SBS Hebrew

Rawan Osman was born in Syria and raised in Lebanon, where she says she was exposed from a young age to deeply anti-Israel and antisemitic narratives. Today, she describes herself as an Arab Zionist and is a prominent advocate for confronting antisemitism and challenging misconceptions about Jews and Israel. Osman recently visited Australia, speaking at Jewish community events in Sydney and Melbourne. Her visit comes at a particularly significant time, as Australia grapples with a rise in antisemitism and the findings of the Royal Commission into Antisemitism and Social Cohesion. In this interview, Osman speaks about her dramatic change in worldview, what she believes contributed to antisemitic attitudes in the Middle East, her relationship with Judaism and Israel and why she believes challenging antisemitism has become increasingly important.

Throughout August, adaptations of existing stories and new works created for the festival come to life on stage, showcasing Jewish culture in different forms.

Dr Ariella Heffernan-Marks reveals the process leading to the creation of Ovum, an AI-powered health assistant designed to help women understand their symptoms, organise their health information and become more confident advocates for themselves.

SBS Hebrew speaks to Rabbi Allison Conyer for another episode in our series "Hopes & Fears in the Jewish Sphere". Rabbi Conyer serves as a progressive leader within the Melbourne community, and has devoted her life to studying, spreading Judaism and engaging in social activities.SBS Hebrew speaks to Rabbi Allison Conyer for another episode in our series "Hopes & Fears in the Jewish Sphere".Rabbi Allison Conyer serves as the progressive leader within the Melbourne community, and has devoted her life to studying, spreading Judaism and engaging in social activities. She was ordained in New York in 1998, and since then, she has worked in Australia and the United States for more than twenty-five years.Currently, she is Senior Rabbi of Melbourne’s Temple Beth Israel in Melbourne, Australia. Her professional practice and academic qualifications are particularly relevant to the series and questions in the domain of how Jewish identity forms, transforms and operates to belong within a rapidly evolving society such as Australia.Our podcast series - Hopes & Fears in the Jewish SphereTo better understand the pressures, changes and experiences of ‘the tribe’ at this moment in time, we introduced a new podcast corner called "Hopes & Fears in the Jewish Sphere".Through conversations with specialists in psychology, philosophy, and religion, as well as community elders and leaders, this new corner will examine the interplay of Jewish spirit, identity and belonging.We look to ask our guests questions such as:How do you perceive the current Jewish experience - locally and globally?How can we hold to an ancient sense of identity in a radically evolving world?Where can we find - and how do we exercise - hope?

Seven rounds of US mediated talks between Israel and Lebanon have raised hopes of a lasting peace, but a new study involving Monash University and Sciences Po questions whether negotiations alone can deliver stability. Dr Vanessa Newby explores the deep political, religious and social divisions within both countries and why a durable 'cold peace' may require more than agreements between governments. What would Israel and Lebanon gain from a stable relationship and can economic cooperation help turn an uneasy ceasefire into lasting peace?

SBS Hebrew spoke with comedian Tami Sussman, who together with Kate Lewis will present a live recording of their comedy podcast You Were Great in Shule!, exploring the funny, awkward and very familiar world of Bar and Bat Mitzvah celebrations.

After the terrorist attack in Bondi, Kahn ran to the beach searching for his wife and young daughter, who had attended the Hanukkah event. He told SBS Hebrew that in the days that followed, he began writing Hineinu as a way of processing what had happened through music.

Erica Frydenberg is an Australian psychologist and writer whose research interests include the topics of resilience, well-being and coping with adversities in life. She was born in Budapest and brought up in the Hungarian Jewish community in Sydney, and has been instrumental in outlining coping strategies through multiple books and research articles.Erica Frydenberg is an Australian psychologist and writer whose research interests include the topics of resilience, well-being and coping with adversities in life. She was born in Budapest and brought up in the Hungarian Jewish community in Sydney, and has been instrumental in outlining coping strategies through multiple books and research articles.Her latest book, which will launch next week, is titled “Do Not Forget Me Street: Remembering the Budapesti Schindlers”, and features the direct family history of Erica, who has discovered the story of her uncle Nandor Eichel, a lesser-known rescuer of Jews during the time of the Holocaust. SBS Hebrew chatted with Erica to hear her story and explore a lifelong passion for purpose, resilience and courage.

