Letter to Bendigo Writers Festival flagged ‘concern' over Palestinian writer
A Palestinian-Egyptian, Muslim woman, Abdel-Fattah was scheduled to speak at Bendigo Writers Festival over the weekend in the La Trobe Presents component of the festival called 'On Reckonings', alongside UTS professor of law and podcaster Katherine Biber and author Paul Daley.
'We are deeply concerned about the invitation of Dr Randa Abdel-Fattah to speak at [Bendigo Writers Festival La Trobe Presents] event on her book Discipline, concerning speaking about the war in Gaza,' the letter from 5A began.
The letter also alleged Dr Abdel-Fattah is 'widely known for her antisemitism and anti-Israeli rhetoric … [and] perpetually dehumanises people who hold Zionist views and condemns them as not worthy of human dignity'.
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Perth Now
3 hours ago
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Israel weighs Hamas response to Gaza ceasefire proposal
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The Advertiser
6 hours ago
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'Weak' PM condemned by Israeli leader amid visa stoush
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It stressed it would continue to deal with the Australian diplomats, saying Israel had no legal basis to block citizens of a third nation from entering Palestinian territory. Australia earlier had denied far-right Israeli politician Simcha Rothman entry into the country for a speaking tour after provocative comments, including branding children in Gaza as enemies. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in August confirmed Australia's intention to recognise Palestinian statehood at the United Nations General Assembly meeting in September. The decision came after more than 100,000 people marched across the Sydney Harbour Bridge to protest the war in Gaza. Israeli Foreign Affairs Minister Gideon Sa'ar accused the Australian government of fuelling anti-Semitism as he announced the visa cancellations on social media on Monday. "This follows Australia's decisions to recognise a 'Palestinian state' and against the backdrop of Australia's unjustified refusal to grant visas to a number of Israeli figures, including former minister Ayelet Shaked and ... (Member of the Knesset) Simcha Rothman," Mr Sa'ar posted on X. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said she regretted the way the relationship between the Australian and Israeli governments was deteriorating. "That is something all Australians should be very sad about today," she told reporters in Sydney. Australia should be supporting Israel as a "liberal democracy" but had not demonstrated that in recent weeks, Ms Ley said, calling on Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke to explain his decision to reject Mr Rothman's visa. The Australia/Israel and Jewish Affairs Council also called the move "deeply troubling". Australia has also denied entry to former Israeli minister Ayelet Shaked, based on anti-Palestinian comments, and Israeli advocate Hillel Fuld. 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The diplomats were tasked with helping Australia engage with the Palestinian Authority as the federal government's recognition of Palestine is tied to commitments made by the body, including an assurance that designated terror group Hamas play no role in a future state. Though they have not been working in Gaza, the diplomats had liaised with humanitarian organisations which have been trying to get aid into the territory. Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the government had a right to safeguard communities and protect "all Australians from hate and harm". "At a time when dialogue and diplomacy are needed more than ever, the Netanyahu government is isolating Israel and undermining international efforts towards peace and a two-state solution," Senator Wong said on Tuesday. "This is an unjustified reaction following Australia's decision to recognise Palestine." She said Australia would continue to contribute to "international momentum to a two-state solution, a ceasefire in Gaza and release of the hostages" and would always take decisive action against anti-Semitism. The Palestinian Authority's Ministry of Foreign Affairs also condemned Israel's "arbitrary" cancellations. It stressed it would continue to deal with the Australian diplomats, saying Israel had no legal basis to block citizens of a third nation from entering Palestinian territory. Australia earlier had denied far-right Israeli politician Simcha Rothman entry into the country for a speaking tour after provocative comments, including branding children in Gaza as enemies. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in August confirmed Australia's intention to recognise Palestinian statehood at the United Nations General Assembly meeting in September. The decision came after more than 100,000 people marched across the Sydney Harbour Bridge to protest the war in Gaza. Israeli Foreign Affairs Minister Gideon Sa'ar accused the Australian government of fuelling anti-Semitism as he announced the visa cancellations on social media on Monday. "This follows Australia's decisions to recognise a 'Palestinian state' and against the backdrop of Australia's unjustified refusal to grant visas to a number of Israeli figures, including former minister Ayelet Shaked and ... (Member of the Knesset) Simcha Rothman," Mr Sa'ar posted on X. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said she regretted the way the relationship between the Australian and Israeli governments was deteriorating. "That is something all Australians should be very sad about today," she told reporters in Sydney. Australia should be supporting Israel as a "liberal democracy" but had not demonstrated that in recent weeks, Ms Ley said, calling on Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke to explain his decision to reject Mr Rothman's visa. The Australia/Israel and Jewish Affairs Council also called the move "deeply troubling". Australia has also denied entry to former Israeli minister Ayelet Shaked, based on anti-Palestinian comments, and Israeli advocate Hillel Fuld. Canberra has further imposed sanctions on two far-right Israeli ministers, including travel bans. The federal government has denied entry to people who have a history of anti-Semitism, including rapper Kanye West after he released a song praising Hitler, as well as Lebanese pro-Hezbollah influencer Hussain Makke. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been accused of having "abandoned Australia's Jews" by his Israeli counterpart as relations deteriorate between the two nations. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took to social media to personally attack Mr Albanese in an escalation of the diplomatic stoush. "History will remember Albanese for what he is: a weak politician who betrayed Israel and abandoned Australia's Jews," he wrote. The post comes after Australia's decision to recognise the state of Palestine and refuse entry to significant Israeli figures. Israel responded by revoking the visas of a trio of Australian representatives to the Palestinian Authority. The diplomats were tasked with helping Australia engage with the Palestinian Authority as the federal government's recognition of Palestine is tied to commitments made by the body, including an assurance that designated terror group Hamas play no role in a future state. Though they have not been working in Gaza, the diplomats had liaised with humanitarian organisations which have been trying to get aid into the territory. Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the government had a right to safeguard communities and protect "all Australians from hate and harm". "At a time when dialogue and diplomacy are needed more than ever, the Netanyahu government is isolating Israel and undermining international efforts towards peace and a two-state solution," Senator Wong said on Tuesday. "This is an unjustified reaction following Australia's decision to recognise Palestine." She said Australia would continue to contribute to "international momentum to a two-state solution, a ceasefire in Gaza and release of the hostages" and would always take decisive action against anti-Semitism. The Palestinian Authority's Ministry of Foreign Affairs also condemned Israel's "arbitrary" cancellations. It stressed it would continue to deal with the Australian diplomats, saying Israel had no legal basis to block citizens of a third nation from entering Palestinian territory. Australia earlier had denied far-right Israeli politician Simcha Rothman entry into the country for a speaking tour after provocative comments, including branding children in Gaza as enemies. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in August confirmed Australia's intention to recognise Palestinian statehood at the United Nations General Assembly meeting in September. The decision came after more than 100,000 people marched across the Sydney Harbour Bridge to protest the war in Gaza. Israeli Foreign Affairs Minister Gideon Sa'ar accused the Australian government of fuelling anti-Semitism as he announced the visa cancellations on social media on Monday. "This follows Australia's decisions to recognise a 'Palestinian state' and against the backdrop of Australia's unjustified refusal to grant visas to a number of Israeli figures, including former minister Ayelet Shaked and ... (Member of the Knesset) Simcha Rothman," Mr Sa'ar posted on X. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said she regretted the way the relationship between the Australian and Israeli governments was deteriorating. "That is something all Australians should be very sad about today," she told reporters in Sydney. Australia should be supporting Israel as a "liberal democracy" but had not demonstrated that in recent weeks, Ms Ley said, calling on Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke to explain his decision to reject Mr Rothman's visa. The Australia/Israel and Jewish Affairs Council also called the move "deeply troubling". Australia has also denied entry to former Israeli minister Ayelet Shaked, based on anti-Palestinian comments, and Israeli advocate Hillel Fuld. Canberra has further imposed sanctions on two far-right Israeli ministers, including travel bans. The federal government has denied entry to people who have a history of anti-Semitism, including rapper Kanye West after he released a song praising Hitler, as well as Lebanese pro-Hezbollah influencer Hussain Makke. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been accused of having "abandoned Australia's Jews" by his Israeli counterpart as relations deteriorate between the two nations. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took to social media to personally attack Mr Albanese in an escalation of the diplomatic stoush. "History will remember Albanese for what he is: a weak politician who betrayed Israel and abandoned Australia's Jews," he wrote. The post comes after Australia's decision to recognise the state of Palestine and refuse entry to significant Israeli figures. Israel responded by revoking the visas of a trio of Australian representatives to the Palestinian Authority. The diplomats were tasked with helping Australia engage with the Palestinian Authority as the federal government's recognition of Palestine is tied to commitments made by the body, including an assurance that designated terror group Hamas play no role in a future state. Though they have not been working in Gaza, the diplomats had liaised with humanitarian organisations which have been trying to get aid into the territory. Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the government had a right to safeguard communities and protect "all Australians from hate and harm". "At a time when dialogue and diplomacy are needed more than ever, the Netanyahu government is isolating Israel and undermining international efforts towards peace and a two-state solution," Senator Wong said on Tuesday. "This is an unjustified reaction following Australia's decision to recognise Palestine." She said Australia would continue to contribute to "international momentum to a two-state solution, a ceasefire in Gaza and release of the hostages" and would always take decisive action against anti-Semitism. The Palestinian Authority's Ministry of Foreign Affairs also condemned Israel's "arbitrary" cancellations. It stressed it would continue to deal with the Australian diplomats, saying Israel had no legal basis to block citizens of a third nation from entering Palestinian territory. Australia earlier had denied far-right Israeli politician Simcha Rothman entry into the country for a speaking tour after provocative comments, including branding children in Gaza as enemies. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in August confirmed Australia's intention to recognise Palestinian statehood at the United Nations General Assembly meeting in September. The decision came after more than 100,000 people marched across the Sydney Harbour Bridge to protest the war in Gaza. Israeli Foreign Affairs Minister Gideon Sa'ar accused the Australian government of fuelling anti-Semitism as he announced the visa cancellations on social media on Monday. "This follows Australia's decisions to recognise a 'Palestinian state' and against the backdrop of Australia's unjustified refusal to grant visas to a number of Israeli figures, including former minister Ayelet Shaked and ... (Member of the Knesset) Simcha Rothman," Mr Sa'ar posted on X. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said she regretted the way the relationship between the Australian and Israeli governments was deteriorating. "That is something all Australians should be very sad about today," she told reporters in Sydney. Australia should be supporting Israel as a "liberal democracy" but had not demonstrated that in recent weeks, Ms Ley said, calling on Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke to explain his decision to reject Mr Rothman's visa. The Australia/Israel and Jewish Affairs Council also called the move "deeply troubling". Australia has also denied entry to former Israeli minister Ayelet Shaked, based on anti-Palestinian comments, and Israeli advocate Hillel Fuld. Canberra has further imposed sanctions on two far-right Israeli ministers, including travel bans. The federal government has denied entry to people who have a history of anti-Semitism, including rapper Kanye West after he released a song praising Hitler, as well as Lebanese pro-Hezbollah influencer Hussain Makke.
