From: The Times of Israel April 28, 2025

Israeli President Isaac Herzog to UN ambassadors: We expect international institutions to end 'hypocrisy' in treatment of Israel
Herzog told a delegation of ambassadors to the UN that Israel expects from international institutions: "much more fairness" and "an end to hypocrisy"

"As somebody who has great respect for the international institutions, we expect:
1. major change in the behavior of the international institutions,
2. an end to hypocrisy, and much more fairness.
3. That is our demand. That's all we demand.

We know how to admit failures when we make mistakes, but we are defending ourselves according to our inherent right to protect and defend ourselves,"

The delegation, led by Israel's UN ambassador, Danny Danon, represents countries from Europe, Africa, the Pacific, Asia-Pacific and Latin America.
During their time in Israel, the ambassadors visited communities in the south that were impacted by the October 7 Hamas attack.

From: CNN April 28, 2025
US Navy loses $60 million jet at sea after it fell overboard from aircraft carrier.

A US Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jet has been "lost" at sea after it fell overboard from the USS Harry S Truman aircraft carrier while it was being towed on board, the Navy said in a statement. All personnel are accounted for, and one sailor sustained a minor injury.

A US official said that initial reports from the scene indicated that:
the Truman made a hard turn to evade Houthi fire, which contributed to the fighter jet falling overboard.

The Houthi rebel group claimed to have launched a drone and missile attack on the aircraft carrier, which is in the Red Sea as part of the US military's major
anti-Houthi operation.

"The F/A-18E was actively under tow in the hangar bay when the move crew lost control of the aircraft.
The aircraft and tow tractor were lost overboard," the statement said.

"Sailors towing the aircraft took immediate action to move clear of the aircraft before it fell overboard. An investigation is underway."
A second US official told CNN that the aircraft had sunk.

An individual F/A-18 fighter jet costs more than $60 million, according to the Navy.

The Truman Carrier Strike Group is currently deployed in the Middle East and was in the Red Sea at the time of the incident.

The Navy emphasized on Monday that the strike group and its air wing "remain fully mission capable."

The Truman has repeatedly been targeted in attacks by the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen.
It made headlines in February when it collided with a merchant ship near Egypt; no injuries were reported.

Another F/A-18 from the Truman was also "mistakenly fired" upon and shot down by the USS Gettysburg in the Red Sea in December; both pilots ejected safely.

US says it struck over 800 Houthi targets since March
How is it Houthis still firing coming to two months of US bombardment

Reuters April 30, 2025
U.K., U.S. forces conduct joint operation against Houthi military target in Yemen

U.S. and British forces conducted a joint military operation in Yemen on Tuesday, according to Britain's Ministry of Defence, which said the operation was against a Houthi military target responsible for making drones like those used to attack shipping.

President Donald Trump ordered the intensification of U.S. strikes on Yemen last month, with his administration saying it will continue assaulting Iran-backed Houthi rebels until they stop attacking Red Sea shipping.

Britain and the U.S. have also previously conducted joint operations and strikes in Yemen. Houthis still firing

The British statement said intelligence analysis identified a cluster of buildings located some 15 miles (24 km) south of Yemen's capital Sanaa that were used by the Houthis to manufacture drones of the type used to attack ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

It did not mention details about any casualties.

The strike was conducted after dark, when the likelihood of any civilians being in the area was reduced, the British statement said, adding that its aircraft returned safely. There was no immediate U.S. military comment.

Houthi-controlled television said on Monday a U.S. airstrike killed 68 people after striking a detention centre for African migrants in Yemen.

A U.S. defence official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said on Monday the U.S. military was aware of claims of civilian casualties and was conducting its assessment.

The Times of Israel April 29, 2025
Right-wing activists storm Ra’anana synagogue hosting screening of joint Israeli-Palestinian memorial event.

Dozens of right-wing activists surrounded the Beit Samueli synagogue in the central Israeli city of Ra’anana earlier this evening, where people were gathered for a screening of the joint Israeli-Palestinian Memorial Day ceremony in Jaffa.

In footage published online, protesters can be seen crowding around the courtyard and on the steps leading to the entrance to the synagogue, many of them clutching Israeli flags.

The Haaretz daily reports that a number of protesters also forced their way into the building itself, where they hurled abuse at the event’s participants, including by telling them to “go to Gaza,” while chasing after them.

“You are Nazis! Nazis!” someone screams at a participant, who captures the chaos on camera.
“Death to terrorists! Death to terrorists!” others chant and applaud. “All the Arabs are whores!” not helping

Police were called to the scene to evacuate people from the event, but there are no immediate reports of any arrests.