Matrescence describes the deepest identity transformation a woman undergoes when she becomes a mother. What happens when matrescence collides with modern life - the impossible juggle of work and motherhood, the relationships that crack under the pressure, the fathers also navigating their own invisible transition?

The pianist and author spoke with SBS Hebrew about transforming his book "Fugitive" into a live performance combining music and spoken text, and how the shift from page to stage creates a different experience for audiences.

Matrescence—the physical, psychological, and emotional transformation a woman undergoes when becoming a mother—remains largely absent from Australia’s healthcare dialogue. Despite triggering neural and hormonal shifts as profound as adolescence, the transition is frequently overlooked by a system overwhelmingly focused on infant health.

In this episode, SBS Hebrew speaks with journalist and author Maayan Hoffman about her latest book, Trauma Tech Nation. Drawing on interviews with entrepreneurs, clinicians and innovators, Hoffman explores how Israel's experience of conflict and crisis has driven the development of cutting-edge technologies to treat trauma and build resilience. She discusses the ethical questions surrounding trauma innovation, the global implications of these advances and why mental health technologies developed in Israel are increasingly attracting international attention.In this episode, SBS Hebrew speaks with journalist and author Maayan Hoffman about her latest book, Trauma Tech Nation. Drawing on interviews with entrepreneurs, clinicians and innovators, Hoffman explores how Israel's experience of conflict and crisis has driven the development of cutting-edge technologies to treat trauma and build resilience. She discusses the ethical questions surrounding trauma innovation, the global implications of these advances and why mental health technologies developed in Israel are increasingly attracting international attention.SBS does not recommend or endorse any of the services discussed.Warning: The following content includes discussions regarding trauma, PTSD and mental health, which some people may find distressing. If you or someone you know needs help:Anyone in Australia can call Medicare Mental Health on 1800 595 212 between 8.30am and 5.00pm Monday to Friday.Also can call crisis support service 24/7 on 13 11 14.

Together with Aaron Robuck and the with the help of Kim Cunio, Judy Campbell wrote and directed a semi-staged musical theatre in one act featuring an Egyptian Jewish family is forced to leave behind the world it built.

On 26th of August 2026, the Federal Labor Party wrapped up its annual conference in Adelaide. Amongst some of the items that made the news was a joint presentation by MPs Josh Burns, who is Jewish, and Basem Abdo, who is from a Palestinian background, in which they addressed the national conference and endorsed the party's platform. SBS Hebrew spoke with Mr. Burns to gather his thoughts about the occasion and the Middle East conflict in general.On 26th of August 2026, the Federal Labor Party wrapped up its annual conference in Adelaide. Amongst some of the items that made the news was a joint presentation by MPs Josh Burns, who is Jewish, and Basem Abdo, who is from a Palestinian background, in which they addressed the national conference and endorsed the party's platform. SBS Hebrew spoke with Mr. Burns to gather his thoughts about the occasion and the Middle East conflict in general.MP Josh Burns is the Federal Labor member for the federal electorate of Macnamara, Melbourne. He was first elected to parliament in 2019 and currently serves as the Special Envoy for Social Housing and Homelessness. Mr. Burns was raised by Jewish immigrants who fled Europe for Australia to escape persecution. Prior to his election to Parliament, he worked as a teacher’s aide, factory worker, and an adviser to the Victorian and federal governments.

