This September, captivity survivor Eli Sharabi will visit Sydney, Melbourne and Perth as the keynote speaker for JNF Australia’s 2025 annual campaign, Together, We Rise With Israel.
In the face of adversity, the people of Israel continue to rise. From the tragedy of October 7 to the most recent missile attacks from Iran, Israel has endured one of the most challenging chapters in its modern history. Yet amid the devastation, the strength, courage and unity of its people have shone brightly.
It is this spirit that inspired the 2025 JNF Australia Annual Campaign. At the heart of the campaign are calls upon the Australian Jewish community to stand with Israel as it rebuilds.
The campaign is being headlined by a man who has touched hearts all over the world. Held in Hamas captivity for 491 days, Sharabi’s story is not only one of survival, but of a profound resilience that now fuels a broader message of hope and renewal.
Despite enduring unthinkable trauma, including the loss of his wife, Lianne, and two daughters, Noiya and Yahel, Sharabi, who is a Kibbutz Be’eri resident, has emerged as a voice of dignity and courage. “Surviving captivity has shown me the power of resilience, the necessity of hope and the unbreakable spirit of the Israeli people,” Sharabi says. Sharabi will share his personal story with Australians. His presence is expected to further galvanise the community and their deep commitment to supporting Israel. His words promise to leave the community inspired and uplifted, in what will be a series of truly memorable events.
“This journey is not mine alone – it belongs to all of us who believe in a stronger future for Israel,” says Sharabi. “JNF Australia’s mission to rebuild lives and communities echoes that same spirit – turning pain into purpose and devastation into strength.”
The opportunity to hear directly from Eli will offer a profound experience to all who attend JNF Australia events. His story reminds us that behind every headline are real people, families and communities striving to heal.
Since his release from captivity in February this year, Sharabi has spoken widely, met with world leaders and shared his message with communities around the world. His journey is one of personal tragedy, but also of communal strength, echoing what Israel itself continues to demonstrate daily.
The 2025 JNF Australia campaign is more than a fundraising initiative; it is a declaration of shared purpose. It is about rising together with the people of Israel, with the memory of those lost and strengthening those rebuilding for the future.
“Together, We Rise With Israel is both a statement of solidarity and a call to action,” says Doron Lazarus, JNF Australia CEO. “We’ve seen the pain, but we’ve also seen the extraordinary resilience of Israelis. Our mission now is to match their strength with our support.” With thousands of Israeli families still displaced and communities in the north and south under constant threat, the campaign will fund urgent projects aimed at rebuilding communities, restoring wellbeing and reigniting hope.
Together we rise with Israel: Eli Sharabi headlines JNF Australia campaign
As with every JNF funded project, the organisation is led by those people on the ground in Israel to ensure that they address the most urgent needs and priorities. With careful consideration, projects are funded to ensure Israel can rebuild, renew, grow and heal.
The projects that form part of the 2025 Annual Campaign include:
• The Water Reservoir Restoration Project at Kibbutz Nahal Oz, which is essential to reviving the kibbutz’s agricultural foundation after the devastating events of October 7.
With the main reservoir destroyed and fields damaged, restoring this critical infrastructure is key to the
community’s recovery, resilience and long-term sustainability.
• The ImagineBox Learning & Treatment Space at Kibbutz Nir Oz is an immersive, therapeutic environment designed to support emotional recovery in the aftermath of October 7. It will serve as a vital resource for traumatised residents by fostering emotional resilience and healing through innovative, experiential learning.
• Therapeutic green space in Kibbutz Ein Hashlosha, providing naturebased trauma recovery for residents coping with extreme emotional distress.
• The Community Stress Prevention Centre in Kiryat Shmona, which is a vital initiative addressing the growing mental health crisis following October 7. As a national leader in trauma care and resilience building, the centre will deliver innovative programs that equip northern Israeli communities with long-term tools for emotional recovery and strength.
• The Replant for Growth & Regaining Resilience project at Kibbutz Misgav Am focuses on restoring the natural landscape and communal spaces after extensive war-related damage.
Through reforestation, community gardens and outdoor recreational areas, the initiative aims to create a healing environment that supports the emotional and physical recovery of residents returning to rebuild their lives on the Lebanon border.
These projects are just a glimpse into the breadth of work JNF Australia is undertaking – building playgrounds, trauma centres, shelters, educational hubs and more. Other vital projects will be supported based on the evolving needs of its partner communities. Since October 7, JNF Australia has supported more than 60 strategic projects through the generosity of the Australian Jewish community.
“Rebuilding Israel is not only about infrastructure – it’s about healing lives and restoring hope,” says newly elected National President, Pam Krail. “Our goal is not just to return people to what they had before, but to help them build something even stronger … even more vibrant.”
This year’s campaign comes at a pivotal time. With continued threats across Israel’s northern and southern borders, Israel’s frontline communities are under immense pressure. The partnership between the diaspora and Israel has never been more essential.
“What October 7 has taught us is that more than ever, we in the diaspora need Israel and Israel needs us,” says Krail. “Our response must go beyond words. It’s the action we now take that matters most.”
As we are fast coming up to two years since October 7, 2023, the work ahead remains significant, yet the strength of the Israeli people, as embodied by Eli Sharabi, continues to be a guiding light. For many years, JNF Australia has supported various projects in Kibbutz Be’eri, and now, together with Sharabi’s vision and determination, it will continue to undertake life-changing projects for the community.
“The missiles may have shattered homes, but not hope,” says Lazarus. “We are committed to ensuring that the people of Israel not only recover, but thrive. Now is the time to turn our compassion into action. Together, we rise with Israel.”
Eli Sharabi will be visiting Sydney on 2nd September, Melbourne on 4th September and Perth on 7th September. To secure tickets, which are $72 each, by way of donation, and are on sale now, visit www.jnf.org.au or call 1300 563 563. Additional guests will be announced closer to the events.
Ein Hashlosha green resilience space
Eli Sharabi (photo by Sharon Dery)
CONSIDERED OPINION
DR DVIR ABRAMOVICH
For too long, antisemitism in this country was treated like an echo from elsewhere.
Ugly, yes, but distant. A borrowed malice. But since October 7, 2023, it has sounded more like a drumbeat. A steady, accelerating rhythm of threats, flames and fear.
Now, the government has responded.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, together with Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke and Special Envoy Jillian Segal, unveiled a national strategy to confront antisemitism. It is not a symbolic gesture. It is an operational plan, detailed, ambitious and long overdue.
And while no plan can fix what has already been broken, like childhoods shaken by slurs, Holocaust survivors retraumatised by slogans, artists silenced, students isolated, this one matters. Because it finally treats antisemitism as what it has become: a national emergency.
It is, in part, a mirror. The plan calls on institutions to look at themselves honestly.
It calls on our universities to confront what they have permitted at home. Not just neglect, but a permissiveness that has allowed Jewish students to be targeted, mocked and pushed to the margins under the guise of activism.
The era of silence must end.
It calls on the media, especially publicly funded broadcasters, to reflect on how narratives are shaped and who gets flattened in the telling.
It calls on cultural institutions to draw firmer lines, not between art and politics, but between platforming and propaganda.
But more than anything, this plan turns its gaze toward education.
Because antisemitism, like any hatred, is learned. And it is learned young on TikTok and Instagram. In group chats and DMs.
At schoolyards, where ancient conspiracies are recycled with Gen Z flair. If we do not intervene now, with honesty, context and empathy, we will raise a generation that doesn’t even realise it has crossed a line.
That’s why this plan doesn’t just aim to punish. It aims to educate. To root out hate before it becomes habitual. To define what antisemitism is, not in vague terms, but with the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition and national standards that every school, university and workplace must recognise.
It also signals something else: that our moral ecosystem needs repair.
We have become far too comfortable with moral murkiness. We shrug at slogans that would have made our grandparents tremble.
We explain away violence because we agree with the cause. We pretend neutrality in the face of fire.
This plan is a challenge to that posture. It says: you cannot torch synagogues and claim justice. You cannot storm a restaurant and call it a protest. You cannot terrify children and call yourself principled.
You can’t burn a synagogue and call it justice
And it states: if your institution cannot distinguish itself, it should not receive public funds.
Jillian Segal’s report also makes a quieter point, one that may be the most important. It speaks of fear. The kind that makes families wonder if this is still their country. The kind that makes people who have always felt proud to be Australian quietly imagine life somewhere else.
That is not hypothetical. That is happening. And when a nation’s Jewish citizens begin drawing up exit strategies, it is not just a crisis for the Jewish community. It is a crisis for the country.
Because antisemitism is not just the world’s oldest hatred. It is a test. It reveals how a society responds to fear. To otherness. To complexity. And right now, Australia is being tested.
Will we be a country where Jewish students can wear their identity without fear? Will be a nation where Jewish artists aren’t told to keep quiet unless they condemn Israel? Will we be a place where a mezuzah on a doorframe is not an invitation for arson?
This plan, if fully implemented, can help us get there.
But plans are not enough.
We need follow-through. We need enforcement. We need the courage to speak when it is inconvenient and to act before it is too late. And we need to remember that antisemitism is not just a Jewish problem. It is a societal sickness that corrodes everything it touches, such as trust, cohesion and democracy itself.
If Australia is to remain a place where people of all backgrounds can live without fear, we must treat this moment
with the gravity it deserves. This is not the end of the conversation. But it is a line in the sand.
And the strength of a nation is measured not by how quickly it celebrates that line, but how fiercely it defends it.
What Segal’s plan exposes is not only the peril facing the Jewish community.
It’s the deeper ailment in the nation’s soul. Because when hatred seeps into our schools and universities, when it festers on our newsfeeds and stages, it doesn’t stay contained. It metastasises. It teaches our young that truth is relative, justice is tribal and morality is optional.
This report unmasks a simple truth: we are losing our grip on the civic foundations that once held us together. And it’s not just a matter of decency. It’s a matter of survival. Societies that abandon the rule of law do not sustain innovation. They do not nurture genius. They do not thrive. A culture where children are jeered at for wearing a Star of David, where conspiracy theories go unchallenged in classrooms and mosques, where mob chants drown out civil discourse is not a healthy society. It is a society losing its cognitive clarity.