CTV news April 29, 2025
NDP and Singh have been consistent critics of Israel's actions.

After a challenging election campaign that saw
1. New Democrats sidelined,
2. NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh has failed to secure his re-election,
3. The party has also lost its official status, failing to secure the 12 seats necessary.

Singh announced he will step down once an interim leader is appointed, Canadian media announced.

Mark Carney stirred controversy in recent weeks with comments that were critical of Israel ahead of his election for the premiership on Monday.

In contrast, opposition leader and Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre maintained a strong pro-Israel stance and consistently supported Israel, particularly since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas War. Poilievre lost his seat in Monday's general election, Canadian media announced.

Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East CJPME April 30, 2025
Tell Carney to Drop Marco Mendicino

Canada’s new Prime Minister Mark Carney has an opportunity to adopt a new approach to Israel's genocide in Gaza.

In a troubling first decision, however, Carney has appointed Marco Mendicino to be his Chief of Staff, a staunchly pro-Israel politician who is openly hostile to Palestinian human rights. Mendicino has amplified far-right anti-Palestinian figures and is one of the only Liberal MPs who is opposed to a ceasefire in Gaza.

At every opportunity, Mendicino has urged Canada to oppose efforts to restrain Israel’s actions in Gaza or to hold its leaders accountable for war crimes.
It is outrageous and alarming that Carney would choose him for a top position of power and influence in his transition team and next government.

Mendicino has been advising Canada to abandon international law and become even more complicit in Israel’s genocide.
He has no place in advising Carney on foreign policy.

In Europe people increasingly think of each other in terms of 'us' versus 'them' however the current Israeli government is the most right-wing in the nation's history. Far-right politics in Israel includes ideologies such as ultra-nationalism, Jewish supremacy, Jewish fascism, Jewish , anti-Arabism, and ideological movements such as neo-Zionism and Kahanism.

During the National Remembrance on May 4, we commemorate the Dutch victims of the Second World War, the colonial war in Indonesia and of war situations and peace missions afterwards. Of the estimated 140,000 Jews in the Netherlands in May 1940, approximately 101,800 were murdered or died of disease and exhaustion, which amounts to a shockingly high percentage of 73%. The first deportations were in February 1941, the mass deportations began in the summer of 1942.


But those activists want to bring the Gaza war up front on that day.

It will continue till Hamas surrender or nothing is left of Gaza.
October 7 was a turning point for Israel.

From: Reuters May 1, 2025
US-Iran negotiations delayed; Iran accuses US of 'provocative statements' ahead of nuclear talks

Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi said:
The fourth round of negotiations between Iran and the United States, scheduled for Saturday, will be postponed, citing logistics.

Earlier Thursday, Iran accused the US of "contradictory behaviour and provocative statements" after Washington warned Tehran of consequences for backing Yemen's Houthis and imposed new oil-related sanctions on it, in the midst of nuclear talks.

Washington and Tehran have been conducting negotiations over the past month on a deal to curb Iran's nuclear programme in return for the lifting of financial sanctions. A fourth round of talks was due to be held in Rome on Saturday.

On Wednesday, Washington imposed sanctions on entities it accused of involvement in the illicit trade of Iranian oil and petrochemicals.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned Iran on Wednesday that it will face consequences for supporting the Houthis, a group that controls northern Yemen and has struck shipping in the Red Sea in what it says is solidarity with the Palestinians.

From: Haaretz May 1, 2025

Largest Wildfires in Israel’s History:
Arson or climate change natural disaster

Firefighters continue to battle Jerusalem Area fire that already burned 5,000 acres, The Jewish National Fund (JNF) says.

The fire raging through the Jerusalem area remained uncontained Thursday morning, Fire and Rescue services announced, as 119 firefighting teams continued battling the blaze that broke out Wednesday.

Eight firefighting aircraft from Cyprus, Italy and France are expected to arrive throughout the day to assist suppression efforts.

Human and Material Damage:
Authorities reported that 17 firefighters were injured during operations, with two evacuated to the hospital.

The Jewish National Fund (JNF) estimated Wednesday that approximately 24,000 dunams (about 6,000 acres) have burned in what is being called one of the largest wildfires in the country's history.

According to the Israeli news site Walla most of the Canada Forest was destroyed, and the Eshtaol Forest sustained severe damage.
Public access has been barred to 15 additional forests and nature reserves.