איזי מן מספר מה היה השבוע בהיסטוריה העולמית והישראלית. והפעם: גמאל עבד אל נאצר מלאים את תעלת סואץ בשנת 1956, התוכנית של הממשל האוסטרלי לשכן חיילים חוזרים שיצרה את הפרברים העירוניים הראשונים, ועוד...

SBS Hebrew speaks to Michael Gawenda, an award-winning journalist, editor, and writer with a remarkable migration story from the perspective of a Jewish Australian.Michael was born to Polish Jewish parents in a refugee camp in Austria shortly after the Second World War. He migrated to Australia as a very young child and grew up in Melbourne.He celebrates over 30 years at the Age as a journalist and later its editor in chief. He is a well-respected commentator for his writing on Journalism and Politics, he won multiple awards including three Walkley Awards. He also authored four books.We spoke to him about his thoughts on Israel and the next elections as well as modern Jewish identity and antisemitism.Our podcast series - Hopes & Fears in the Jewish SphereTo better understand the pressures, changes and experiences of ‘the tribe’ at this moment in time, we introduced a new podcast corner called "Hopes & Fears in the Jewish Sphere".Through conversations with specialists in psychology, philosophy, and religion, as well as community elders and leaders, this new corner will examine the interplay of Jewish spirit, identity and belonging.We look to ask our guests questions such as:How do you perceive the current Jewish experience - locally and globally?How can we hold to an ancient sense of identity in a radically evolving world?Where can we find - and how do we exercise - hope?

איזי מן מספר מה היה השבוע בהיסטוריה העולמית והישראלית. והפעם: הפיגוע במלון המלך דוד בירושלים בשנת 1946, נדיה קומנצ'י מקבלת את הציון המושלם הראשון אי פעם של 10 באולימפיאדת 1976, ועוד...

Universities will be required to develop definitions of racism, including antisemitism, Islamophobia and prejudice against Indigenous people, under changes that come into effect next year. It coincides with hearings of the Royal Commission into Antisemitism and Social Cohesion where Jewish students have detailed their experiences on campus.Universities will be required to develop definitions of racism, including antisemitism, Islamophobia and prejudice against Indigenous people, under changes that come into effect next year.It coincides with hearings of the Royal Commission into Antisemitism and Social Cohesion where Jewish students have detailed their experiences on campus.

איזי מן מספר מה היה השבוע בהיסטוריה העולמית והישראלית. והפעם: המשחקים האולימפיים הראשונים באוסטרליה בשנת 1956, "שנת אפריקה" בשנת 1960, בה קיבלו 17 מדינות אפריקאיות את עצמאותן, ועוד...

SBS Hebrew speaks to Vic Alhadeff, OAM, who has extensive experience in media and multicultural affairs, having dedicated his career to building a more resilient, respectful and inclusive society.SBS Hebrew speaks to Vic Alhadeff, OAM, who has extensive experience in media and multicultural affairs, having dedicated his career to building a more resilient, respectful and inclusive society. To better understand the pressures, changes and experiences of ‘the tribe’ at this moment in time, we introduced a new podcast corner called "Hopes & Fears in the Jewish Sphere".Through conversations with specialists in psychology, philosophy, and religion, as well as community elders and leaders, this new corner will examine the interplay of Jewish spirit, identity and belonging.We look to ask our guests questions such as:How do you perceive the current Jewish experience - locally and globally?How can we hold to an ancient sense of identity in a radically evolving world?Where can we find - and how do we exercise - hope?In this episode, we meet Vic Alhadeff, OAM, who has extensive experience in media and multicultural affairs, having dedicated his career to building a more resilient, respectful and inclusive society. Vic has held a range of leadership positions in media and community organisations, including Chair of Multicultural NSW, CEO of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, Editor of the Australian Jewish News, and Chief Sub-Editor of the anti-apartheid Cape Times in South Africa.We met with him following his testimonial at the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion. Having been at the forefront of investigative journalism and community leadership for decades, Vic shares his insights as to how we can better understand the tumultuous times we live in, and what we can strive towards as both an ancient and an immigrant collage of a society.