What’s astonishing is that this unravelling has occurred not at the hands of violent extremists alone, but within the very institutions designed to prevent it – our schools, our courts and our universities. When antisemitism becomes "ingrained and normalised" within academic and artistic spaces, we are no longer dealing with fringe sentiment. We are watching prejudice go mainstream.
Segal’s recommendation to screen prospective immigrants for extremist views has sparked predictable resistance. But ask yourself: what nation thrives by importing people who reject its democratic principles? To oppose bigotry is not to oppose immigration – it is to defend the soul of multiculturalism.
The harshest truth may be this: antisemitism has flourished here not because of hatred alone, but because of our passivity. Apathy has made the chants louder. Apathy has made the firebombs easier.
Apathy has made it possible for wellmeaning people to look away.
Australians need to say out loud that we still believe in something better.
At its heart, this is not a Jewish issue. It’s an Australian one. Because the measure of our democracy is not how we treat the majority – it’s how we protect the vulnerable. If we fail this test, we will not just lose Jewish Australians. We will lose ourselves.
So let us meet this moment – not with delay, not with excuses, but with resolve. Let us build the nation we thought we were. The one we still hope to be. Because if there’s one lesson from history, it’s this: antisemitism is never the end. It is always the beginning.
And whether we confront it or indulge it will define who we are. For generations.
Dr Dvir Abramovich is Chair of the AntiDefamation Commission and the author of eight books.
Dr Dvir Abramovich
COMMUNITY
KATHY KAPLAN OAM BET OLAM AROUND THE
Aged care isn’t over until it’s over. Even then, it’s not over.
As we age, conversations about our care tend to revolve around physical health, housing and support. But the journey of ageing should also include preparing for what comes when life ends. At Bet-Olam Jewish Funerals, we believe aged care extends beyond death to ensure that farewells are marked by dignity, compassion, love and Jewish continuity.
From farewell to the future: a Jewish way to say goodbye
special when they shine through in saying their goodbyes.
We work with aged care homes, hospitals and families to provide gentle, responsive care when it’s most needed. Our pre-planning services allow you to make informed and thoughtful choices about the type of service, music, readings, speakers (or none) that best reflect your wishes. This not only honours you, but also brings comfort and relief to your loved ones in those early hours and days of grief.
Rather than being a sombre task, planning your funeral can be empowering. Families often share stories, memories and even laughter during the process. It’s also an opportunity to leave a final message, joke or legacy to linger both in memory and in meaning.
At Bet-Olam, we understand that a Jewish funeral is far more than ritual: it’s an act of love and personality. Whether
We once helped a delightful man, 89 years’ young Morrie. Morrie not only prepaid his funeral to relieve his children of that particular stress, but he also insisted on planning it. He knew his daughter would present one version of his life, his son another. Both versions would be truthful, but he was sure neither would remember to mention the ballroom dancing trophy he won in 1963. Morrie came to us not because he was unwell, but because he wanted to ease his family’s burden and to sneak in one last joke. In his file, along with his favourite psalms and instructions for a simple graveside service, he left a note to be read aloud: "If you’re hearing this, it means I’m finally done reminding you to close the fridge properly. It’s a door, not a suggestion. Also, Joel, I forgive you for crashing my Volvo in 1988." wThose present burst into laughter. Morrie’s essence and humour were still palpable, even from the grave.
you are religious or not, traditional or modern, our rabbis, cantors, civil celebrants (if that is who you prefer) and our caring funeral directors will ensure that your funeral reflects who you were and how you lived. Your values will live on in those who love you and it’s really
At Bet-Olam, that legacy goes even further. We reinvest our profits into Victoria’s Jewish community, especially in programs supporting our youth. Every farewell helps fund a future, turning memory into momentum and loss into lasting impact.
Aged care is about dignity both in life and at life’s end. So, let’s talk. Not just in a hospital corridor, but around a table, with heart, humour and the enduring beauty and wisdom of Jewish tradition.
Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks
CONSIDERED OPINION
RAMONA FREEDMAN
ALIYAH ADVENTURES
Ask any Australian what the term ‘salvo’ means and the odds are you will quickly get a reference to a person linked to a certain national social welfare organisation.
But that is not our focus. By definition, the word ‘salvo’ refers to artillery: guns in action or fired in sequence as a salute. It can also refer to the release of bombs and/or projectiles or rockets from an aeroplane. Long story short: it is wholly and solely referencing the military. Now, hold that thought.
Living in Israel, the news cycle spins scarily fast. It is hard to stay abreast of the daily drama, even giving it your full, undivided attention. Yet, given I have seen so many moons come and go Down Under, I also quickly review Aussie headlines amidst the madness.
Here in Israel, we have recently experienced another war. Was it a war within a war? A separate, tangential war? Or honestly, a war within a war within, why yes, another war? Debate the definitions if you dare, but when you hear mobile phones screeching with extreme alerts around the clock for days and nights, like it or not, war is at the forefront of your consciousness and decision making. For obvious reasons. Life over death.
Across our holy land, many were taken by surprise and some families were split up. Some parts of Israel went into a COVID-esque lockdown (but far crazier). Some did a mad dash to the local corner store to buy anything and everything shelf stable. Even I threw small bags of seaweed into our apartment’s bomb shelter … and I don’t even eat seaweed on a regular day.
Nothing was ‘regular’ about this IsraelIran ‘12-day’ war. Restrictions came in with immediate effect. There was talk in supermarkets about the shortage of eggs, bottled water and toilet paper. Sound eerily familiar?
In the microcosm of my world, unusually all family members were in different locations on that first fateful Friday, including one in Belgium … and life as we knew it shifted. Simultaneously, there were two young Australian women here without their parents in need of an Aussie anchor point. I welcomed them with open arms and we became a reimagined formidable family of females.
Through our compounding sleep deprivation (and headaches), we established a comprehensive routine of what to do when sirens went off and where we each sat in the bomb shelter. One listened to music; one wanted to hear the ‘booms’. I searched for dark chocolate blocks. Yes, I admit, the illusion of control is handy and helpful.
And yet the salvos continued. And I suppose that is why when I saw that word as a headline in an article from Sydney, I paid attention. Military unrest? Army action? Pray it isn’t so near my most beloved beautiful beaches. No. It wasn’t. Sitting in the bomb shelter, with
Salvo to salve
my laptop connected to the outside world for updates, I read about a bomb and attack of a different kind. It related to Australian supermarket giants. It referred to a ‘precision strike’ on the prices of home brand goods and mentioned firing the first ‘salvo’ in a hit of comparatively epic proportions. Now I love a good metaphor, but I found this jarring. Don’t get me wrong, I am relieved this is ‘war’ in our Great Southern Land. Long may that continue. I guess, like many here in Israel, I am a little sensitive to jargon and more than a little jumpy … to phones ringing, sirens blaring and, I guess, even to frightening phraseology.
And yet, the nation here as a whole united, all helping each other. With the elderly, with children, with pets. In underground train stations. In public shelters. And this all combines with helping to manage our collective fragile mental health. What a challenge that is.
You saw it in the chalk pictures kids drew on their streets in between sirens. You saw it in the joy brought to the compromised simchas that were turned upside down by newly implemented war rules. I went to a wedding that was planned to be grand in the most gorgeous way. Seismic shift ... the beautiful bride was married at home with a hastily recalibrated, pared down guest list.
The joy, the spirit, the energy brought into that home on that blessed afternoon was the equivalent of a half-dozen typical weddings. But nothing is typical during war.
The cumulative cost is incalculable. The price we are paying for a safe Jewish
homeland is far too high – impossibly high. Hideously and heartbreakingly high.
And yet, amidst the exhaustion, the shortages and the uncertainty, we find the Jewish soul soaring, helping and hugging all who want and need it.
On about day six of the ‘12 day’ war, the government eased restrictions prematurely and allowed people to congregate in groups of ten. A friend kindly included me in an impromptu get-together for her birthday. It was at an Airbnb house around the corner that was empty – the intended occupants were stuck in Paris. No fly zone.
Suddenly ten of us hooked up our Zoom Zumba session and were dancing around that empty house like we were tweens! And then somehow my friend’s dearest friend threw together a whole kosher dinner and we sat around the table, shared war stories (literally) and smiled and laughed and drank wine out of paper cups. We toasted a l’chaim to the birthday girl.
That ‘12 day’ war ended on a Tuesday. That morning, the Iranian regime was intent on raining down a ‘last hurrah’ of rockets, if you will, just before the agreed time of cessation. There were four backto-back rounds of blaring phones and sirens in the street, followed by ballistic missiles being intercepted, with booms in the sky. By that evening, across every television channel was the banner: ‘All war restrictions lifted’.
The next morning, school children were back on the streets unaccompanied, parents were off to work and there were
queues at the bakeries. Gardeners were mowing lawns and ulpan students were heading to their Hebrew classes. Every element of society kick-started in a fast and frenetic way.
How do you go from sitting in a bomb shelter scared to leave the room (let alone the building) to sitting in a classroom learning Hebrew verb conjugations? I don’t have an answer, but that is what I did. That is what all of Israel did. I was back in my car, not thinking about what I would do if the sound of a siren interrupted the Israeli radio station I listen to. I was back in my car reflecting on the fact that grabbing a few groceries was taking far too long. I was back in my car in traffic (quintessentially Israel) and at a red light there was a van stopped in front of me. It was dusty and dirty. On the back windscreen, someone had taken a moment to draw three words in Hebrew: Am Yisrael Chai, the People of Israel live. Yes. They live because of our heroic soldiers. They live because they appreciate the little things. They live because they want peace, not war. They live because they understand how precious life really is.
The nation’s collective dream is that these military salvos fending off enraged enemies won’t be needed. One thing I have learnt here, as I celebrate my first ‘Aliyahversary’, is that we also need a salve, a healing balm for all this, rather than endless salvos.
The salve is simply to stay united as Am Echad be Lev Echad, One People with One Heart. For now, it is over-and-out from Ramona in Ra’anana.
AROUND THE COMMUNITY
For so many of us, Israel isn’t just a destination – it’s a longing. Our homeland. A place we’ve dreamt of standing in, not just for ourselves, but for something greater.
A trip we've told ourselves we’d take one day. This September, let that one day become a reality.
UIA invites you to join our September Solidarity Mission to Israel on 2-10 September. It promises to be a deeply immersive, powerful journey that will connect you to the heart of our people, land and collective resilience.
UIA can run unique Missions in even the most complex times, offering an opportunity not just to witness history, but to contribute to it. Shoulder to shoulder with Israelis, side by side with people from our community who truly care.
You will meet frontline leaders, visit communities of strength and spirit, and experience the power of Jewish unity up close. All that and the guarantees that come with a UIA Mission – professional guides, access to restricted places and, of course, the incredible food Israel has to offer.
2025 Yom Ha’atzmaut Mission participant Helen Goodman said: “Definitely eight days of a lifetime. My first Mission. Why did I wait so long? An
Stand with Israel on the ground this September
exhaustive program, but an itinerary with so much information, so much to see and hear.”
Yom Ha’atzmaut Mission participants
Asher and Marlene Abitz were also full of praise. “Despite many visits to Israel, this experience has been faultless and emotional and exceptional. Each and every speaker and guide has enriched (our lives) and given us a perspective
on our beloved Israel that we will cherish.”Mission participant Philippa Hall said: “For 34 years I've been yearning to return to Israel. I'm not Jewish, but as soon as I arrived, I felt at home. Time and again I came across beautiful, compassionate, loving people inside and out. The Mission is priceless. I feel so privileged and grateful to have taken part.”
This Mission will be moving and meaningful, and will matter. It won’t be a regular trip – it will be a statement. Together, let’s show the People of Israel they are not alone.
For enquiries and bookings, contact Estelle on (03) 9272 5533, email estelle. wytwornik@uiavic.org.au or visit https:// uiaaustralia.org.au/experience-israeluia-way
JENNA UNGAR & TRACY ESSERS UIA
UIA 2025 Yom Ha’atzmaut Mission
AROUND THE COMMUNITY
CANDLE LIGHTING TIMES
Friday, Nov 22, 2024
Shabbat ends, Nov 23, 2024
AB BOSKANY
Friday, Nov 29, 2024
The narrative that US foreign policy towards Israel is driven primarily by the Israeli lobby oversimplifies a complex and deeply rooted relationship. While lobbying efforts certainly exist and are, at times, highly visible, the bond between the United States and Israel is far more deeply etched – shaped by history, strategic necessity and a shared moral vision.
Rethinking the power narrative: the Israeli lobby and US foreign policy
Shabbat ends, Nov 30, 2024
Friday, Dec 6, 2024
Shabbat ends, Dec 7, 2024
Friday, Dec 13, 2024
Shabbat ends, Dec 14, 2024
Friday, Dec 20, 2024
Shabbat ends, Dec 21, 2024
From the beginning, this alliance was not merely political, but also emotional. Driven by post-Holocaust sympathy and a desire to support a fledgling democracy in a region still shaking off colonial legacies, America was one of the first countries to recognise Israel in 1948. This foundation of support was further solidified through key military and political crises, including the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, the 1967 Six-Day War and the 1973 Yom Kippur War. In each instance, Israel faced existential threats and US support, whether material or diplomatic, was framed as a response rooted in strategic calculus and historical alignment, not solely the result of domestic lobbying.
Except where expressly stated otherwise, content in The Melbourne Jewish Report is provided as general informations only. The articles in this paper have been contributed by a third party. The opinions, facts and any media content here are presented solely by the author, and The Jewish Report assumes no responsibility for them. It is not intended as advice and must not be relied upon as such. You should make your own inquiries and take independent advice tailored to your specific circumstances prior to making any decisions. We do not make any representation or warranty that any material in the papers will be reliable, accurate or complete, nor do we accept any responsibility arising in any way from errors or omissions. We will not be liable for loss resulting from any action or decision by you in reliance on the material in the papers. By reading the papers, you acknowledge that we are not responsible for, and accept no liability in relation to, any reader’s use of, access to or conduct in connection with the papers in any circumstance. Photographs submitted by individuals or organisations are assumed to be their property and are therefore not otherwise credited. All articles in this paper have received the expressed consent of the author to publish in this paper.
The Jewish Report; ISSN 2204-4639
Publisher: The Jewish Report Pty Ltd (ACN 167302981)
Distributor: TJR Distribution Pty Ltd ACN 165158029
Comments or suggestions to: editor@thejewishreport.com.au
Moreover, the alliance is undergirded by shared democratic values. The US sees Israel as not only a military partner, but a mirror of its own identity – pluralistic, fiercely independent and founded on the rule of law.
Article submissions to: www.thejewishreport.com.au/article-submission-guidelines
Advertising: editor@thejewishreport.com.au
Website: www.thejewishreport.com.au
Printer: Spotpress Pty Ltd
The countries are bound by common security concerns, including counterterrorism, intelligence-sharing and the deterrence of hostile regional powers. Such ties are not easily swayed by lobbyists. Rather, they are embedded within the core architecture of both nations’ foreign policy establishments. Critics often point to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and other influential organisations as evidence that US support for Israel is
65 Toorak Road, South Yarra, VIC 3141 P: 03 9866 4983 e: sales@iansharp.com.au www.iansharp.com.au For those who mean the world to you, only the finest will do.
manufactured or manipulated. While these groups undoubtedly work to maintain strong ties, they are not alone in shaping the discourse.
Evangelical Christian groups, Cold War strategic frameworks and shared military-industrial interests all play pivotal roles.
A single-thread narrative casting the lobby as the puppet master misses the intricate weave of policy, ideology and history that truly sustains the alliance.
Recognising this complexity is not a dismissal of criticism, but an invitation to elevate the conversation. If the goal is to understand the motives behind America’s enduring support for Israel, then we must examine the fuller picture: a tapestry woven of strategy, identity, trauma and faith.
Only through nuance can we move beyond slogans and begin to engage honestly with the realities that bind nations – sometimes tightly, sometimes tenuously, but rarely simply.
Ab Boskany is an Australian poet and writer from a Kurdish/Jewish background.
How many common words of five or more letters can you spell using the letters in the hive? Every answer must use the centre letter at least once. Letters may be reused in a word. At least one word will use all seven letters and have a direct Jewish connection.
Proper names and hyphenated words are not allowed. Score one point for each answer and three points for a Jewish word that uses all seven letters.
Rating: 12 = Good; 16 = Excellent; 21 = Genius Yoni Glatt has published more than 1,000 crossword puzzles worldwide, from the LA Times and Boston Globe to The Jerusalem Post. He has also published two Jewish puzzle books: "Kosher Crosswords" and the sequel "More Kosher Crosswords and Word Games".
Melbourne Jewish Report Disclaimer:
Ab Boskany
Recently, a new medicycle was dedicated to Magen David Adom in honour of Nathan Aaron Dzienciol, who tragically died 35 years ago. Thanks to his family and friends, this new lifesaving vehicle has been commissioned and will be stationed to undertake its lifesaving work in Kfar Saba. Nathan's parents, Estelle and Max, who were in Israel for the dedication, said they always admired and appreciated everything that Magen David Adom has done for Israel and its people.
They said they had heard amazing things about the Blood Centre and the work carried out by the paramedics and first responders, especially since that tragic day of October 7.
The initiative to secure the medicycle was that of their sons, Daniel, David and Goldy, and made possible through the generosity of family and friends across the world in memory of their beloved son and brother Nathan.
If you would like to discuss how to make a meaningful contribution to honour a loved one, call 9989-3655 for a confidential discussion.
MAGEN DAVID ADOM
Dedicating a new medicyle to Magen David Adom
seniors' living feature
Residential aged care – where dignity meets compassion
When it comes to aged care, Jewish Care Victoria has been the trusted name in our community for 177 years, offering not just exceptional care, but warmth, dignity and a true sense of Yiddishkeit.
Whether you’re planning ahead or facing an urgent need, Jewish Care is there with compassionate support, familiar faces and a heimish environment that feels like home. Staff will walk with you every step with care that’s not just clinical, but deeply personal.
Who is eligible?
Residential Aged Care (RAC) is designed for people aged 65 and over who need ongoing support due to changes in health, mobility, memory or social circumstances. You may be eligible if you’ve experienced a fall, been recently hospitalised, are managing chronic medical conditions or are feeling isolated and in need of regular support. The journey begins by contacting My Aged Care to arrange an assessment. Once approved, Jewish Care can assist through every stage: from understanding your options to securing a place and planning your transition.
What makes Jewish Care different?
Jewish Care Victoria operates three fully accredited residential aged care
homes, in Caulfield, Carnegie and Windsor. Each is dedicated to meeting and exceeding the Aged Care Quality Standards, with 24/7 nursing care, allied health support and staff trained in delivering culturally appropriate and clinically excellent care.
The homes are deeply rooted in Jewish values, with kosher kitchens,
onsite synagogues and observance of Shabbat and all major Jewish festivals. Residents are supported not only in their physical and emotional wellbeing, but also in maintaining a strong connection to their spiritual and cultural identity.
Care plans are developed in collaboration with residents and families to ensure a truly individualised
approach, one that honours each person’s preferences, dignity and quality of life.
Culture, comfort and clinical excellence
Beyond high-quality clinical care, Jewish Care homes are rich in Jewish culture, traditions and community life. Residents enjoy access to kosher meals, Jewish festivals, onsite shuls and chaplaincy support.
Care is delivered by a dedicated team of registered and enrolled nurses, allied health professionals and compassionate support staff. It’s this combination of clinical rigour and genuine heart that makes Jewish Care a trusted name in aged care.
Residents enjoy enriching daily experiences, including social activities, music therapy, outings and Jewish learning sessions, all within a caring and inclusive community.
