SBS Hebrew

A regrettable incident outside the Addass-Israel Synagogue in Melbourne during Simchat Torah celebrations, when a man filmed the service and sent it to a radio station, led to bad publicity of flaunting the Covid-19 restrictions, despite the fact that the participants stuck to the rules agreed to by them and the Department of Health and Human Services beforehand.

Australian Jewish leaders greeted the Australian Government’s budgetary decision to halve the $20m contribution it makes to the UNWRA Palestinian Refugee agency, following claims that these are the only descendants of refugees to receive such funds outside the UNHCR general refugee commission, a fact that prolongs the lack of reconciliation between the Palestinians and Israel, as well as claims of costly overmanning and misplacement of some of the funds.

Australian Holocaust survivors greeted the long-sought after banning by Facebook of Holocaust denial and distortion of facts posts on their social media platforms.

180 years’ worth of Australian Jewish newspapers and journals will become available to anyone via the internet thanks to a new project, which will digitise some 200 thousand pages of such publications, in a partnered effort between local and overseas historical and library services.

SBS News In Hebrew 11.10.2020

Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has delivered one of the most unusual budgets in history.

After a period of profound drought and unprecedented bushfires, an international pandemic then unravelled all previous economic forecasts and even prevented the government from delivering a budget at the usual time of year.

2020 has tested Australians like never before, and Treasurer Josh Frydenberg reflected those sentiments when handing down his 2020-21 Federal Budget.

I will bring you today a short summary of the budget that will impact your lives in Australia

Australians will now be able to receive mental health support with someone who speaks their language or shares their culture or faith under a new initiative.  A new online resource is available now aiming to do just that.

 HeartChat puts people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds in touch with mental health professionals relevant to their background.

 Those seeking support will be able to access a directory of mental health professionals, who can speak a patient’s language or who are of their culture or faith.  They also have the option to book a telehealth appointment.

What is happening in the Australian property market during Covid-19 pandemic? 

What are the government incentives to first home buyers? We spoke to mortgage broker Alon Spitzer to find out. (Hebrew)

The Jerusalem report in English with Peta Jones Pellach 11.10.2020

A slight improvement in coronavirus infection rates in Israel and homes destroyed by fire, 

What do you know about mixed marriages in Australia? Have you heard about the plans to build a new Holocaust museum in Brisbane?

Find out more with Shane Desiatnik from the AJN 11.10.2020

Alex Dafner with the Yiddish report:

The Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne announced that the new Australian Ambassador to Israel will be the experienced career diplomat Paul Griffiths, who will replace the current Ambassador Chris Cannan and who the minister said, would continue and enhance the growing and close relationships and cooperation between the two countries and people.

Two Australian Federal Parliamentarians Dave Sharma, Liberal and Josh Burns, Labor, who represent the two electorates with the largest Jewish populations in Sydney and Melbourne respectively, will represent Australia on the Inter Parliamentary Task Force on combating online antisemitism, together with bipartisan representatives from Israel, the UK, USA and Canada.

The Australian Federal Government has announced a $3.5m fund for the creation of a Holocaust Museum in Brisbane, Queensland’s capital, with the Qld opposition Liberal Party already committing to match the funds for the museum, should they gain power in the forthcoming Qld State elections.

Anns:

- Thurs 15th Oct at 6.00PM Sir Zelman Cowen Centre Director Professor Kathy Laster will be in conversation with Mark Leibler AC and journalist Michael Gawenda, about “The Powerbroker”, his biography of Mark. The focus of this event will be on Mark’s life in the law, including his pro bono commitment to indigenous issues and changes to legal practice over the last half century. For details see the Kadimah website at: www.kadimah.org.au   

- Join Yiddish teacher Moishele Alfonso on a literary journey to one of Yiddishland’s best kept secrets of yesteryear - Cuba!  This new course taught online by Florida-based Yiddish teacher Moishele Alfonso, will focus on short stories by Cuban Yiddish authors.  For details see the Kadimah website at: www.kadimah.org.au   

SBS News in Hebrew 4.10.2020

Prof Rafi Mann with SBS Hebrew Jerusalem report