In a conversation with SBS Hebrew, Dr Dov Degen, a Melbourne physician discusses his advocacy for mental health.In a conversation with SBS Hebrew, Dr Dov Degen, a Melbourne physician discusses his advocacy for mental health. A dual trained Nephrologist and General Medicine Physician, Dr Degen highlights systemic failures in Australia’s mental healthcare system - including resource shortages, stigma, and inadequate training - while stressing the power of open disclosure. He envisions national action to transform how mental health is understood and supported. Dr Degen received an Order of Australia (OAM) at the 2026 King’s birthday honours for service to medicine and mental health support.Content Warning: This interview features open discussions about mental health, Bipolar Disorder, and the impact of public stigma. If you or someone you know needs help please cal Lifeline on 13 11 14

Social media giant, Meta, has appeared at the Royal Commission into Antisemitism and Social Cohesion, defending its record on stopping online abuse. E-Safety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, has slammed social media platforms for failing to monitor so-called "gore" content.

SBS Hebrew speaks to Vic Alhadeff, OAM, who has extensive experience in media and multicultural affairs, having dedicated his career to building a more resilient, respectful and inclusive society.SBS Hebrew speaks to Vic Alhadeff, OAM, who has extensive experience in media and multicultural affairs, having dedicated his career to building a more resilient, respectful and inclusive society. To better understand the pressures, changes and experiences of ‘the tribe’ at this moment in time, we introduced a new podcast corner called "Hopes & Fears in the Jewish Sphere".Through conversations with specialists in psychology, philosophy, and religion, as well as community elders and leaders, this new corner will examine the interplay of Jewish spirit, identity and belonging.We look to ask our guests questions such as:How do you perceive the current Jewish experience - locally and globally?How can we hold to an ancient sense of identity in a radically evolving world?Where can we find - and how do we exercise - hope?In this episode, we meet Vic Alhadeff, OAM, who has extensive experience in media and multicultural affairs, having dedicated his career to building a more resilient, respectful and inclusive society. Vic has held a range of leadership positions in media and community organisations, including Chair of Multicultural NSW, CEO of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, Editor of the Australian Jewish News, and Chief Sub-Editor of the anti-apartheid Cape Times in South Africa.We met with him following his testimonial at the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion. Having been at the forefront of investigative journalism and community leadership for decades, Vic shares his insights as to how we can better understand the tumultuous times we live in, and what we can strive towards as both an ancient and an immigrant collage of a society.

איזי מן מספר מה היה השבוע בהיסטוריה העולמית והישראלית. והפעם: 80 שנה לבגד הים המפורסם - הביקיני, אשר נקרא באופן מפתיע על שם הניסוי הגרעיני באוקיינוס השקט באותה שנה, הסיפור הטרגי של מועדון המוות 27, 50 שנה למבצע אנטבה ועוד...

This is the second of a two-part episode.

יובל אשקר התארח אצלנו באולפני SBS במלבורן וסיפר לנו על החיבור לשורשים העירקיים כילד ששמע בבית בכלל מוזיקה קלאסית. הוא שיתף אותנו בדרך המוזיקלית שעשה מילדותו בנס ציונה ועד התבססותו באוסטרליה, במוזיקאים שפגש בדרך - מהגרים בעצמם - מלבנון, יוון, ומקומות שונים בעולם איתם יצר חיבור שהתחזק גם כשהמתח בין המדינות מהם באו רק גדל.

איזי מן מספר מה היה השבוע בהיסטוריה העולמית והישראלית. והפעם: אירוע השבת השחורה בו נעצרו ראשי היישוב היהודי בישראל בשנת 1946, השקת הטלוויזיה הצבעונית ב-1951 ועוד...

This is the first of a two-part episode. Whilst the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues, there are still people working tirelessly to build peace in creative and unconventional ways. One of them is Rabbi Dr. Daniel Roth, Director of Mosaica's 'Religious Peace Initiative'.