Police said all roads previously closed due to the fires have since reopened to traffic.

Israeli Foreign Minister Sa'ar thanks EU for helping in Jerusalem fires

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar thanked Kaja Kallas, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, for assisting Israel during massive fires near Jerusalem, the Foreign Ministry said.

"Following [an Israeli] request yesterday, the European Union activated its emergency assistance mechanism for natural disasters used among EU member states — for the state of Israel," the statement read.

The ministry said that, accordingly, EU states have been instructed to provide aid to Israel.
"This mechanism enables rapid assistance between EU countries efficiently and with minimum bureaucracy," they said.

Over 7,000 residents were evacuated after a massive wildfire broke out Wednesday in the Jerusalem area.
Firefighting aircraft arrived from Cyprus, Italy and France.

French President Emmanuel Macron expresses 'full solidarity' with Israelis facing wildfires, ravaging the areas surrounding Jerusalem.
France is willing to supply aid, shortly.

I posted in another thread about the drought in the EU this will be a very dry year even in Holland we already had wildfires some weeks ago. Not on a huge scale but this summer it is a great threat to all of Europe.

From: The Palestine Chronicle May 1, 2025

Fear of Fire Regeneration:
As the fire service and rescue authorities in Israel expect the arrival of eight planes with firefighting support from Cyprus, Italy, and Croatia, there are concerns that the fires may reignite.

The head of the Jerusalem District in the Fire Service noted that the winds are expected to pick up, potentially restarting the fires.

According to Israeli fire services and the so-called Jewish National Fund, by 2 PM today, the window for controlling the blaze would close, with strong winds anticipated to reignite the fires between 4 PM and 7 PM.

Investigation into Causes: Ongoing Investigations:
The Israeli news outlet The Times of Israel reported that the vast majority of wildfires in Israel are caused by humans, often due to negligence.

The website also pointed out that Israel is experiencing a long, hot, and dry summer, conditions conducive to forest fires.
Significant wildfires have been reported in Israel in 1989, 1995, 2010, 2015, 2019, 2021, and 2023.

Security sources suggest it is still too early to determine whether the fires were the result of “nationalist motives”.

Exchange of Blame:
Security sources, speaking to Israel’s Channel 12, criticized the police and fire services, stating that they “failed, and there is a complete lack of understanding.”

They also noted that these agencies had ignored warnings from the army regarding the potential for fires that day.

At the same time, extremist Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir was criticized for allegedly obstructing the purchase of firefighting helicopters that could have helped in managing the major fire.

Israel’s large-scale planting of European pine trees, which are not native to the region, as part of efforts to reshape the landscape and cover depopulated Palestinian villages, has significantly increased the vulnerability of the region to wildfires.

Unlike native Mediterranean plants, these pines are highly flammable, with resinous wood and dense needle litter that ignites easily under dry, hot conditions.
1. With climate change exacerbating heatwaves and droughts,
2. these monoculture forests have become tinderboxes, fueling uncontrollable fires
3. and threatening both ecosystems and surrounding communities.

From: Haaretz May 1, 2025
Day 574

Netanyahu: 'Returning the hostages is a very important goal, the war has a supreme goal — victory over our enemies'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday at the annual Bible Contest ceremony held in honor of Israel's Independence Day that:
1. "We have many war goals.
2. We want to return all of our hostages."
3. "We want to bring back the living and the fallen. This is a very important goal.
4. The war has a supreme goal, and the supreme goal is to achieve victory over our enemies — and that, we will achieve."

IDF Chief: Ready and prepared to strike a decisive blow against Hamas, if required, we will do so soon

IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir said:
1. the military is ready and prepared to strike a decisive blow against Hamas.
2. "We will use all the power at our disposal, increase the pace and intensity of the operation.
3. If required, we will do so soon, with determination in the righteousness of our path"

US President Donald Trump to Israel's president: 'Through conflict and peace, the US remains your steadfast partner'

Israeli President Isaac Herzog said on Thursday that he has received letters and messages of congratulations and support from international leadership marking Israel's 77th Independence Day.

Herzog said that US President Donald Trump wrote him a letter, reminding him that the United States was the first country to recognize the State of Israel, "minutes after Israel declared its independence."

"From that day forward, our support for Israel has remained resolute," wrote the US president.
"The strength and importance of the United States-Israel relationship is evident in our historic partnership and in the enduring ties of our peoples."

"Through conflict and peace, the United States remains your steadfast partner, promoting Israel's security against its many threats.
I am proud of all we have accomplished together, and I look forward to deepening our friendship," Trump wrote to Herzog.

