Mark Sofer

May 17, 2019, 12:00 am

ISRAELI ambassador to Australia Mark Sofer announced unequivocally at Israel's 71st Independence Day celebration on Tuesday evening that the Jewish community of NSW is one of the best, if not the best, community he has worked with during his 39 years in the foreign ministry.

April 30, 2019, 4:21 pm

Israeli, Palestinian diplomats in conversation

ISRAELI ambassador Mark Sofer will be in conversation with the Head of the General Delegation of Palestine Izzat Abdulhadi this Sunday, in what Emanuel Synagogue's Rabbi Jeffrey Kamins calls an “historic opportunity” for the community.

By Gareth Narunsky

Josh Wilson speaking in Parliament last year. Photo: AAP Image/Lukas Coch

April 18, 2019, 12:00 am

‘An insult to our national debate’

AS the Australian Labor Party battles against anti-Israel elements within its ranks, leader Bill Shorten has stressed that a "Shorten Labor government will be committed to maintaining close ties with Israel".

Limmud FSU founder and chairman Chaim Chesler. Photo: Shane Desiatnik

October 22, 2018, 12:00 am

Russian speakers flock to festival

THE UNSW Roundhouse Centre turned Russian on October 14, as more than 250 Russian-speaking Sydney Jews enjoyed food, music, art and seminars at the Limmud FSU (former Soviet Union) Australia festival.

By Shane Desiatnik

Israel's ambassador Mark Sofer (right) hears about the Jewish Holocaust Centre from survivor guide Abe Goldberg. Photo: Zina Sofer

October 14, 2018, 12:01 am

‘An eye opener for me’

ON his first visit to the Jewish Holocaust Centre (JHC) on Monday, Israel's ambassador Mark Sofer was given a comprehensive briefing on the centre's future expansion plans and was shown through the museum.

By Peter Kohn

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian speaking at the Yom Ha'atzmaut cocktail reception. Photo: Noel Kessel

April 26, 2018, 12:01 am

Premier’s praise for Israel

SEVENTY years of independence for Israel – a state that embodies "the best of Jewish tradition, free speech and debate, innovation, ingenuity and above all else, resilience", according to NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian – was celebrated at a Yom Ha'atzmaut reception on Monday night with over 700 attendees including political figures and interfaith leaders.

Peta Birnbaum (left) and Rachel Ben-Atar narrating the story of Sariel Birnbaum. Photo: Peter Haskin

April 24, 2018, 2:58 pm

Fallen soldiers never forgotten

IDAN Goldberger almost paid the ultimate price. Fifteen years ago, on his 21st birthday, Goldberger’s name was very nearly added to the list of 23,646 soldiers who have fallen defending the State of Israel.

By Rebecca Davis

April 19, 2018, 12:00 am

Pride and prejudice: Israel at 70

It has not been easy and will continue not to be, but as we reflect on our future, we must never forget the words of David Ben-Gurion "In Israel, in order to be a realist you have to believe in miracles."

Dennis Prager at the UIA Victoria Gala Dinner. Photo: Peter Haskin.

March 29, 2018, 12:01 am

‘Israel-hatred is Jew-hatred’

"How do you explain the desire to exterminate the Jewish people?" That was the question posed by best-selling American author, columnist, and talk show host, Dennis Prager, at the United Israel Appeal (UIA) Victoria Annual Gala Dinner last week.

By Rebecca Davis

Alan Dershowitz with Colonel Richard Kemp. Photo: Giselle Haber

March 1, 2018, 3:10 pm

Dershowitz inspires thousands in Sydney

ANY event with Professor Alan Dershowitz as a keynote speaker is bound to be special, but the 2000-plus audience at UIA NSW's gala event in Sydney last Sunday were, unexpectedly, treated to much more than an inspirational speech.

By Shane Desiatnik

Steven Glass, vice president of New Israel Fund Australia and board member of the Asylum Seeker Centre of NSW.

February 15, 2018, 12:00 am

Israel’s refugee policy ‘an affront to our history and values’

There are currently around 38,000 people seeking asylum in Israel, mainly from Sudan and Eritrea. Some have submitted applications to be recognised as refugees under the UN Convention, but few applications have even been considered and only a small number accepted.

January 18, 2018, 12:00 am

Sofer: Challenges remain, but opportunities abound

As I step into the first year of my term here in Australia, I look forward to promoting Israel's strengths and helping to reinforce the burgeoning Australian-Israeli bilateral relationship.

December 7, 2017, 12:00 am

Sofer urges unity

IN an unprecedented move, Israel’s new ambassador to Australia Mark Sofer has urged communal organisations to consult with the embassy before releasing public statements on issues concerning the Jewish State.

By Joshua Levi

November 30, 2017, 12:00 am

Pledge for VIC trade office in Jerusalem

The Victorian Opposition has pledged to open a Victorian government trade office in West Jerusalem if it wins next November's state election.

By Peter Kohn

November 30, 2017, 12:00 am

New ambassador is Sofer, so good

Israel's new ambassador Mark Sofer has hit the ground running, presenting his diplomatic credentials to the Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove, attending an ECAJ conference and meeting Australian and Victorian Jewish leaders.

Enjoy Unlimited Access To The Australian Jewish News Website And All Our Online Content For AUD$18/month Or Just AUD$120/year.