A true sense of home
At Jewish Care, residents live in an environment where they feel seen, heard and valued. Families take comfort in knowing that their loved ones are safe, supported and part of a vibrant Jewish home, where heritage and community are cherished.
For further information or to book a tour, please
Binita on 0474 132 145.
Jewish Care residents and family at Gary Smorgon House
seniors' living feature
Home Care services keeping community members home for longer
There’s no place like home, especially when that home holds memories, comfort and identity. Jewish Care Victoria’s Home Care Services are helping hundreds of older Jewish community members live safely, independently and with dignity in their own homes, while receiving care and support that respects their individual needs and choices.
Who can access Jewish Care’s services at home?
If you're aged 65 or over, you may be eligible for a government-subsidised Home Care Package (HCP). Jewish Care’s experienced and caring team is there to guide you or your loved ones through the application process, from referral to My Aged Care through to starting services, with clarity, patience and respect. Jewish Care understands that starting the Home Care journey can be daunting. That’s why it provides a dedicated Client Onboarding Coordinator to support you every step of the way, ensuring your experience is smooth, personalised and fully informed.
What services could be included?
Each package is tailored to your needs, lifestyle and preferences. A Support Coordinator will help you design a personalised care plan and adjust it as needed.
Typical services include:
• Assistance with daily tasks, such as showering, dressing, grooming and toileting;
• Light domestic household tasks, including cleaning of frequently used areas, laundry and general tidying;
• Help with the preparation and cooking of meals or provision of ready-made kosher meals;
• Transport to medical appointments, social outings, shopping and community events;
• Nursing care, medication management, wound care and allied health services, such as
physiotherapy, podiatry and occupational therapy;
• Assistance to stay socially connected, including companionship and help participating in community activities;
• Minor home repairs and basic garden upkeep; and
• Support to access and use mobility aids, home safety equipment and technology to stay connected.
If your needs change, your Support Coordinator will help adjust your services to ensure your care remains appropriate and responsive.
Who delivers the care?
Jewish Care’s in-home services are delivered by BlueStar’s qualified, screened and trained professionals, who work under clinical and organisational governance. Carers understand the cultural, spiritual and social needs of the Jewish community, and are committed to upholding the Aged Care Quality Standards, particularly around dignity, choice and safe, competent care.
You can feel confident knowing your support is delivered by people who respect your home, your preferences and your identity.
Affordable, transparent pricing
Home Care Package funding is based on an assessment by My Aged Care. Jewish Care works in partnership with you to ensure your funds are used effectively. Jewish Care does not charge
a basic daily care fee or exit fee, helping to make its services more accessible. Your individual budget and care plan are always available to you, ensuring full transparency and shared decisionmaking.
Beyond your home – staying connected
Wellbeing means more than care. It is also about community and connection. Jewish Care’s Active Living Centres (ALCs) in Caulfield and Windsor offer social and cultural programs, including concerts, discussion groups, games and delicious kosher meals.
Community Aged Care clients are encouraged to stay connected through these opportunities, enhancing their emotional, cognitive and social wellbeing.
Your voice matters
Jewish Care is committed to listening and continuous improvement. Your feedback helps it enhance care and ensure your safety, dignity and satisfaction. Whether it’s help with daily tasks, clinical care or staying socially active, Jewish Care’s Home Care Services support your independence, wellbeing and Jewish way of life, all from the comfort of your own home.
To get started, call Jewish Care’s front door on 8517 5999.
AROUND THE COMMUNITY
TOBIAS SIEGAL
The Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) is the largest Jewish NGO in the world, yet its diverse programs and the thousands of volunteers working tirelessly around the clock usually remain behind the scenes.
In Australia, JAFI has a long history of working closely with Jewish local councils and the Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA) to facilitate aliyah, deepen Jewish engagement and strengthen the connection between Israeli and Australian Jewry.
Earlier this year, JAFI coordinated “Running in their Memory” events in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, commemorating Israel’s fallen through a powerful act of community solidarity. These were complemented by Yom Hazikaron events, followed by Yom Ha’atzmaut celebrations and collaborations with Zionism Victoria’s HaBayit, a cultural hub for Hebrew speakers and Israel lovers.
At the heart of these events is a broader goal: to foster a living sense of peoplehood, bridging the gap between Israelis and the global Jewish diaspora. The aim isn’t just to export culture or tradition, but to build real, reciprocal relationships, ones that foster shared identity, responsibility and understanding.
One of the most impactful vehicles for this mission is JAFI’s shlichut program, which includes both short-term and long-term missions to diaspora communities around the world. These shlichim (emissaries) are
How
The Jewish Agency is doing more than you think
not just symbolic representatives of Israel. They’re embedded educators, youth leaders and community builders.
While the COVID pandemic brought much of this work to a halt, the program is steadily rebuilding. In Australia, this resurgence is already being felt, with renewed momentum to support university students, schools, youth movements and wider community institutions.
Today, JAFI has 10 long-term shlichim working across the country, partnering with local synagogues, the Australasian Union of Jewish Students (AUJS) and youth movements including Habonim Dror,
Netzer, Bnei Akiva, Betar and Hatzofim. These shlichim are helping to reinvigorate Zionist education, leadership development and grassroots activism.
Another growing element of the program is the shinshinim initiative, namely Israeli high school graduates who defer military service to volunteer in Jewish communities abroad. These 18-year-olds bring contagious energy and a fresh perspective, offering young Australian Jews a chance to connect with their Israeli peers in deeply personal ways.
With the current cohort of shinshinim –two in Sydney and two in Melbourne – set
‘Artivism’ is shaping the future
groups to produce creative responses to contemporary issues. Some explored living off-grid, making a documentary about a self-sufficient family in Daylesford.
During Term 2, as part of their Nitzan program, The King David School’s Year 9 students took part in ‘Artivism’, which celebrated the link between art and change, while raising money for the Cancer Council.
Artivism enables students to explore justice, governance and the many ways people drive change. They worked in
Others worked with renowned cartoonist Badiucao to create political posters and wrote slam poetry with Ren Alessandra, addressing feeling alone.
Still more, created a vibrant mural for the school’s standalone outdoor kitchen with artist Angharad Neal Williams, while another group choreographed a dance response to issues facing women.
to wrap up their placements soon, plans are already underway for expansion. In August, two more are expected to arrive, bringing the total to six. The team of shlichim and shinshinim in Australia is expected to grow to 15 by year’s end.
The Zionist seminaries’ delegation is one of the oldest in the Jewish Agency's Shlichut unit and while it’s one of the shorter programs JAFI offers (over two months), its impact can’t be overstated. The program has run for more than 30 years and is exclusive to Australia and South Africa. Each delegation is divided into six teams of three to five shlichim, who join the Jewish education teams in six day schools across Melbourne, Sydney and South Africa.
“What’s interesting about JAFI’s shlichut programs is that they give you the opportunity to be part of so many elements within the broader Jewish community,” said JAFI’s representative in Australia and New Zealand, Sara Ribner-Grabin, who was a Zionist Seminary shlicha in Perth in 2011.
“And this reflects the Jewish Agency’s main goal, which is to foster a two-way bridge between the Jewish Diaspora and Israel.” As always, all of this work happens in close partnership with State Zionist councils and Australian Zionist Youth Councils. It’s a model that values collaboration by amplifying local strengths with global resources and experience.
So, JAFI is doing more than you think and in Australia, its presence is not only growing, but evolving, becoming a thread in the fabric of contemporary Jewish life
THE KING DAVID SCHOOL
JAFI Chair Doron Almog (fourth from left) alongside JAFI shlichim during his visit to Sydney in March last year
From left: Sophia Lewis, Leni Majman, Maya Balzary and Siena Fridman performing a choreographed dance
From left: Maya Glickman, Koby Gilboa and Rebecca Unglik preparing meals in the standalone, outdoor kitchen
Lee Goldin presenting at Artivism
From left: Harry Hearst and Noah Wise performing at Artivism
AROUND THE COMMUNITY
YOASH DVIR CEO TECHNION AUSTRALIA
I recently returned from Israel, where I spent the first four days attending the Technion’s annual Board of Governors meeting in Haifa. What began as an inspiring celebration of innovation, education and resilience quickly turned into a visceral reminder of why all those things matter.
During the Board of Governors event, I had the privilege of meeting some of Israel’s most remarkable minds – professors and researchers whose work is not only shaping the future of Israel, but also the future of humanity. Among them was Brigadier General (res.) Amnon Harari, whose work on the fundamentals of highspeed flight could open doors to new frontiers in defence and aerospace. I was equally moved by Professor Marcelle Machluf and Associate Professor Maya Davidovich-Pinhas who are harnessing cutting-edge bioengineering to help secure Israel’s food independence in an increasingly uncertain world and curing cancer with the same technology at the same time.
Then there were moments that reached far beyond the labs and lecture halls. One was watching Nova Peris OAM – Olympian, former Senator and a proud Indigenous
The quiet heroes of Israel’s survival
justice knows no borders. But just two days after the closing ceremony, a war broke out. When Iran launched a coordinated missile attack on Israel, I was still there. As I sat in a Tel Aviv hotel, I heard the piercing sounds of sirens and watched the sky light up as Israel’s air defence systems went to work. Missiles carrying 500-kilogram warheads – many of them aimed at major population centres – were intercepted in real time. It was terrifying … and it was clarifying.
Because as I stood in a stairwell shelter with strangers – now comrades – I realised that the research and innovation I had celebrated days earlier was not abstract. It was the reason we were still standing.
Much of the technology behind Israel’s defence systems, including the Arrow and other cutting-edge capabilities, has its roots at the Technion. Graduates and faculty members of the university have built the tools that now protect millions of lives.
In those moments of crisis, it became clear that Israel’s survival depends not on luck, but on the quiet work of those that have spent years preparing for the worst. The quiet brilliance of a researcher in a lab today could save lives tomorrow. And while it’s easy to celebrate Israel’s technological achievements from afar, being there during a moment of national crisis made it real.