Senators push to strip UNRWA of legal immunity, empower terror victims to sue
The Israel National News Arutz Sheva by Elad Benari 03 May 2025

Extracts:

• Senators push to strip UNRWA of legal immunity, empower terror victims to sue

GOP law makers introduce legislation to allow US victims of terror to sue UNRWA and similar bodies that support designated terror groups

The bill challenges legal protections long granted to international organizations accused of aiding Hamas and other extremists

A group of Republican senators has introduced new legislation aimed at holding international organizations accountable for alleged support of terrorist groups, including Hamas, according to a JNS report

The proposed bill seeks to eliminate legal immunity that currently shields entities such as the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) from lawsuits filed by American victims of terrorism

Titled the Limiting Immunity for Assisting Backers of Lethal Extremism (LIABLE) Act, the bill takes direct aim at UNRWA which has come under scrutiny for its alleged links to Hamas

According to Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) the legislation would provide victims and their families with a legal path to pursue damages
Those victims and their families deserve the ability to hold UNRWA accountable and the LIABLE Act would give them that opportunity”

Senator Rick Scott (R-Florida) a co-sponsor of the legislation, echoed the concern, pointing to what he described as a long history of UNRWA backing radical elements
Under current US law, organizations such as UNRWA are shielded from legal action by the International Organizations Immunities Act
Cruz noted that this protection also extends to groups providing material aid to US-designated terrorist entities, including Hezbollah

Senators push to strip UNRWA of legal immunity, empower terror victims to sue
The Israel National News Arutz Sheva by Elad Benari 03 May 2025

Extracts:

• Senators push to strip UNRWA of legal immunity, empower terror victims to sue

The United Nations has maintained that UNRWA operates under the immunity provisions of the 1946 Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations

However a recent filing by the US Department of Justice indicated that the Trump administration holds the view that such immunity may not apply in all cases — particularly when allegations of complicity in terrorism arise

UNRWA has long been criticized for its cooperation with Hamas
That criticism has increased since Israel revealed a year ago that UNRWA staff participated in the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks

It then presented a dossier showing that the UNRWA workers who participated in the Hamas massacre,
1. kidnapped a woman
2. handed out ammunition
3. and actively took part in the massacre at Kibbutz Be’eri where 97 people were murdered

Following the Israeli revelations, Guterres announced the creation of a review group, headed by former French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna, to look into the Israeli allegations

The group, which released its report last April, said it found neutrality-related issues in UNRWA but also claimed that Israel had yet to provide evidence for allegations that a significant number of its staff were members of terrorist organizations

Senators push to strip UNRWA of legal immunity, empower terror victims to sue
The Israel National News Arutz Sheva by Elad Benari 03 May 2025

Extracts:

• Senators push to strip UNRWA of legal immunity, empower terror victims to sue

More recently, Emily Damari, a former Hamas hostage who was freed after 470 days in captivity, said that she was held at an UNRWA facility while in captivity

Damari, who holds both British and Israeli citizenship, told British Prime Minister Keir Starmer that she was denied adequate medical care while being detained at an UNRWA school

The UN’s top humanitarian aid official, Tom Fletcher, later denied the claims and stated that he has "not seen a shred of evidence" suggesting the UN was involved in the holding of hostages in Gaza, either through the use of its facilities or by its staff

Trump says he will strip Harvard’s tax perks
The Israel National News Arutz Sheva by Elad Benari 03 May 2025

Extracts:

• Trump says he will strip Harvard’s tax perks

US President Donald Trump on Friday renewed his call to revoke Harvard University’s tax-exempt status, amid tensions with the Ivy League institution over its policies, federal funding, and free speech, CNN reported

Trump posted on his Truth Social platform,
Trump first introduced the idea on April 15 and sources indicate the Internal Revenue Service IRS has since begun examining mechanisms to pursue the unprecedented action. Harvard University responded forcefully to the renewed threat

A university spokesperson told CNN
The spokesperson added,

Trump says he will strip Harvard’s tax perks
The Israel National News Arutz Sheva by Elad Benari 03 May 2025

Extracts:

• Trump says he will strip Harvard’s tax perks

Under federal law, a president cannot unilaterally order the Internal Revenue Service IRS to investigate or penalize a specific entity

If the agency were to find grounds for revoking Harvard’s tax exemption, it would be required to formally notify the university and provide an opportunity to contest the action