In Australia, a country known for its healthy lifestyle, doctors are seeing a concerning shift — more young people are being diagnosed with gastrointestinal cancers.

Professor Raymond Sacks has been appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours, one of the Australia’s highest recognitions for outstanding achievements and service. Based in Sydney, Professor Sacks received the honour for his distinguished contribution to otolaryngology, clinical training, tertiary education and leadership in medical governance. In a conversation with SBS Hebrew, Professor Sacks reflected on his career that spans several decades, spent helping advance patient care while mentoring generations of healthcare professionals.

Aid Coalition היא יוזמה שהחלה בארצות הברית חודש לפני השביעי באוקטובר בעקבות המחאה שהתעוררה בארץ. לפי יונתן בר שדה, נשיא Aid coalition, הארגון שהפנה את הפוקוס לסיוע לישראל אחרי פרוץ המלחמה עם עזה, מתמקד בימים אלו ביוזמה חדשה - FLY & VOTE - שמטרתה לעודד ישראלים שעזבו את הארץ להצביע בבחירות.

איזי מן מספר מה היה השבוע בהיסטוריה העולמית והישראלית. והפעם: שער "יד האלוהים" המפורסם של דייגו מראדונה נגד נבחרת אנגליה, הקמת כווית כמדינה חדשה ועוד...

Despite the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran and the broader instability facing the Middle East, Israeli diplomat and peace negotiator Tal Becker remains cautiously optimistic about the future of the Abraham Accords. In this conversation, Dr Becker explores how the accords have transformed relationships between Israel and key Gulf states, creating new opportunities for economic cooperation, technological innovation, security collaboration and people-to-people engagement.

Israel continues to rank among the world's leading innovation economies, with a startup ecosystem valued at hundreds of billions of dollars and a global reputation for entrepreneurship, technology and research. In this episode, SBS speaks with Israel's Trade Commissioner to Australia, Ohad Blumberg, about the country's resilience as a technology and investment hub amid ongoing regional conflict and geopolitical challenges.

Posthumously recognised in the King's Birthday Honours, Lewis Joshua Levi is being remembered not only for decades of community service, but for the kindness that defined his everyday life. Speaking to SBS Hebrew, his daughters reflect on a father whose commitment to helping others left a lasting mark on Sydney's Jewish community and inspired a legacy that continues through future generations.

A community learn-a-thon, survivor testimonies and reflections on resilience will mark six months since the Bondi terror attack. Hosted at Mitzvah House (the community hub established at the attack site), the event seeks to honour the victims while encouraging Australians to respond to tragedy with kindness, learning and community spirit.

Ronit Joel is a Jewish psychologist with over 20 years of experience using CBT to work with people from all backgrounds - and naturally, many of them are now experiencing a heightened sense of anxiety. As part of our series on 'Hopes & Fears in the Jewish Sphere', we sat with her to talk about identity, belonging and the rapidly changing sense of what it is to be Jewish in Australia.

Gina Debinski has long held a special connection to Bondi, travelling there several times a year to paint its beach life and scenery. After the terror attack, Gina watched on television as Bondi’s surfing community formed a huge memorial circle in the water - a moment that made her pick up her paints and recreate the scene on canvas. She spoke to SBS Hebrew about returning to Bondi after months of avoiding it.

איזי מן מספר מה היה השבוע בהיסטוריה העולמית והישראלית. והפעם: "ליל הגשרים" המפורסם שבו פוצצה המחתרת הישראלית גשרים רבים; תאונת מרוץ המכוניות הנוראית בלה מאן, צרפת, ועוד.

הוועדה המלכותית לאנטישמיות ולכידות חברתית מתקרבת לסיום שלב קבלת העדויות. לצד עדויות על שנאה ברשת נגד עדים שכבר הופיעו בפניה, אביגדור זסק ממאלמבימבי מספר מדוע החליט להגיש את חוויותיו האישיות לוועדה.

