Western Wall in Jerusalem to pray for the Israeli hostages in Gaza and IDF soldiers on the frontlines.
  Watch Here
• Am Yisrael Chai
  Watch the moving rendition of Eyal Golan’s ‘Am Yisrael Chai’; performed by the students of Moriah College.
  Watch Here
• U2 Tribute
  U2 pays tribute to the hundreds killed at the Supernova Music Festival.
  Watch Here
• Diversity in Israel
  Watch the thought-provoking sermon by Rabbi Angela Buchdahl, addressing the diversity of the Israeli people and their place in post-October 7 Israel.
  Watch Here
• #ridetobringthemhomenow
  cyclists from around the world ride with a yellow ribbon on their bicycles last Sunday, January 14th, for the #ridetobringthemhomenow initiative, marking 100 days since the October 7 attack.
  Watch Here
  
• Hope at the Western Wall
  Watch the thousands of Jews gathered at the Western Wall in Jerusalem to pray for the Israeli hostages in Gaza and IDF soldiers on the frontlines.
  Watch Here
  
• #ridetobringthemhomenow
  Watch the cyclists from around the world riding with a yellow ribbon on their bicycles last Sunday, January 14th, marking 100 days since the October 7 attack.
  Watch Here
• Meals to the front line
  Watch the hundreds of restaurants and volunteers at Culinary Institute of Israel, working to cook thousands of meals for Israeli soldiers on the front line.
  Watch Here
• Homeland concert
  Watch the Concert that brought together 1000 musicians in Caesarea, united in their call to bring the hostages home.
  Watch here
• Mia Schem speaks out
  Watch the gripping interview with recently released hostage Mia Schem, who shares her harrowing experience in captivity.
  Watch Here
  
• Sahar Kalderon tells her story
  Meet Sahar Kalderon, the 16-year-old daughter of Ofer Kalderon—Emanuel Synagogue’s adopted Missing Hero—as she recounts her experience in captivity and expresses her hope for the safe return of her father.
  Watch Here
• #METOOUNLESSURAJEW
  Watch the Heart-wrenching moments from the women’s rights vigil held in Sydney last Sunday: #METOO UNLESS UR A JEW organised by the United With Israel and Bring Them Home organisations
  Watch Here
• Rabbi Ninio’s speech: #MEETOOUNLESSURAJEW
  Watch Rabbi Ninio’s speech to the thousands in attendance at the #METOO UNLESS UR A JEW vigil.
  Watch Here
• Social cohesion amidst rising tension
  Watch ‘Social Cohesion Amidst Rising Tension: A Conversation’ with Josh Burns MP and Allegra Spender MP hosted by New Israel Fund Australia.
  Watch Here
• Eitan Chitayat explains
  Watch writer Eitan Chitayat’s explainer video helping Jewish kids understand the October 7 attacks.
  Watch Here
• CHUTNEY ft. Sarit Michael | Kama at Yafa
  The new rendition of the Israeli pop anthem ‘Kama At Yafa’ (כמה את יפה – ‘How Beautiful You Are’ in English) helping raise awareness of the hostages still held by Hamas. 
  Watch here
• Koolulam | Like A prayer
  international musical project advocating for the return of the abducted.
  Watch here
• Allegra Spender MP Speaks in Parliament following a motion condemning Hamas
  House of Representatives Chamber, Monday 16 October 2023
  Watch here
• Shabbat live stream at Emanuel Synagogue
  Every Friday from 6.15 pm (AEDT) on Emanuelplus
  Free access here
• Hamas and Gaza | A Liberal Israeli’s View – Yuval Noah Harari
  The Rest is Politics YouTube channel with Alastair Campbell, Rory Stewart and Israeli historian Yuval Noah Harari
  Watch here
• Veteran Israeli defence journalist Yoav Limor interview
  Presented by the Jewish National Fund of Australia
  Watch here
• Rishi Sunak: ‘There are not two sides – Hamas are terrorists’ (Sky News)
  The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom addresses a vigil for Israeli victims at a synagogue in north London.
  Watch here
• President Biden on the Israel-Hamas conflict (CNBC)
  The US President delivers remarks on the Hamas attacks in Israel and the current conflict in the Gaza Strip.
  Watch here
• Address by Isreal’s Leader of the Opposition, Yair Lapid
  “You should have told the foreign media the hard truth – stop helping Hamas!”
  Watch here