The IRS did not respond to questions regarding the feasibility of Trump’s demand
The threat comes amid continued tensions between the Trump administration and Harvard over the university’s handling of anti-Israel protests on its campus

The federal government announced recently that it would freeze $2.2 billion in funding to Harvard due to its failure to fight campus antisemitism
That move came after Harvard President Alan Garber stated that Harvard would not comply with the administration’s directives

Subsequent reports indicated that the Trump administration is preparing to freeze another billion dollars in federal funding for Harvard University because the administration was angered by Harvard's decision to publish a letter listing the government's demands as the contents of the letter were supposed to be kept private

Harvard then filed a lawsuit in response to the administration’s funding freeze
Earlier this week, Trump indicated that his administration may stop awarding federal grants to Harvard

Trump remarked, according to Reuters, directing his comment to Education Secretary Linda McMahon
Trump added,
On Tuesday, Harvard published two internal reviews detailing incidents of discrimination against Jewish, Muslim and Arab students during last year’s protests
The reports found that some students feared marginalization for expressing political views

US, Israel near agreement on Gaza aid mechanism
Reuters 03 May 2025

Extracts:

• US, Israel near agreement on Gaza aid mechanism

The United States, Israel and representatives of a new international foundation are close to an agreement on how to resume the delivery of humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza without it being controlled by Hamas, Axios reports, citing two Israeli officials and one US source

One State Department official tells the outlet,
The Times of Israel previously reported on the planned mechanism

Poppies grew on the fields that had been destroyed by the bombs Nothing else was growing on it

• In Flanders fields by John McCrae

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow

Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high
If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields

John McCrae (November 30, 1872 – January 28, 1918) was a military doctor and a Major of the 1st Brigade of Canadian Field Artillery Lieutenant-Colonel

McCrae was inspired to write the poem on May 3, 1915 after presiding over the funeral of friend and fellow soldier Lieutenant Alexis Helmer, who died in the Second Battle of Ypres

110 years later....

From: The Times of Israel May 3, 2025

At last PA leader Abbas: ‘Hamas-affiliated gangs primarily responsible’ for Gaza aid looting
Statement says Palestinian people ‘will not forgive these disgraceful acts committed in such a critical time’

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas on Friday issued a statement condemning Israel over its military offensive in the Gaza Strip, but also denouncing the enclave’s Hamas rulers for looting humanitarian aid.

The statement posted to the PA’s official Wafa news agency said Abbas “expressed his categorical rejection and firm condemnation of the looting and theft carried out by criminal gangs targeting warehouses and storage facilities of humanitarian aid designated for the people of Gaza.”

It added that the PA “held Hamas-affiliated gangs primarily responsible, emphasizing that the Palestinian people will not forgive these disgraceful acts committed in such a critical time, especially in the besieged Strip.”

Last month, Abbas made headlines by calling Hamas “sons of dogs,” demanding that the terror group release hostages it is holding to eliminate what he said was Israel’s pretext to continue its war in Gaza.

“The first priority is to stop the war of extermination in Gaza. It must be stopped — hundreds are being killed every day,” Abbas said in a speech.
“Why don’t you hand over the American hostages?” ALL please

Addressing Hamas as “sons of dogs,” the PA president told the terror group to:
“release those you’re holding and put an end to this story. Shut down their excuses. End it.”

He further called on Hamas to cede control of Gaza to the PA, give up its arms and become a political party.
“Hamas must hand over Gaza responsibilities and hand over its arms to the responsibility to Palestinian Authority and transform into a political party,”

Hamas has refused calls in recent months by Israel and the United States to lay down its arms.

Abbas made the remarks during a speech at the opening of the PLO Central Council meeting.

The PA leader has previously criticized the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023 which he said gave Israel a pretext to destroy Gaza.
Hamas led over 5,000 terrorists to invade southern Israel, killing 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting 251 hostages.

Abbas and the PA have often accused Hamas of undermining Palestinian unity, while Hamas has criticized the PA for collaborating with Israel and cracking down on dissent in the West Bank. Ties between Abbas’s Fatah party and Hamas have been tense, with deep political and ideological divisions for nearly two decades.

In 2007 Hamas seized Gaza from Palestinian Authority control in a bloody coup, and the two factions have remained at loggerheads ever since despite repeated efforts at reconciliation.

Trump effect — Australian and Canadian elections

Canadian opposition leader and Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre who was riding high before Trump — lost his own seat of 20 years
Australian opposition leader and Liberal National coalition party leader Peter Dutton who was riding high before Trump — lost his own seat of 24 years

From: Haaretz May 3, 2025
Thanks to Donald Trump, a Party Blamed by Netanyahu for Antisemitism Just Won Reelection.