Proudly supported by:
In recognition of her unwavering support for Israel and the Jewish community, Australian journalist and author Sharri Markson will be honoured with the Scopus Award at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem’s centenary celebration in Melbourne on July 31st. Markson will be the first Australian to receive the university’s highest honour.
Named after Mount Scopus, where the university laid its cornerstones in 1918, the Scopus Award symbolises excellence in leadership, public service and philanthropic engagement. It is bestowed upon individuals who have shown exceptional dedication to education, the State of Israel and humanitarian causes.
Markson, Investigations Editor at The Australian and host of the Sky News program Sharri, has long been a prominent voice in Australian media. Her fearless reporting and commentary have brought critical attention to issues affecting Israel and the Jewish diaspora. During times of conflict, she has reported from Israel, offering firsthand accounts and demonstrating solidarity — even in the face of personal threats.
The award will be presented at a special event hosted by the Australian Friends of the Hebrew University, as part of a global series of centenary celebrations, marking 100 years since the university’s opening by luminaries including Albert Einstein, Sigmund Freud and Chaim Weizmann. The
Sharri Markson to receive Hebrew University’s greatest honour
Melbourne event will feature guests from Israel and Australia, including Professor Menahem Ben-Sasson, Chancellor of the Hebrew University.
Previous Scopus Award recipients include Nobel Laureate Elie Wiesel, entertainer Frank Sinatra, broadcaster Larry King and economist Milton Friedman. Their legacy of humanitarian work and support for Israel sets a powerful precedent and puts Markson in distinguished company.
This honour underscores the impact of Markson’s work and her alignment with the values championed by the Hebrew
University. At a time when antisemitism is rising globally and Israel faces mounting challenges, her voice has been a consistent advocate for truth, clarity and justice. The award recognises not only her journalistic achievements, but her broader influence in shaping public understanding and defending Jewish communities worldwide.
Ms Markson said: “This award is so special because I care deeply and passionately about the State of Israel and the future of our Jewish community, both in Australia and internationally. While I have campaigned for Israel my entire working life, this has
become a daily battle since October 7. Combatting the misinformation, the untruths, the slander and the propaganda against Israel is a deep, personal mission for me.”
The centenary event will also shine a spotlight on the future of the Hebrew University, including its plans to establish a state-of-the-art Centre for Computational Medicine – a project that embodies the institution’s legacy of innovation and forward-looking science.
Rob Schneider, CEO of the Australian Friends of the Hebrew University, said the decision to honour Markson was both timely and significant.
"Sharri has shown immense courage in using her platform to stand up for Israel and the Jewish people – often when it wasn’t easy to do so. Her voice has made a real impact and it is a privilege to recognise her with the Scopus Award during this milestone year for the university," he said.
Markson’s recognition is also a proud moment for the Australian Jewish community. Her principled journalism and unwavering commitment to Israel make her a worthy recipient of this high honour.
For more information on the centenary events and to book tickets, please visit www.austfhu.org.au.
Sharri Markson
AROUND THE COMMUNITY
DAVID SOLOMON, CEO AUSTRALIAN FRIENDS OF TEL AVIV UNIVERSITY
This year the Australian Friends of Tel Aviv University (AFTAU) marks a golden milestone – 50 years of supporting one of Israel’s most dynamic and impactful institutions. Since 1975, AFTAU has stood side by side with Tel Aviv University (TAU), helping to shape a university that is not only a centre of academic excellence and world-impacting research, but also a cornerstone of Israeli society.
Australian donors have consistently ranked among the most generous and engaged of TAU's global Friends groups, with contributions seen and felt across every corner of the university’s vibrant campus. This anniversary is more than a moment of reflection. It is a chance to recognise the enduring partnership between Australia and Israel, and to look ahead with renewed purpose and optimism. As part of the celebrations, TAU President Professor Ariel Porat will visit Australia in October 2025 to meet with supporters, partners and alumni, and to help commemorate this special occasion.
A university rising to meet the moment TAU sits at the heart of Tel Aviv and at the heart of Israel’s national identity. Its researchers, educators and students play a vital role in shaping the country’s future. In the wake of the tragic events of October 7 and the war that followed, the university has responded with courage, compassion
Fifty years of friendship and a future of hope
and innovation. Thousands of TAU students were called up for military reserve duty. Many have returned carrying emotional and psychological scars. A number of students were killed in service, many more were injured. In response, TAU opened Israel’s most advanced post-trauma clinic, developed by its own mental health researchers and clinicians. Launched in January 2024, the centre has already treated nearly 1,000 patients, including soldiers, Nova music festival survivors and university students. Many other forms of support for the TAU community have been
Tel Aviv University Optimism at work
A healing solution
provided, from direct financial assistance and scholarships, to mentoring, coaching and other academic support. This is not just care – it is a declaration of optimism. TAU’s “Optimism at Work” campaign embodies the belief that, even in times of crisis, the pursuit of knowledge and healing must continue.
Shaping Israel’s tomorrow TAU’s mission extends well beyond trauma recovery. The university is a vital force in rebuilding Israel’s society and economy. It educates the professionals
Countless TAU students have lost loved ones or endured unimaginable trauma, and many now suffer from PTSD. To address this crisis TAU established Israel’s most advanced post-trauma clinic, providing cutting-edge, evidence-based treatments developed by our globally-renowned researchers over the last 30 years. The clinic has become a critical resource for Israel, treating many TAU students struggling to rebuild their futures.
Your support can change lives With your help, we can ensure that every TAU student receives the care and healing they deserve so that they can pursue their future with optimism!
that will lead the country forward: scientists, doctors, engineers, lawyers, policy makers and entrepreneurs. In many ways, Israel’s future will be shaped in TAU’s classrooms and labs. Challenges for students remain considerable, especially for those from disadvantaged backgrounds and those affected by war. Many juggle military service, work commitments and study. TAU’s commitment to equity and opportunity ensures that education remains accessible and empowering for all.
A future of hope
AFTAU was founded by Australians who believed in the power of education and in Israel’s potential as a beacon of democracy, innovation and Jewish identity. Today, in a time of continued grief and uncertainty, we are called to believe again. The forthcoming visit of President Porat will be a powerful symbol of the enduring bond between AFTAU and TAU, between Australia and Israel, and a chance to celebrate all that has been achieved together.
In this moment of acknowledgement, we are reminded that Tel Aviv University is not only a place of learning and growth, it is also a place of healing, resilience and hope. And hope, as Israel’s national anthem reminds us, is at the very heart of who we are.
Professor Ariel Porat, President of Tel Aviv University, who will visit Australia in October
The Australian Friends of Tel Aviv University
AROUND THE COMMUNITY
Australia's doctors and specialists now have an unprecedented opportunity to make a meaningful impact on healthcare, while fulfilling their Zionist dreams. The International Medical Aliyah Program (IMAP) is bringing its first-ever events to Australia, offering physicians and medical students a streamlined path to practice medicine in Israel during a time of critical need.
Addressing Israel's physician shortage crisis
Israel is facing a significant physician shortage. In fact, it has now reached crisis levels. With an ageing population of physicians approaching retirement and a concerning low rate of new doctors entering the field – just 6.8 per 100,000 residents annually, compared to the OECD average of 14.2 – the country urgently needs to boost its number of doctors and specialists to ensure accessible healthcare throughout all regions of Israel.
A comprehensive government initiative
In an effort to resolve its physician shortage, several government agencies and non-profit organisations Nefesh B’Nefesh and The Jewish Agency for Israel have come together to create an international program to streamline the Aliyah process for medical professionals. The government agencies include Israel’s Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, through its new dedicated Physicians Olim Directorate, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of the Negev, Galilee and National Resilience. By recognising the country’s critical need for physicians, IMAP focuses on employment, medical licensing assistance and integration into Israeli society.
Comprehensive support services
IMAP offers a robust suite of services designed to eliminate the traditional barriers that have historically complicated medical immigration to Israel. A dedicated staff of multilingual advisors provides comprehensive support throughout the complex licensing transfer process. These advisors maintain strong relationships with officials at the Ministry of Health and the Israeli Medical Association, enabling them to efficiently track applications and resolve issues as they arise.
Australia's first events
The cornerstone of IMAP's support system is the event series, held periodically around the world. These events offer doctors and specialists a unique opportunity to receive face-to-face support that streamlines bureaucracy, provides access to invaluable career resources and supports those currently navigating the process.
Australia is set to host its first event, a set of IMAP information sessions, in Melbourne on 27th July and Sydney on 29th July. These evenings will provide an intimate setting where Australian doctors and specialists can learn about the medical licensing process, specialty recognition procedures and employment opportunities within Israel's health system. In addition, they will have the opportunity to hear firsthand accounts of life in Israel as a doctor from Aussie Olah, Dr. Debra Gershov-West.
The International Medical Aliyah Program is coming to Australia
A pioneer's journey: Dr. Debra Gershov-West
Dr. Gershov-West, who moved to Israel with her husband, was always a Zionist as she always had the goal of making Aliyah. After completing her medical training in Australia, she boarded a flight to Israel, ensuring her dream was turned into a reality. Though she initially worked in internal medicine, she was passionate about emergency medicine and shifted her specialty once that became a viable option in Israel.
Dr. Gershov-West soon established herself as a pioneer in the world of emergency medicine. When the CEO of Assuta Ashdod Public Hospital, Professor Haim Bitterman, reached out to discuss creating the hospital’s first emergency medicine department in 2017, she agreed, but only on the following proviso. The department had to be built in alignment with the Anglo-American model of emergency medicine specialists staffing the department full time. Dr. Gershov-West has managed the department ever since.
Leadership during crisis
Dr. Gershov-West's expertise proved invaluable during Israel's most challenging times. Due to Assuta Ashdod's proximity to the Gaza Envelope, it was one of the first hospitals to receive wounded civilians and soldiers on 7 October, 2023. On that fateful day, she demonstrated extraordinary leadership, overseeing the treatment of hundreds of trauma patients from the attacks, while simultaneously managing the regular caseload of emergency patients. She remained on call at the hospital until 10 October.