READ 

• Protests in Israel
  Tens of Thousands of Israelis Launch Week of Protests.
  Read Here
• Campus Protests
  Untangling the ethics of campus protests.
  Read Here
• A Greek-Jewish perspective
  A Greek-Jewish perspective on combatting hatred in Australia.
  Read Here
• Extremists Infiltrate Pro-Palestine Movement
  Extremist Islamic group infiltrates Australia’s pro-Palestine movement
  Read Here
• Three Very Different Israel Visits
  Emanuel Synagogue board member and UPJ Co-President Danny Hochberg report on their recent visits to Israel.
  Read Here
• Freedom From Hamas
  ‘Operation Arnon’: How four hostages were freed from Hamas captivity in Gaza.
  Read Here
• Israeli Rallies Continue
  Rallies celebrate the rescue of hostages, urge deal to free remaining captives.
  Read Here
• Toronto Rally
  50,000 people attend rally in Toronto to show solidarity with Israel.
  Read Here
• Mexico’s 1st Female and Jewish President
  Claudia Sheinbaum wins the election to become Mexico’s 1st woman and 1st Jewish president.
  Read Here
• Road Block
  Hundreds of protesters favouring the hostage deal block the road at Begin Road.
  Read Here
• Hezbollah operative killed
  Top Hezbollah operative killed in IDF strike, as drones and rockets fly at north.
  Read Here
  
• Rafah Denied
  Netanyahu denies claim he’s blocking hostage deal after tragic Rafah air strike.
  Read Here
• Funeral March
  Thousands join funeral march for hostage Hanan Yablonka In show of solidarity.
  Read Here
• Recognising a Palestinian State
  Read the article on what it means to recognize a Palestinian State.
  Read Here
• Temporary Visas
  Canada pledges temporary visas for 5,000 Gaza residents.
  Read Here
• Eurovision Song at Rally
  Eden Golan sings ‘October Rain,’ her disqualified Eurovision song, at hostage rally.
  Read Here
• Rafah Evacuation
  IDF estimates 950,000 Gazans have evacuated from Rafah amid offensive.
  Read Here
• Aid Convoys to be Protected
  Arab-Jewish movement plans to guard Gaza aid convoys from looters.
  Read Here
• University Encampments
  Universities step up action in push to end encampments.
  Read Here
• Weekly readings
  Dive into a diverse selection of contemporary readings, refreshed weekly, and thoughtfully curated by the Center for Israel Education.
  Read Here
• UN Meets
  UN Security Council to meet Sunday for emergency talks on Iran’s attack against Israel.
  Read Here

• New Law
  Read about the New law will sanction cell phone companies that don’t provide coverage in the West Bank.
  Read Here
  

• Israeli Municipal Elections
  Take a glimpse at the 2024 Israeli Municipal elections.
  Read Here
  

• Families Head To Jerusalem
  Hostage families head to Jerusalem for a rally after a 4-day march.
  Read Here
  

• Israeli Music Transformation
  Explore the transformation of Israeli music since October 7.
  Read Here

• Israel’s Print Media Figures
  Discover Israel’s leading figures in print media today.
  Read Here

• Israel 75
  Amongst uncertainty, how are Israelis celebrating Israel’s 75th anniversary? Featuring a portraiture series by Hila Gvir. 
  Read Here
• Emanuel Artworks in Times square
  Discover the narrative behind the impactful artworks crafted by students from Emanuel School and around the world. These creations are devoted to raising awareness for hostages still in captivity, and will take center stage in an upcoming exhibition at Times Square next week.
  Read here
• Avashai Conyer’s letter to the Zionist Youth
  Read the Mazkir of Progressive Zionist youth movement Avashai Conyer’s article in AJN this week.
  Read here
• Chutney goes viral
  Read the story of how the frequent Emanuel Synagogue band, Chutney, and their solidarity song went viral.
  Read here
• The House of Representatives voted in favour of a motion condemning Hamas’ attacks on Israel
  House of Representatives Chamber, Monday 16 October 2023
  Read the motion here
• Sermon: Shabbat Live, Friday 13 October
  Rabbi Jacqueline Ninio, Emanuel Synagogue
  Read here
• Talking to Your Kids About What’s Happening in Israel
  Jamie Betesh Carter, Tablet Magazine
  Read here
• Looking Forward newsletter
  Jodi Rudoren, Forward Editor-in-Chief
  Read here
• ‘What it doesn’t feel safe to say.’
  Mia Freedman processes what has happened in Israel and the reaction to terrorism by some here in Australia.
  Read here
• ‘How to talk to your children about Israel.’
  Jessica Abelsohn, Australian Jewish News
  Read here
• NSW Jewish Board of Deputies newsletter
  President David Ossip
  Read here
• How Gaza Became Israel’s Unsolvable Problem
  Michael Oren, Mosaic Magazine
  Read here
• The Fallacy of Equality of Condemnation
  Geoffrey Corn, Smercornish.com
  Read here
• Why is Israel being blamed for the Hamas massacre?
  Yossi Klein Halevi, The Times of Israel
  Read here