Trump's tariffs and threats helped deliver surprise wins to left-leaning parties in Canada and Australia — developments that may deepen Netanyahu's challenges amid growing domestic frustration and international isolation.

In the span of just one week, two elections in two different corners of the world produced similar outcomes, and told us an interesting story with clear implications for Israel.

From: Agence France-Presse May 3, 2025
Left-leaning PM Albanese triumphs in Australian election; opposition leader Dutton loses seat in parliament

Incumbent, who has been criticized over surge in antisemitism, wins contest defined by rising cost of living and Trump tariffs;

Australia’s left-leaning Prime Minister Anthony Albanese triumphed Saturday in national elections, crushing his conservative rival in a contest swayed by economic upheaval and Donald Trump.

Albanese’s slow-but-steady leadership resonated at a time of global tumult, analysts said, with voters deserting hard-nosed opposition leader Dutton in droves.

Not only was Albanese’s Labor Party on track for an unexpectedly large parliamentary majority, but former police officer Dutton faced the rare humiliation of losing his seat. Albanese has promised to embrace renewable energy, tackle a worsening housing crisis, and pour money into a creaking healthcare system.

The center-right opposition also accused Albanese of being weak on crime and failing to address surging antisemitism, which has surged since the Hamas terror group’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, which sparked the war in the Gaza Strip.

In February, Australia passed tough anti-hate crime laws to address the spiking Jew hatred.

Trumpism — US President Donald Trump cast a long shadow over the six-week election campaign, sparking keen global interest in whether his tariff-induced economic chaos would influence the result.

One of the many...
Dutton’s policy to slash the public service — DOGE style — rankled as similar cuts, led by Elon Musk, brought chaos in the United States.

Before the first vote was even counted, speculation was already mounting over whether Dutton could survive an election loss.
Some pre-vote polls showed Dutton losing support because of Trump, whom he praised this year as a “big thinker” with “gravitas” on the global stage.

Voting is compulsory, enforced with fines of Aus$20 (US$13), leading to turnouts that top 90 percent.
As Australians soured on Trump, both Dutton and Albanese took on a more pugnacious tone.

Dutton said in April: “If I needed to have a fight with Donald Trump or any other world leader, to advance our nation’s interest, I’d do it in a heartbeat,”
Albanese condemned Trump’s tariffs as an act of “economic self-harm” and “not the act of a friend.”

Israel's loss:
Dutton, had expressed “unequivocal support for the Jewish community and for the Australia-Israel relationship.”
The Australia / Israel & Jewish Affairs Council (AIJAC) noted the loss of Dutton and the Liberals, who it called the “staunch friends of the Jewish community.”

May 4 Remembrance Day in the Netherlands 80 years since the end of WWII.
My dad was born in 1945 near the end.

Commemoration of the mass murder of the Jews must still be central !

From: The Jerusalem Post May 3, 2025
Australian Jewish groups express concern, disappointment as Albanese secures second term

"For the first time in history, many Jews in this country felt they had to justify their place in Australian society," ZFA president Jeremy Leibler said.

Australian Jewish groups expressed differing reactions after Anthony Albanese claimed a historic second term as prime minister on Saturday.
Albanese made a dramatic comeback against the once-resurgent Conservatives that was powered by voters’ concerns about the influence of US President Trump.

The Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA) congratulated Albanese on his reelection and said it looked forward to engaging “constructively with the new government on issues of shared concern.”

However, ZFA president Jeremy Leibler noted that the election had taken place against the backdrop of a “deeply painful period for Jewish Australians.”
Alluding to this, Leibler said, “For the first time in history, many Jews in this country felt they had to justify their place in Australian society.”

He added that the relationship between the Jewish community and the Albanese government has been strained, and that certain foreign policy decisions and responses to antisemitism have challenged the sense of trust in the government.

He said ZFA welcomes the pre-election commitments made by the government to increase security funding for the Jewish community, combat antisemitism, and support social cohesion.

“We hope this new term provides an opportunity to return to that spirit of principled consensus and bipartisan support,” Leibler said.

“The Jewish community will continue to advocate for itself with strength and purpose — defending our values, deepening our partnerships, and contributing to the democratic fabric of this country.”

The Australian Jewish Association expressed disappointment in Albanese’s win, calling it a “major blow to the Jewish community and many others in Australia.”