Recognising an urgent need for enhanced medical training in crisis
situations, Dr. Gershov-West established the Frontline Emergency Medicine (FEM) mobile simulation unit, under the Health Research and Science NPO. With a team of more than 50 international specialists in trauma, emergency and tactical medicine, FEM has conducted more than 100 workshops, training in excess of 3,000 frontline medical professionals in critical lifesaving skills.
She was recently awarded the prestigious Sylvan Adams Nefesh B'Nefesh Bonei Zion Prize in the field of Science and Medicine for her extraordinary contributions to developing the emergency medicine field in Israel.
A call to action for Australian doctors and specialists
Israel's physician shortage represents both a challenge and an opportunity. For Australians in the medical field who have always dreamed of making Aliyah, IMAP provides the support, resources and guidance necessary to ensure it happens, while contributing to a critical national need.
The program recognises that successful medical Aliyah requires more than just licensing; it necessitates comprehensive support for professional integration, cultural adaptation and career development. By providing multilingual advisors, professional networking opportunities and ongoing support services, IMAP ensures that doctor Olim can successfully integrate into Israel's medical workforce and thrive in their new environment.
The journey of doctors like Dr. Debra Gershov-West demonstrates that Australian medical professionals can not only successfully integrate into Israeli healthcare, but they can become
pioneers and leaders who improve the system. As Israel continues to face healthcare challenges, the expertise, training and perspective that Australian physicians bring becomes increasingly valuable.
If you're a physician interested in making Aliyah and would like to learn more about IMAP and how its team can assist you in making Aliyah, the upcoming IMAP information sessions represent an invaluable opportunity to begin this journey.
For those unable to attend the events or seeking additional information, the IMAP team is available year-round to provide personalised consultation and support. The program's commitment to supporting medical professionals through their Aliyah journey ensures that no physician interested in contributing to Israeli healthcare will navigate this process alone.
The time has never been more opportune for Australian medical professionals to consider making Aliyah. With Israel's critical need for physicians and IMAP's comprehensive support system, the barriers that once made medical immigration challenging have been significantly reduced. The question is no longer whether it's possible to successfully practice medicine in Israel after making Aliyah, but rather how quickly qualified physicians can begin contributing to this vital mission.
To sign up for upcoming events in Sydney or Melbourne, visit https://www. imap.org.il/australia-sessions/ To learn more about the International Medical Aliyah Program and to start your journey, contact medpro@nbn.org.il
IMAP
Dr. Debra Gershov-West
Are you a doctor or medical student thinking of Aliyah?
Join us for dinner and to discover what your professional life in Israel could look like!
• Learn about the licensing and specialty recognition process in Israel
• Hear firsthand from Australian Olah Dr. Debra West on her experience as a doctor in Israel
• Meet with an IMAP representative to get your questions answered
AROUND THE COMMUNITY
Gil Hoffman is the Executive Director of Israeli media advocacy group Honest Reporting. He is an Israeli-American journalist who was previously chief political correspondent for the Jerusalem Post. We went through a number of especially egregious examples of the distorted coverage of Israel's wars by the media.
We examined several examples of how the media has portrayed Israel in a biased or misleading way and discussed the challenges Israel faces in getting its story across. The discussion covered topics such as the reporting on bomb shelters in Palestinian towns, the questionable story of a Palestinian doctor losing her children in an airstrike, the distribution of humanitarian aid in Gaza and the incident involving Greta Thunberg's attempt to reach Gaza by boat.
Reporting on bomb shelters in Palestinian towns
The CNN report suggested that Jews have bomb shelters while Arabs do not, which is inaccurate. The requirement for bomb shelters
Honest reporting exposes media bias
in buildings is based on when the buildings were constructed, not on discrimination against Arabs. Both Jewish and Arab towns can lack sufficient bomb shelters.
Questionable story of Palestinian doctor losing her children
The story of a Palestinian doctor losing all nine of her children in an Israeli
airstrike appears to be fabricated or exaggerated. There are concerns about the authenticity of the pictures and details provided, which seem designed to make Israel look bad.
The lack of independent journalists in Gaza makes it difficult to verify such stories, as the information often comes from sources loyal to Hamas.
Humanitarian aid distribution in Gaza
There have been reports of Palestinians being killed while trying to receive aid, for which Israel has been blamed, but the details are unclear. An independent aid agency, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, has now set up four aid stations in Gaza, which are helping to address the issue of aid distribution that was handled previously by UN affiliated organisations like UNRWA. The previous problems with aid being looted or diverted by Hamas have been a major challenge.
Greta Thunberg's attempt to reach Gaza by boat
Greta Thunberg and a group of "vagabonds" attempted to reach Gaza by sea, claiming they were being "illegally attacked and kidnapped" by Israel.
JIMENA and the Jews of Iran
Of Iranian heritage, Matthew Nouriel is the Community Engagement Director at JIMENA (Jews Indigenous to the Middle East and North Africa). We discussed a range of topics related to the situation in Israel and the experiences of different Jewish communities. Our conversation touched on the bombardment from Iran, the challenges faced by Iranian Jews, the importance of preserving Mizrahi and Sephardic Jewish history and media coverage and perception of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. With the onslaught of antisemitism that's hitting the West from the top and from academia, Matthew insisted that with greater knowledge imbued in young Jews, they would be better equipped to fight back.
Coping with the bombardment from Iran
At the time of the interview Nouriel was stuck in Israel because of the Iranian onslaught. He described the experience as "jarring”.
Some Australians who had been in Israel on BirthRight (Taglit) were able to leave Israel via a cruise ship to Cyprus.
Nouriel did not feel it would be safe to try and leave Israel via a neighbouring Arab country because of his Jewish identity and LGBTQIA+ status.
The experiences of Iranian Jews
Nouriel provided historical context on the Jewish community in Iran, tracing its presence back to the Babylonian
However, Israel offered to have the aid on the boat transported through normal humanitarian channels. Greta was flown out of Israel on an El Al flight to France, en route to Sweden after being detained by Israeli forces. The exercise was seen as a publicity stunt, rather than a genuine humanitarian effort.
Conclusions and decisions
Honest Reporting aims to combat the biased or misleading reporting of Israel. The lack of independent journalists in Gaza makes it difficult to verify information, as much of it comes from sources loyal to Hamas.
Israel has faced challenges in distributing humanitarian aid in Gaza due to the risk of it being looted or diverted by Hamas.
Honest Reporting encourages ordinary people to get involved in sharing accurate information and supporting Israel's narrative on social media and other channels.
My interview with Gil Hoffman can be heard at https://omny.fm/shows/ israel-connexion/honest-reporting
David Schulberg is a presenter on J-AIR 88FM and can also be heard on 2TripleO.
exile and the rule of Cyrus the Great. Under the Islamic Republic, the situation for Iranian Jews deteriorated, with many fleeing the country.
Those remaining faced persecution and restrictions.
Iranian Jews must navigate a delicate balance between keeping a low profile, appeasing the regime and avoiding accusations of being "Zionist spies."
While some Iranian Jews can visit Israel discreetly, it remains a risky endeavour and a total impossibility at the moment.
Preserving Mizrahi and Sephardic Jewish history
JIMENA aims to achieve recognition for the history and stories of Mizrahi and Sephardic Jews, who are often marginalised in Jewish educational spaces. If only all Jews had that history in their back pocket, but, unfortunately, they don't.
This knowledge is important for combating the misconception that Jews in Israel are "white Ashkenazis" who have allegedly colonised the region. JIMENA helps to pop the bubble of the myth that Jews are white colonisers and usurpers who come came from Europe.
Media coverage and perceptions of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
The discussion with Nouriel examined several examples of media coverage that the interviewee believes reveal bias and inaccuracies in the way the conflict is portrayed.
Matthew criticised the lack of impartial, on-the-ground reporting in Gaza and the tendency for information to come from sources loyal to Hamas.
Nouriel also addressed the issue of the alleged "famine" in Gaza, arguing that the new Gaza Humanitarian Foundation is working to provide aid effectively, countering Hamas' attempts to control and profit from the distribution of aid.
The interview with Matthew provided a nuanced and informed perspective on the experiences of different Jewish communities, the challenges they face and the importance of accurate and balanced media coverage of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. To listen to the interview, go to https://omny. fm/shows/israel-connexion/jimenahonest-reporting
DAVID SCHULBERG
DAVID SCHULBERG
Gil Hoffman, Executive Director of Honest Reporting (photo by Marc Israel Selem)
Matthew Nouriel
ELIAS CONSIDERED OPINION
ANNE-MARIE
The rapid integration of artificial intelligence into daily life is reshaping not only how we interact with technology, but also the psychological landscape of society. As AI systems become more prevalent, understanding their psychological impacts is crucial to fostering a healthy relationship between humans and machines.
One of the most significant psychological effects of AI is the evolution of human identity and selfperception. With AI systems performing tasks traditionally associated with human intelligence, such as decisionmaking, creativity and emotional support, people may begin to question their own capabilities and worth. This phenomenon, often referred to as "existential anxiety", arises from the fear of obsolescence in an increasingly automated world. As AI continues to evolve and improve, those who feel threatened by its capabilities may experience diminished self-esteem or a sense of purposelessness.
Moreover, the reliance on AI can lead to an erosion of critical thinking and problem-solving skills. When individuals frequently turn to AI for answers or assistance, they may become less
Psychological impacts of AI
inclined to engage in independent thought processes. This dependency can foster a passive approach to learning and decision-making, resulting in cognitive stagnation. It is crucial to strike a balance between embracing AI as a tool and maintaining the cognitive skills that define human intelligence.
The introduction of AI into personal relationships also poses psychological challenges. AI companions, such as chatbots and virtual assistants, can provide emotional support and companionship. While these interactions can alleviate feelings of loneliness for some, they may lead others to form attachments to non-human entities, potentially diminishing their motivation to establish real-world connections. The phenomenon of "social displacement" occurs when individuals prioritise AI interactions over human relationships,
which can increase feelings of isolation and affect overall mental health.