Heart disease remains Australia's leading cause of death for men and one of the nation's biggest health challenges. Despite major advances in treatment, thousands of Australians continue to die from cardiovascular disease each year, many from conditions that can be prevented or detected earlier. In this interview, Melbourne interventional cardiologist Dr David Blusztein discusses the current state of heart health in Australia, the risk factors driving cardiovascular disease and the practical steps people can take to protect themselves. From blood pressure and cholesterol screening to lifestyle changes and emerging treatments, Dr Blusztein explains what Australians need to know about prevention, early detection and reducing their risk of heart attack and stroke. The conversation also explores why heart disease remains so prevalent, the warning signs people often overlook, and how advances in modern cardiology are helping patients live longer and healthier lives.

The government has announced what it has described as the biggest reform to employment services in over 30 years. The system has been set up to help unemployed Australians find work. But with the continuation of mutual obligations and private providers, advocates say the changes are nothing more than a rebrand.

To mark national Sorry Day 2026, we reflect on people’s stories of hope and resilience from a panel of esteemed Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Australian South Sea Islander women. This event was run in conjunction with the NCJWA and Stand Up.

איזי מן מספר מה היה השבוע בהיסטוריה העולמית והישראלית. והפעם: עליית הנאציזם בבגדאד לפני מלחמת העולם השנייה, נתניהו נבחר לראשונה לראשות הממשלה, ועוד.

איזי מן מספר מה היה השבוע בהיסטוריה העולמית והישראלית. והפעם: ההתקפה וטביעתה של אוניית המערכה הגרמנית הגדולה ביותר "ביסמרק",חיסון הפוליו של יונה סאלק יצא לשוק, ועוד.

איזי מן מספר מה היה השבוע בהיסטוריה העולמית והישראלית. והפעם: איימי ג'ונסון, טייסת הסולו הראשונה שטסה מאנגליה לאוסטרליה,המהפכה התרבותית בסין, ועוד.

Every year, millions of people are forced to flee their homes in search of safety. Refugee Week in Australia is always held from Sunday to Saturday in the week which includes 20 June, which is World Refugee Day.Every year, millions of people are forced to flee their homes in search of safety.Refugee Week in Australia is always held from Sunday to Saturday in the week which includes 20 June, which is World Refugee Day.In the past decade, the number of people displaced from their homes has more than doubled, from 41 million to 110.3 million (in June 2024).According to the Red Cross, one in 95 people is now forcibly displaced, an increase from one in 159 in 2010, with the rate of global displacement now outpacing population growth.But though growing, every generation has its many stories of such refugees. One such story is Ella Dreyfus' father who was one of 17 children on the Kindertransport voyage to Australia in 1939. SBS Hebrew talked to Ella about her memories of him.

אשר אברג'ל הוא מעצב תעשייתי תושב סידני. הוא סיפר ל-SBS בעברית שהרעיון לדימוי המוביל של היצירה שלו הגיע אחרי הפיגוע בחוף בונדאי והקול הקורא של ארגון "שלום קולקטיב" דחף אותו להפוך את הרעיון לעבודת אמנות. בראיון עם אשר הוא מספר איך הפיגוע טלטל אותו ואת אלו בסביבתו ועל החוויה שלו כשפגש בגלריה את אלו ששרדו את הפיגוע.

New research shows that the ratio between girls and boys with autism is much closer than once thought. It's understood that the current ratio of males to females with autism is 4 to 1, however, new studies suggests it could be as low as 2 to 1. While this gap is slowly closing, women over the age of forty are becoming one of the key groups to seek diagnosis.

After laying her own flowers at the site of the December 2025 Bondi terror attack, Dr. Ella Dreyfus was invited by her colleague, artist Nina Sanadze, to photograph the memorial bouquets she collected and stored in a warehouse. Those images later became part of the Holding Light exhibition at Bondi Pavilion.