Australia Cancels Visa of Jewish Influencer Sammy Yahood Over 'Spreading Hatred'
Australia has cancelled the visa of British-Israeli social media influencer Sammy Yahood on January 26, 2026. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke cited Yahood's social media posts, which included calls to 'ban Islam' and descriptions of it as a 'murderous ideology,' stating that 'spreading hatred is not a good reason to come' to Australia. The decision was made under the new Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism Act 2026.
European Bodies Urge EU to Appoint Religious Freedom Envoy Amid Rising Persecution
European lawmakers, bishops, and civil organizations are intensifying calls for the EU to appoint a special envoy for religious freedom and a coordinator for anti-Christian hatred. This follows reports of a significant rise in persecution and hate crimes against Christians both globally and within Europe, highlighting concerns over the long-vacant envoy position.
European Bodies Urge EU to Appoint Religious Freedom Envoy and Anti-Christian Hatred Coordinator Amid Rising Persecution
European lawmakers, bishops, and civil organizations are intensifying calls for the European Union to appoint a special envoy for religious freedom and a coordinator to combat anti-Christian hatred. This comes amidst reports detailing a significant rise in violence and persecution targeting Christians both globally and within Europe, with the EU's special envoy position having been vacant for extended periods.
Human Rights Groups Issue Urgent Warning on Rising Islamophobia in Argentina
Human rights organizations in Argentina have issued a stark warning regarding a growing wave of anti-Muslim hate speech and real-life threats. The escalation from online rhetoric to direct threats against families, including women and children, has prompted calls for stronger legal measures to combat incitement and protect vulnerable communities.
Lost Shtetl Museum Opens in Lithuania, Offering Deep Dive into Jewish History and Holocaust Education
The Lost Shtetl Museum, Lithuania's largest institution dedicated to Lithuanian Jewry and Shoah education, recently opened in Šeduva on September 20, 2025. It aims to preserve the memory of vanished Jewish towns and confront the nation's difficult past.
Virginia AG Jason Miyares Urges K-12 Schools to Adopt Antisemitism Definition
Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares has called on K-12 school superintendents and boards to integrate the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism into their policies. This move, outlined in a letter dated January 5, 2026, aims to combat a significant rise in anti-Jewish bias incidents in the state and provide a clear framework for addressing discrimination.
Belgium Intervenes in ICJ Genocide Case, Seeks Clarification on 'Genocidal Intent'
Belgium formally intervened in South Africa's genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice on December 23, 2025. Invoking Article 63 of the ICJ Statute, Belgium aims to clarify the legal interpretation of 'specific intent' under the Genocide Convention, emphasizing that armed conflict does not negate genocidal intent.
French Court Dismisses Antisemitism Charge in Nanny Poisoning Case
A French court in Nanterre sentenced a 42-year-old Algerian nanny to two and a half years in prison for poisoning a Jewish family's food and drinks. However, the court dismissed the aggravating circumstance of antisemitism, citing procedural reasons regarding the nanny's initial hateful remarks to police. The ruling has drawn criticism from the family's legal team, who plan to appeal.
Islamophobia Surges Across Australia Following Bondi Attack
Muslim Australians are experiencing a significant rise in Islamophobic incidents, including hate speech, threats, and vandalism, in the wake of the recent Bondi attack. Advocacy groups report a tenfold increase in reported incidents, leading to heightened fear within the community. Government officials have condemned the surge and announced plans for tougher hate speech laws.
Russian Supreme Court Clarifies Hate Speech Laws, Exempting Criticism of Politicians
Russia's Supreme Court has ruled that criticism of politicians, public figures, and organizations does not constitute hate speech under the country's anti-extremism laws. The decision, issued on December 23, 2025, aims to differentiate legitimate criticism from calls for violence or illegal actions against social groups, addressing long-standing concerns about the broad application of these statutes.
PM Albanese Apologizes to Jewish Community Following Bondi Beach Terror Attack, Vows Tougher Extremism Laws
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has issued an apology to Australia's Jewish community after a mass shooting at Bondi Beach on December 14, 2025, killed 15 people during a Hanukkah celebration. Albanese vowed new laws to combat extremism and hate speech, including stricter penalties and measures against radicalization.
Vice President Vance Addresses AmericaFest, Declines Specific Condemnation of Antisemitism
Vice President JD Vance spoke at Turning Point USA's AmericaFest in Phoenix, Arizona, advocating for a conservative movement open to all who 'love America'. His remarks, delivered amidst internal party debates, notably declined to issue specific condemnations of antisemitism, drawing criticism from some conservative factions.
Brisbane Mosque Vandalized with Anti-Muslim Hate Speech and Swastika
The Bald Hills Mosque in Brisbane's north was defaced with anti-Muslim graffiti and a swastika between Wednesday night and Thursday morning, December 18, 2025. The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from political figures, community leaders, and the public, prompting calls for stronger anti-vilification laws in Australia. Police are investigating the hate crime.
PM Albanese Announces New Hate Speech Laws Following Bondi Beach Terror Attack
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has pledged a significant crackdown on hate speech, introducing new federal laws and increased penalties in response to the recent Bondi Beach terror attack that claimed 15 lives. The announcement coincided with the funeral of 10-year-old Matilda, the youngest victim of the attack.
French Supreme Court Issues Landmark Ruling on Nazi-Era Art Spoliation, Easing Restitution for Jewish Families
France's highest court, the Cour de Cassation, has issued a landmark ruling making it significantly easier for Jewish families to reclaim art and property stolen during the Nazi occupation. The decision, stemming from the Armand Dorville case, redefines the burden of proof in spoliation claims, marking a pivotal moment for restitution efforts.
Global Leaders Unite in Condemnation of Antisemitic Terror Attack at Bondi Beach
World leaders, including those from Australia, Israel, the UK, and France, have vehemently condemned the antisemitic terror attack that occurred at Bondi Beach, Sydney, on December 14, 2025. The shooting, which targeted a Hanukkah celebration, resulted in 16 deaths and 43 injuries, and has been officially declared a terrorist incident.
Reykjavík Police Increase Presence for Hanukkah Festival
Police in central Reykjavík have heightened their visibility as preparations commence for the Hanukkah festival, which began on December 14, 2025. Officials state the measure is a routine security precaution for major public events, with no specific threats identified.
France Bolsters Hanukkah Security Following Deadly Sydney Attack
France's Interior Minister Laurent Nunez has directed local authorities to reinforce security around Jewish places of worship and Hanukkah events across the country. This directive comes in response to a recent terrorist attack at a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney, Australia, which resulted in 16 deaths and 42 injuries. The heightened security measures will be in effect throughout the Hanukkah period, from December 14 to 22, 2025.
German President Lights Hanukkah Candles at Brandenburg Gate Following Sydney Terror Attack
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier joined a public Hanukkah candle lighting at Berlin's Brandenburg Gate on December 14, 2025, in a powerful act of solidarity with the Jewish community. The event followed a deadly antisemitic terror attack at a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney, Australia, which claimed at least 15 lives.
Bondi Beach Terror Attack: 16 Dead, Dozens Injured in Hanukkah Celebration Shooting
A mass shooting at a Hanukkah celebration on Sydney's Bondi Beach has left 16 people dead and 42 injured. Authorities have declared the incident a terrorist attack, targeting the Jewish community. Two gunmen, a father and son, were involved.