Not surprisingly, AI's role in shaping social interactions extends to the workplace. Automation and AI-driven technologies are transforming job landscapes, leading to grave fears of job losses and economic instability. This uncertainty can generate significant stress and anxiety. On the flip side, AI also offers opportunities for enhancing productivity and creativity. Those who adapt to AI tools may find themselves empowered, leading to a sense of accomplishment and job satisfaction. The challenge lies in ensuring that people can navigate this transition without succumbing to fear.
Additionally, the ethical implications of AI can contribute to psychological distress. Issues surrounding privacy, surveillance and data security can
Kosher animals
19. Drinks with burgers, often
Teams alternative
22. Button on 20-Across, for short 23. Oilers, now 25. *Brady or Jordan, to many
Barcelona's country, to natives 29. "Bali ___" ("South Pacific" song) 31. Cat or mouse, e.g.
Penultimate word of Warner Bros. cartoons 46. What some Irish speak
Grp. that controlled the Iranian skies in June
Charge, as with a fine
*"Look out!"
Bite consequences
Sports rival of Clark
provoke feelings of vulnerability and loss of control. As individuals become more aware of how AI systems collect and use their data, they may experience increased anxiety. This concern can manifest in a general distrust of technology, complicating the relationship between users and AI.
Finally, the portrayal of AI in media and popular culture can further influence public perception, which, in turn, has psychological impacts. Often depicted as either utopian or dystopian, these narratives can shape societal attitudes toward AI, fostering fear or excitement. The disconnect between fiction and reality may lead to unrealistic expectations.
So, the psychological impacts of AI are multifaceted and encompass identity, cognitive skills, social relationships, workplace dynamics, ethical concerns and cultural narratives. As society continues to navigate the complexities of AI, it is essential to promote awareness and understanding of these psychological effects, ensuring that technology serves to enhance rather than diminish the human experience. Balancing the benefits of AI with mindful engagement can help individuals harness its potential, while safeguarding their mental well-being.
Anne-Marie Elias is a psychologist in clinical practice for 25 years.
8. Beginning at
9. Something to sit on
10. What a baby may be in
11. Asian land in two pieces
12. Establish, as a statute
17. Game with a Seafarers expansion
21. ___ kosh, WI
24. Tostada kin
25. Apt name for 8 and 65- Across, and 27 and 37-Down
55. Old stomping grounds of The Ari and The Mechaber
56. Bugs often caught
Non-PC people buy them?
8, in 26-Across
Media or search
Warmly welcomes, perhaps
What Stanley Lieber changed his last name to
Actor not mentioned in the song "Tiny Dancer"
Burning desire?
58. Direction 90 degrees from norte
60. Leg up
61. RH month, perhaps
62. Big times
64. Some MIT grads
66. Black or red tree
RABBINIC THOUGHT
RABBI GABI KALTMANN
East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation is housed in one of the oldest synagogues in Australia. For families like mine, who have been in Australia since the Ballarat gold rush, it holds more than architectural or historical value. Nearly a century ago, my great-grandparents, Rachel and David Miller, stood under a chuppah and got married in that very building. My great-grandmother had fled the pogroms of Russia and my great-grandfather came from Britain. They found each other in a new land and they dared to believe in a future that would allow their children peace and prosperity.
East Melbourne Synagogue has always been surrounded by churches and old civic buildings. Built in 1870, it was a place that bore witness to the promise Australia extended to Jewish immigrants, that they would not be hunted or persecuted for their faith. Here, in the heart of Melbourne, they could pray without fear. With its stainedglass windows and plaques honouring the King of England, the synagogue has always been a symbol of Jewish contribution.
Over the years, I’ve visited East Melbourne Synagogue for events, the odd Shabbat service and for moments of reflection. Though most Jewish families
A heinous attack on the Jewish community
now live in Melbourne’s suburbs, these older, inner-city synagogues are etched into our hearts and minds. They remind us that we come from people who ran for their lives and built something sacred when they arrived in Australia. Our ancestors laid the foundation not just of buildings, but of belief that this
country would be different. That is why, when I turned on my phone after Shabbat and saw the news, I couldn’t breathe. A petrol bomb had been thrown at East Melbourne Synagogue in an attempted arson attack while 20 people were eating Friday night dinner there on Shabbat. This wasn’t
A life affirming motorbike
There’s something deeply moving about standing beside a Magen David Adom (MDA) motorbike, especially one that has served on the frontlines of lifesaving in Israel. Recently, my wife Rebbetzin Sarah and I had the opportunity to do just that, as this remarkable bike made its way to our shule in Melbourne. It was generously donated to MDA by the Appel family and has now found a new purpose: to inspire awareness, connection and action within our community.
This was no ordinary motorbike. It had navigated the narrow alleyways of Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and beyond, weaving through traffic to reach those in need faster than an ambulance ever could. These motorbikes, part of MDA’s rapid response fleet, are often the first on the scene when every second truly matters. To stand next to it, even for a moment, is to stand next to a symbol of what Judaism holds most sacred: life. At the heart of this value is the principle of Pikuach Nefesh, the halachic imperative to save a life. It is a command so powerful that it overrides almost every other mitzvah in the Torah. From the earliest sources, our tradition has been unequivocal: to save one life is to save an entire world. Shabbat, fasting, even prayer take a back seat when someone’s life is in danger. This is not merely a legal technicality; it is a moral compass pointing toward action,
compassion and responsibility. The roots of Pikuach Nefesh are found in the Torah and expanded upon in the Talmud, where the sages explain that the mitzvot were given to us so that we may live by them, not die by them.
It is why we call ambulances on Shabbat without hesitation, why a rabbi would tell you to eat on Yom Kippur if it was medically needed and why Judaism insists on prioritising health and safety above ritual when the two are in conflict.
And it does not end at the emergency scene. Pikuach Nefesh includes the donation of organs, the support of mental health and, even, small acts like checking in on a neighbour or encouraging someone to seek help. It is a living mitzvah, not confined to crisis, but embedded in daily choices. It reminds us that our Jewish lives are not just about how we pray, but about how we show up for others when it counts. In a world where we are constantly bombarded by noise, opinions and distractions, Pikuach Nefesh calls us back to clarity. It reminds us that amidst all the complexities of Jewish life, there is one value that rises above: the sanctity of human life.
Whether through the swift response of a medic in Israel, a compassionate gesture in our own community or simply showing up when someone needs us most, we each have the power to be lifesavers in our own way. Let that motorbike be a symbol not of what was, but of what can be: a community that chooses life, lifts one another and never forgets what really matters.
an accident. It wasn’t random. It was deliberate. Someone tried to burn down a place where my great-grandmother once held her wedding bouquet with trembling hands … where a small but dedicated community gathers each week for Shabbat. Someone tried to burn our memories, our story, our faith.
As a community rabbi in Melbourne, it’s hard to explain the grief that sits in your chest when a sacred place is violated. I would be lying if I didn’t say that this incident has deeply unsettled me. Unfortunately, in recent months, this does not seem to be isolated. It is part of a rising tide of antisemitism that has made Jews in Australia feel unsafe in ways most of us never thought was possible. And yet I still believe in the promise that brought my greatgrandparents, Rachel and David, to our shores. I believe in this country, even when it seems hard to do so. I believe in the vast majority of Australians who reject hate, who believe that churches and synagogues and mosques should be safe.
So, if you’re reading this, and you know someone who is Jewish, reach out. Let them know you stand with them. As a community, we are tired. We are hurting. But we are still here. And we still hope.
RABBI DANIEL RABIN
Rabbi Gabi Kaltmann (right) with Rabbi Zalman Kastel outside East Melbourne Synagogue in happier times
Rabbi Daniel Rabin and his wife, Rebbetzin Sarah
RABBINIC THOUGHT
There are always two ways to approach life – from the top down or the bottom up. One focuses on ideals, the other on reality. But which leads us in the right direction?
A well-known story from the Talmud captures this tension. A prospective convert approaches the sage Shammai and asks to be taught the entire Torah while standing on one foot. Shammai, insulted by the apparent flippancy, sends him away. But when the man turns to Hillel, he receives a different response: “What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour. That is the whole Torah. The rest is commentary – go and learn.”
It’s a powerful idea – that the entirety of Jewish wisdom can be condensed into a single moral directive. But the brilliance of Hillel’s answer lies not only in its simplicity, but in the invitation that follows: “Go and learn.” Understanding what it truly means to treat others with compassion and dignity is a process –a lifelong journey of learning, reflection and action.
Interestingly, this ancient tension between the spiritual and the practical appears in other traditions too. In Raphael’s famous Renaissance fresco The School of Athens, two central figures
Hillel and Aristotle, Shammai and Plato
dominate the scene: Plato and Aristotle. Plato points to the heavens, symbolising abstract ideals. Aristotle gestures forward, toward the physical world and lived experience. In their opposing stances, we see two contrasting worldviews – one striving upward toward perfection, the other reaching outward toward reality.
Hillel and Shammai, too, embodied these differing paradigms. Their debates weren’t only legal; they reflected deep
Interfaith solidarity
Recently, I met a remarkable individual whose work left a deep impression on me. Abraham Muma, the Health Services Coordinator at Chilonga Mission Hospital in Zambia, is visiting Melbourne for a fundraising event for an important cause.
He chose to visit St Kilda Shule alongside colleagues from Catholic Mission’s National Office. Their mission is clear: to shine a light on the silent suffering of mothers in rural Zambia and to share their commitment to do something about it.
They told stories that were difficult to hear: of women walking for hours –sometimes days – while in labour, simply to reach the nearest medical facility. Of mothers giving birth on the side of dirt roads. Of preventable deaths. In Zambia, more than 30 per cent of women still give birth without medical assistance. Postpartum haemorrhage remains the leading cause of maternal death. The statistics are disturbing, but it’s the human faces behind them that stayed with me.