Sky News AU
7 hours ago
- Sky News AU
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accuses Anthony Albanese of rewarding 'Hamas terror' in explosive letter
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has penned a blistering letter admonishing Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for failing to confront the 'epidemic' of antisemitism that has 'intensified' under his watch. Mr Netanyahu accuses Mr Albanese of pouring 'fuel on this antisemitic fire' by calling for recognition of a Palestinian state, saying it 'rewards Hamas terror, hardens Hamas's refusal to free the hostages', 'emboldens those who menace Australian Jews and encourages the Jew-hatred now stalking your streets.' 'It is not diplomacy, it is appeasement,' Mr Netanyahu declares in the letter. Sky News has obtained a leaked copy of the extraordinary letter, dated August 17th 2025, in which Mr Netanyahu implores the Australian government to follow United States President Donald Trump's lead and take firm action against antisemitism. Mr Netanyahu sets a date, in a month's time, by which urges Mr Albanese to 'replace weakness with action' and 'appeasement with resolve' and act on the antisemitism crisis. 'Prime Minister, antisemitism is a cancer. It spreads when leaders stay silent. It retreats when leaders act. I call upon you to replace weakness with action, appeasement with resolve, and to do so by a clear date: the Jewish New Year, September 23, 2025,' Mr Netanyahu writes in the letter. It's an unprecedented letter from the highest level of the Israeli government to Australia, which has in the past been a strong ally of the democratic, Jewish nation. The letter also follows a relentless campaign of hatred towards the Australian Jewish community, which has included fire-bombings of synagogues, a pre-school and racist vandalism of residential cars and buildings. 'Following Hamas's savage attack on the people of Israel on October 7, 2023, pro-Hamas extremists and left-wing radicals began a campaign of intimidation, vandalism and violence against Jews across the free world,' Mr Netanyahu wrote to Mr Albanese. 'In Australia, that campaign has intensified under your watch.' Mr Netanyahu outlined several recent incidents of antisemitism that have plagued the Australian Jewish community. He also pointed out that since Mr Albanese publicly stated that he would vote to recognise a Palestinian State at the United Nations General Assembly, antisemitism has only intensified. 'In June, vandals defaced a historic Melbourne synagogue with graffiti praising Iran and calling to 'Free Palestine',' Mr Netanyahu wrote. 'In July, arsonists targeted the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation during Shabbat dinner, forcing twenty worshippers to flee for their lives. 'That same night, masked rioters stormed an Israeli-owned restaurant in central Melbourne, destroying property, hurling furniture and shouting 'Death to the IDF'. These are not isolated incidents. This is an epidemic.' The Israeli Prime Minister points to President Trump as the example for confronting antisemitism and not allowing radical hatred to flourish. 'As President Trump has shown, antisemitism can and must be confronted,' he states. 'The President is protecting the civil rights of American Jews, enforcing the law, protecting public order and prosecuting antisemitic crimes. He has also deported Hamas sympathizers and revoked the visas of foreign students who incite violence against Jews.' Mr Netanyahu ended his personally-signed letter with a final comment that said: 'History will not forgive hesitation. It will honour action.' The letter comes after escalating diplomatic tensions between the Albanese government and Israel. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke cancelled the visa of an Israeli politician on Monday, a day before he was due to arrive in Australia. In turn, Israel has revoked the visas of Australian diplomats working in the West Bank. Mr Albanese has not adopted any of the recommendations from the Sky News Antisemitism Summit, held in February, nor from Antisemitism Envoy Jillian Segal's report.
