Israel - Australia relations

With looming elections and the lingering trauma of October 7 — along with a disturbing surge in antisemitism in Australia— it’s becoming harder to find common ground among Jewish voters.

Australia’s Jewish student union is wrapping up its annual leadership program, which encourages students to lead change in their communities and beyond.

The opposition conservative coalition has ruled out a deal with pro-Palestine groups and instead leaned into support for the Jewish community.

Two Israeli siblings were reportedly left waiting to enter Australia for their grandmother's birthday after the Australian government demanded they answer questions on their IDF service.

"By dressing in a mock Hamas-style headband, Lidia Thorpe is mocking the victims of murder and rape on October 7."

"Nobody in the government wants to be seen to be either approving or rejecting Israeli military sales," a defense insider reportedly told the ABC.

Although most Australians were pro-Israel three months ago, they are now pro-Gaza, and think that more humanitarian aid should be directed there.

For more than half a century Leiblers have either headed or held executive positions in various Australian Jewish community organizations, Israeli enterprises, and world Jewish associations.

"When it comes to antisemitism, there is no room for equivocation. There is no fence-sitting. It is our duty to address and tackle it," Lachlan Murdoch said.

These sanctions build upon Australia's history of action against Hamas, starting in 2001 with initial sanctions against the group.

Rabbi Menachem Aron and his wife, Rebbetzin Shevi Aron, who are based in Melbourne, coordinate the Chabad of RARA — short for Regional and Rural Australia.