Abraham shared with humility and quiet strength his work in maternal healthcare. He didn’t speak in abstractions or grand language – just about his responsibility, as a man of faith and compassion, to ensure that no woman dies because she cannot reach help in time. He spoke of building trust in
philosophical approaches to life. One such disagreement centred on what was created first, the heavens or the Earth. Shammai's followers argued for the heavens, the spiritual realm. Hillel’s followers said the Earth, the physical world. At its core, this debate was about what should take precedence: lofty ideals or grounded, everyday concerns. Jewish tradition often associates Shammai with gevurah (strength, discipline, boundaries) and Hillel with
remote communities, of finding solutions one clinic, one health outpost, one mother at a time. Abraham also shared with me his knowledge of the Hebrew language, which he had learned as a devout Catholic, to understand the origins of his faith in the Bible.
In Judaism, the value of pikuach nefesh – saving a life – overrides almost every other religious obligation. There is
chesed (kindness, generosity, openness). Their rulings followed suit. Shammai leaned toward strict judgment; Hillel prioritised compassion.
And while both paths hold wisdom, Jewish law overwhelmingly follows Hillel. Not because Shammai was wrong, but because kindness is what makes life livable. If people were judged solely through gevurah, few could endure it. But without gevurah, kindness can lack direction. Real compassion requires boundaries. Real love must be anchored in truth. Which brings us back to Hillel’s guiding principle: treat others as you wish to be treated. But that question invites serious reflection. What do we actually want – unconditional leniency? Or respectful accountability? And more importantly, do we extend the same care and honesty to ourselves?
Maybe the whole Torah is about how we relate to others, but to live that truth, we have to begin within. With compassion, with courage and with a commitment to keep growing.
For more reflections on how timeless Jewish wisdom can guide meaningful, modern lives, follow along on Instagram and Facebook at @rabbibenji, or visit rabbibenji.com. Because, as Hillel said, the rest is commentary and we’re all still learning it, one step at a time.
no higher calling. Listening to Abraham, I saw that same value reflected in Catholic Mission’s work in Zambia. Though we come from different traditions, our belief in the sanctity of life is shared. This, I believe, is where interfaith solidarity becomes real – not just in words, but in action.
Their approach isn’t charity in the traditional sense – it’s something deeper.
It’s empowerment. Having been ordained by Zambia’s head Bishop, Abraham sees part of his religious role to lead these grassroots projects across the region.
The work he is doing isn’t just about infrastructure. It’s about restoring dignity. It’s about ensuring that being born in rural Zambia isn’t a death sentence for a mother or her child.
In Judaism, we speak of chesed and tikkun olam (repairing the world). It’s not enough to pray for a better world; we are obligated to build it, step by step, brick by brick.
That model of charity is deeply moving. It reminds me of the parallels we have in Judaism.
It’s also what drew me into conversation with Catholic leaders here in Australia, including Archbishop Peter Comensoli, with whom I travelled to Israel last year as part of an interfaith delegation to show his support for our Jewish community. That experience profoundly deepened my appreciation of the spiritual ties between our communities, ties that feel more important now than ever before.
In a time when many Jewish people, me included, have felt particularly vulnerable, I’ve been deeply moved by the solidarity shown by so many Catholic communities.
Their support has reminded me that we are not alone, that friendship across faiths is both achievable and vital.
RABBI DR BENJI LEVY
RABBI YAAKOV GLASMAN AM
Rabbi Benji celebrating his daughter Shayna’s Bat Mitzvah
From left: Cruz Ignatius, Catholic Mission Diocesan Director, Abraham Muma and Rabbi Yaakov Glasman AM
CORNER
ALAN BENDER SOUL GOURMET FOODIE
It is very easy to make and very forgiving, even if you don’t show it love when making it. This is a big recipe, so either cut it by half or make it and freeze what you don’t eat.
Ingredients:
2 slabs pareve alpha chocolate
1 tub kosher Nuttelex
1 heaped tablespoon cocoa powder
1 kg dark sugar (or any sugar works)
10 eggs broken and lightly beaten
500 grams self-raising flour
For gluten free: 500 grams White Wings gluten free self-raising flour
Method:
1: Place the chocolate, Nuttelex, cocoa and sugar into a large metal bowl. Put a pot of water on the stove on medium heat and place the bowl on top of the now simmering pot of water. Keep an eye on the chocolate mixture, stirring occasionally, until it is fully melted. Remove from the heat.
2: Add the eggs to the chocolate mix and stir with a whisk, until it has been fully incorporated. Then do the
Chocolate fudge brownie
same with the flour, until there are no lumps.
3: Pre heat the oven to 160C.
4: I use two of the rectangular foil roasters from Bunnings, lined with baking paper. A chef’s trick involves spraying the tray with a little oil, so when you line the tray, the baking
Except where expressly stated otherwise, content in The Melbourne Jewish Report is provided as general informations only. The articles in this paper have been contributed by a third party. The opinions, facts and any media content here are presented solely by the author, and The Jewish Report assumes no responsibility for them. It is not intended as advice and must not be relied upon as such. You should make your own inquiries and take independent advice tailored to your specific circumstances prior to making any decisions. We do not make any representation or warranty that any material in the papers will be reliable, accurate or complete, nor do we accept any responsibility arising in any way from errors or omissions. We will not be liable for loss resulting from any action or decision by you in reliance on the material in the papers. By reading the papers, you acknowledge that we are not responsible for, and accept no liability in relation to, any reader’s use of, access to or conduct in connection with the papers in any circumstance. Photographs submitted by individuals or organisations are assumed to be their property and are therefore not otherwise credited. All articles in this paper have received the expressed consent of the author to publish in this paper.
The Jewish Report; ISSN 2204-4639
Publisher: The Jewish Report Pty Ltd (ACN 167302981)
Distributor: TJR Distribution Pty Ltd ACN 165158029
Comments or suggestions to: editor@thejewishreport.com.au
Article submissions to: www.thejewishreport.com.au/article-submission-guidelines
Advertising: editor@thejewishreport.com.au
Website: www.thejewishreport.com.au
Printer: Spotpress Pty Ltd
paper sticks to the sides of the tray and won’t get in the way when you fill the tray.
5: Split the mixture between the two trays and place in the oven and bake for 45 minutes. Test after that time with a cake tester. If it comes out wet, keep baking and check
Spelling bee answers
after every 10 minutes, until it comes out just dry.
6. Allow to cool & then cut into bite size pieces.
Alan Bender is head chef at Soul Gourmet. To find out more, go to https://soulgourmet.com.au
MEDABERET. Here is a list of some common words (“yes, we know there are more words in the dictionary that can work, but these words are common to today’s vernacular): ABATE, ABATED, ABERRATE, ABERRATED, ABETTED, AMBER, BARBER, BARBED, BARER, BARRED, BARTER, BARTERED, BARTERER, BATTED, BATTER, BEAMED, BEARD, BEARDED, BEATER, BERATE, BERATED, BERET, BERETTA, BETTER, BRADE, BRADED, BREAD, BREADED, BREED, BREEDED, BREEDER, DABBED, DABER, DEBAR, DEBARRED, DEBATE, DEBATED, DEBATER, DEBTED, EMBER, MAMBA, MEDABER, MEMBER, REBATE, REBATED, REBBE, REMEMBER and REMEMBERED. Questions/comments/compliments: email Yoni at koshercrosswords@gmail.com
Crossword answers
AROUND THE COMMUNITY
MELBOURNE HOLOCAUST MUSEUM
Melbourne-born artist Sydney Nolan’s contemplation of the Holocaust continues to resonate. There are 56 of his works in the exhibition at the Melbourne Holocaust Museum, including portraits of Adolf Eichmann and other depictions of persecution, suffering and faith.
Nolan’s exploration of Holocaust imagery began as early as 1947, with his depiction of Lublin. His interest grew over the decades. 1961 was a pivotal year for him. It was when Nolan read Patrick White’s Riders in the Chariot, which featured a fictional Jewish Holocaust survivor. This literary inspiration, combined with his exposure to the trial of Nazi perpetrator Eichmann, led him to focus on themes of persecution, suffering and faith.
Nolan became obsessed with painting depictions of the trial and the Holocaust. From late 1961 to January 1962, Nolan produced more than 120 works focused on the Holocaust and its victims.
His paintings, rich with Christian iconography, such as crucifixes, evoked the universal nature of suffering and the atrocities faced by Jewish people. Nolan’s treatment of the Holocaust was not only a response to history, but also a personal meditation on humanity’s capacity for cruelty, seen through the
Aftershocks: Nolan and the Holocaust
lens of his own cultural identity. In 1961, Nolan was invited by The Observer newspaper to illustrate an article about the Auschwitz. He was so profoundly affected by the subject that, ultimately, he refused to complete the commission.
The paintings in this exhibition are a deeply personal artistic response to the Holocaust, reflecting Nolan’s
psychological and emotional reckoning with the atrocities of the Shoah. Although Nolan did later visit Auschwitz, all but one of the works in this exhibition were created before that visit.
Nolan’s diaries reveal a persistent obsession with the subject, including mentioning his research into Holocaust survivors, correspondence with historian
and philosopher Hannah Arendt, and ongoing exploration of how evil manifests in human actions. Aftershocks offers rare insight into a subject that profoundly affected Nolan’s artistic psyche, however was kept private throughout his life.
Curated by the Sydney Jewish Museum, the deeply moving exhibition is now on display at the Melbourne Holocaust Museum. It is a contemplation of human suffering, memory and resilience and reveals Nolan as an artist grappling with trauma.
Nolan's Holocaust works capture one of the darkest periods of human history through his distinctive artistic lens. His evocative portrayals invite viewers to confront the past, fostering empathy and understanding.
Nolan’s engagement with Auschwitz reminds us that the history and memory of the Holocaust transcends time and distance.
It talks to our collective responsibility to shape a compassionate future.
Visitors are advised that they may find some of the images in the exhibition confronting.
Aftershocks: Nolan and the Holocaust is on at the Melbourne Holocaust Museum until 2 August.
Aftershocks: Nolan and the Holocaust exhibition at Melbourne Holocaust Museum (photo by Simon Shiff)