LISTEN

• AJN goes audible
  The Australian Jewish News is now offering audio articles for anyone with visual impairment. Contact Anne on 0411 225 066 for more information.
• Jewish Pride Playlist
  Download the ultimate Jewish Pride Playlist, curated by Karen Cinnamon for strength, pride, and light in the darkness.
  Listen Here
• Two Nice Jewish Boys
  Pianist Igor Levit shares his experience playing piano in Israel after the October 7 attacks. 
  Listen Here
• Reporting from Israel – Unorthodox Podcast
  Listen to Tablet’s Unorthodox podcast, which is reporting from Israel all week.
  Listen here
• The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing podcast
  Your update on what’s important in Israel, the Middle East, and The Jewish World.
  Listen here
• Voices From Israel | Unorthodox podcast, Tablet Media
  Hear firsthand from those who have faced unspeakable tragedy, and acted with incredible bravery since the terror attack on 7 October. You’ll hear from someone who escaped the NOVA music festival, friends donating supplies in Tel Aviv, and a report from the missing persons centre near Ben Gurion Airport, where Israelis are coming in droves to look for information about their loved ones. Features a rendition of “Avinu Malkeinu” performed by Regina Spektor, and “Eli, Eli” sung by Jenny Penkin and J.Lamotta.
  Listen here

ACT NOW

• #bringthemhomenow Dreidel
  Show your support for the families of the abductees celebrating Chanukah without their loved ones this December by creating a #bringthemhomenow Dreidel.
  Download the template here
• Magen David Adom
  Magen David Adom, Israel’s emergency medical system, needs your help now to purchase more ambulances, ballistic vests to protect EMTs and paramedics under fire, and hemostatic bandages to control the potentially fatal bleeds of patients with shrapnel and gunshot wounds.
  Donate here
• United Israel Appeal
  Donations go to financial support for the Victims of Terror Fund, provision of mobile bomb shelters, relocating families out of danger and supporting displaced victims.
  Donate here
• Operation Golda: Israel Emergency Support
  Operation Golda is a grassroots volunteer organisation set up in Sydney immediately following the 7 October terror attack in Israel. Operation Golda’s mission is to respond and fulfill urgent verified requests from Magen David Adom (MDA) and other organisations for humanitarian aid and trauma supplies needed in Israel that cannot be sourced there.
  Donate here
• JCA Never Again Response Appeal 
  A solely established appeal, separate to JCA’s annual general campaign, which will enable us to fund increased resourcing needs for our frontline advocacy and security organisations. JCA’s priority is to ensure that our local Jewish community is safe, united, supported, connected, and represented while we continue to stand with Israel and her people.
• Jewish National Fund of Australia
  Donations will support the replenishment of equipment for first responders and self-defence units, respite relocation for Gaza border families, mental health support and mobile shelters.
  Donate here
• SmartAID Israel Relief Fund 
  Donations will support the distribution of food, hygiene and dignity kits, socks, toys, blankets, and tablets for children (social and education support) and families in a dozen kibbutzim in the south as well as areas in the north that have absorbed thousands of evacuated families.
  Donate here
• Send a Virtual Hug to the people of Israel
  Upload your video of support to United Israel Appeal’s community channel
  Contribute here
• Sign the Urgent Appeal: Release Kidnapped Children and Women from Gaza Now
  Join Hundreds of Women Leaders Worldwide and Save Lives
  Participate here
• Hats for Israeli soldiers 
  Knit beanies for IDF soldiers fighting in the freezing cold.
  Contribute here

GET SUPPORT

• JewishCare and Jewish House Counselling
  Access a team of professional staff and counsellors to discuss the concerns of any community member at any time.​ Call JewishCare on 1300 133 660​ from 9.00 am – 5.00 pm or Jewish House outside of these hours on 1300 544 357.
• Workplace mental health toolkit for Jewish employees
  A resource to support the mental health of Israeli and Jewish staff during the crisis in Israel that you can send to your manager or HR representative.
  Download here

• Jewish Care Rainbow Youth Group
  Starts Tuesday 13 February, 4.30 – 6.00 pm | 3 Saber St, Woollahra
  The Rainbow Youth Group is designed and facilitated by a Jewish, LGBTQIA+ and gender diverse community leader and a qualified Social Worker. Each week will be made up of informal discussions around current topics of interest, creative activities and connecting with others; Whether you’re looking for community, intersted in improving your advocacy skills or just want to listen and observe, we are here for it! 

• Parents Of Rainbow Youth
  Starts Tuesday 27 February | 3 Saber St, Woollahra
  In a safe, supportive environment, this 6-week group will provide an opportunity for parents to: connect and share common experiences, explore common challenges, and eflect on Jewish values for inclusivity & more!