From the ASPJ President
Shalom, witaj and welcome to our first edition of Haynt for 2026
For more than two years since 7th October 2023, many of us had hoped that the rising trajectory of antisemitism in Australia and throughout the world might eventually dissipate, if not disappear. Sadly, this did not occur and instead manifested itself in the most tragic manner with the terror attack at Bondi Beach on 14th December 2025.
Footage of the deliberate targeting of Australian Jews celebrating Chanukah on Bondi Beach – which resulted in the murder of 15 people and the physical wounding of 40 others – sent shockwaves through Jewish communities and societies across the globe.
Lamentably, the ASPJ, along with other Jewish and non-Jewish organisations, had repeatedly raised concerns about the increasing social tension and division that had been emerging. We also expressed concern about what many perceived to be an underwhelming response from some politicians, media figures, communal leaders and social
influencers – and where such trends might lead if left unchecked
At the same time, the ASPJ also received many messages of support from a wide range of individuals and organisations during this period. That support continued in the aftermath of the Bondi attack, when many friends – and even people previously unknown to us – reached out to offer their condolences and express their outrage at this antisemitic act.
Although words alone can sometimes seem insufficient, the warmth and empathy, expressed in these messages, have been deeply comforting and encouraging. They remind us that there remains a strong foundation for a better and more compassionate world.
Despite the enormity of the Bondi Beach terror attack, the ASPJ has continued its program of events and activities. Among these was our 2025 Oration, delivered by the Acting Ambassador of Poland, Chargé d’Affaires Marcin Kawałowski, which also included a special presentation of the Gold Cross of Merit to ASPJ Past Presidents Bernard Korbman and Izi Marmur
We are also pleased to share that details of our upcoming 2026 webinar series will soon be announced.
The ASPJ’s Statement of Purpose is to preserve and promote the historical and cultural heritage of Jewish life in Poland, and to foster understanding between current and future generations of the Polish and Jewish communities
As we approach the Festival of Pesach (Passover), we are reminded of its central themes of liberation and freedom. One can only hope that, both globally and individually, we experience these ideals in the year ahead. This is particularly poignant at a time when Israel once again finds itself fighting major existential threats in an effort to live freely and securely.
The coming weeks are also a period of reflection and remembrance. Soon after Pesach, we commemorate Yom Ha’Shoah — Holocaust Martyrs’ and Heroes’ Remembrance Day – followed the next week by Yom Ha’Zikaron, Israel’s Memorial Day for fallen soldiers and victims of terror. This is immediately followed by Yom Ha’Atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day. In Australia, we then mark ANZAC Day shortly thereafter.
These commemorations invite us to pause and reflect on the tremendous debt which we owe the generations before us – those whose sacrifices helped ensure that people today can live in freedom and security. At the same time, they remind us of the terrible suffering and devastation that can result when hatred, intolerance, and violence prevail.
It is our fervent hope that Australia will continue to remain a welcoming land of opportunity – a country of religious freedom and protection, where people of different religions, races, and ethnicities can live together without hate or fear in a tolerant, vibrant and prosperous society that benefits us all. We also pray for peace and safety for all citizens of Israel and for all people throughout the Middle East.
We invite you to enjoy this latest edition of Haynt, and extend our sincere thanks to our editor, Izi Marmur, for his dedication and effort in producing another excellent edition
Ezra May
President ASPJ