Israel in Australia

No better way to enter Shabbat than with a beautiful sunset! Trick question… is this Israel or Australia? Take your best guess in the comments below! Shabbat Shalom from your friends at the Embassy 🌅

🇫🇯🇮🇱 A new chapter in Fiji–Israel relations: Fiji has established an Israel Allies Caucus in its Parliament. Chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka, the caucus will work to deepen bilateral cooperation, promote shared Judeo-Christian and democratic values, and strengthen support for Israel within the Fijian Parliament. This follows Fiji’s decision to open an embassy in Jerusalem, recognising it as Israel’s capital, and marks another significant step in the growing partnership between Fiji and Israel. jpost.com/diaspora/artic…

Michael Katz succumbed to his wounds three months after being critically injured in the Iranian ballistic missile strike on Haifa on April 6, 2026. Micheal is survived by his wife, Nina, his two sons, Itamar and Yoav, and six grandchildren. The Iranian regime targets civilians. May his memory be a blessing 🕯️

The countdown to 2030 begins. Israel is launching preparations for the 2,000th anniversary of the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River — a milestone of profound spiritual significance for more than two billion Christians worldwide. Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Sa’ar has established a working group, headed by Ambassador George Deek, Israel’s Special Envoy to the Christian World, to deepen dialogue with churches and Christian leaders worldwide and prepare for the arrival of millions of Christian pilgrims.

Israel is home to a vibrant population of more than 180,000 Christians. Many live in some of the Holy Land’s most iconic cities: #1 Nazareth, home to Israel’s largest Arab Christian community and the Basilica of the Annunciation. #2 Haifa, a city of coexistence on Mount Carmel with diverse Christian communities and the Stella Maris Carmelite Monastery. #3 Jerusalem, Israel’s capital, the place to walk in the footsteps of Jesus and to visit the Chuch of the Holy Sepulchre.

Today I had the privilege of inaugurating a new trauma center at the English Hospital in Nazareth. Built through the partnership of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, this trauma center will serve everyone who walks through its doors: Jew, Muslim, Christian, or anyone else. This is our Israel. This is Christianity in the Holy Land at its best: not boycotts, not slogans, not ideological manifestos, but Jews and Christians working together to save lives. The Church of England can keep passing resolutions. We’ll keep building.

Escaping the Canberra winter, Ambassador @Hillel_Newman visited the Gold Coast for the first time since assuming his role, meeting with the Queensland Jewish community and attending the International Convention of Faith Ministry Australia conference, where he connected with Christian leaders. He also met with Queensland government representatives, Archbishop Shane Mackinlay, and community leaders to strengthen Israel–Australia ties. A wonderful visit to Queensland, we look forward to returning soon and continuing to strengthen these important partnerships.

Ambassador @Hillel_Newman was pleased to meet with members of the local ACT Jewish and Christian communities for meaningful discussions on current global and local affairs, including the geopolitical situation, Christian-Jewish relations, combating antisemitism, and developments in the region. Ambassador Newman responded to many questions from the audience on issues like elections in Israel, Israel’s bond with the Jewish diaspora, and the Christian community in Israel. We are grateful for the friendship and support of communities across Australia.

“Healthcare preparedness is no longer something hospitals can leave for the day of the emergency,” said Prof. Eli Sprecher, CEO of Tel Aviv Sourasky University Medical Center 🏥 Since October 2023, Israeli hospitals have had to rapidly balance routine care with emergency response, treating civilians, soldiers, and trauma patients. Building on these lessons, healthcare leaders from around the world will gather at Ichilov for the Emergency Management & Preparedness Course (EMPC) 2026 to share knowledge and strengthen global readiness. Read more: #google_vignette" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">jpost.com/israel-news/cu…

Israel's Forbes 30 Under 30 list is here, and we couldn't be prouder 💪 Meet Shulamit, 25, a Haredi mother of two from Lod who now works as a "white hat" hacker and is the only female hacker on her international research team at a company with more than 380,000 employees worldwide. Beyond her career, she is inspiring the next generation of Haredi women and girls pursuing opportunities in the tech industry. Read more: forbes.co.il/e/record-fundr…

Don't worry, Happy News from Israel is here 🇮🇱 It seems we're not the only ones who love our historic capital, Jerusalem. With more than 661,600 votes, Jerusalem was named the top city in the Middle East and Africa and ranked 7th worldwide in Travel + Leisure’s annual World's Best Awards readers' survey. Read more: travelandleisure.com/worlds-best-aw…

Deeply saddened to heart to hear about the death of @LindseyGrahamSC , a dear friend of the people of #Israel. My condolences to the #American people, and @USCongress. A man dedicated to values!! He will be so missed. I had the privilege of meeting him on several occasions.

This investigation paints a deeply troubling picture and should serve as a wake-up call. We call upon The Australian government to confront antisemitism forcefully. Every reluctance, every excuse, and every failure to act sends extremists the same message: they can keep pushing the boundaries. No Jew should ever feel compelled to hide their identity to receive medical care in an Australian hospital. wentworthreport.com/2026/06/27/aus…

Weekly Recap: Israeli Embassy Edition🇦🇺🦘 - Meeting with members of the Iranian-Australian community in Canberra - Ambassador Newman met with Queensland's Archbishop Shane Mackinlayfor the first time since assuming his role. - Ambassador Newman made a visit to the Queensland Holocaust Muesum, reaffirming his commitment to “Never Again”. - Deputy Head of Mission attended DFAT's reception marking NAIDOC week.

Looking for the latest updates from Israel, the Middle East, and the Embassy? Stay up to date with the Embassy's weekly newsletter. 🔗 Click the link to read the latest edition:embassies.gov.il/australia/en/n…

In light of the attempts by Hamas and other parties to misrepresent the humanitarian situation in Gaza since the start of the ceasefire, COGAT is publishing a comprehensive report today to present a full picture of the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip to the international community. The report is based on information received from international organizations, the UN, online reports, and studies conducted by professionals and experts in the humanitarian field. The data in the report is clear and does not leave room for any doubt - the humanitarian situation has been stable since the start of the ceasefire, and the volume of aid that has entered Gaza far exceeds humanitarian needs. To read the full report: gaza-aid-data.gov.il/media/e2gjueei…

The Embassy of Israel marked NAIDOC Week, with Ambassador @hillel_newman attending the flag raising ceremony and Deputy Head of Mission @Amir_Meron attending @dfat’s reception celebrating the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Israel recognises the deep connection Indigenous Australians have to their land, culture and ancestry, and the importance of preserving heritage and identity.

What does the future of Israel-Australia relations look like? How is Israel recovering after October 7? And what lessons can be learned from the Bondi terrorist attack? 🎙️Ambassador @Hillel_Newman joined Wally’s World with @AndrewWallaceMP to discuss these important issues. Don’t miss it. x.com/andrewwallacem…

What really happened on October 7, and what does it mean for Australia? I speak with Israel's Ambassador to Australia, Dr Hillel Newman, about October 7, national security and the Australia-Israel relationship. 🎙️ Available tomorrow andrewwallacemp.com.au/podcast-wallys…

🔗 theaustralian.com.au/commentary/ive…

In his latest Op-Ed, Ambassador @Hillel_Newman raises the fact that modern anti-Zionism is a manifestation of classic Anti-Semitism. While he highlights Israel’s robust democracy, where criticism of policies and self-reflection are fundamental, the negating of Israel’s right to exist as presented in modern Anti-Zionism has moved beyond legitimate debate, with antisemitism being masked as political discourse. Read the full article in the @australian: