WHERE TO AFTER BONDI? ZOOM SEMINAR MON 16 FEB 7PM AEDT
Speakers Dr Mike Kelly, Adjunct Professor at the National Security Institute, University of Canberra and Damien Freeman, Fellow of the Robert Menzies Institute, University of Melbourne. Register for free HERE
MUCH TO SHARE BUT IT WILL BE IN OUR NEXT NEWSLETTER. THIS NEWSLETTER IS MAINLY TO INVITE YOU TO JOIN OUR ZOOM SEMINAR. PLEASE SHARE IT WITH OTHERS. GET FLYER HERE
Donations to the ministry of the Centre for International Reconciliation & Peace BSB: 064804 Account no: 14069302 Swift code: ctbaau2s
Commonwealth of Australia Bank, 120 Pitt Street Sydney NSW 2000 Australia Donations to Pastors Account BSB: 064804 Account no: 14258760
THESE AMAZING VIDEOS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR A LOW PRICE USING PAYPAL OR STRIPE. INSTANT DOWNLOAD!
TOPICS – ISRAEL, PRAYER, WORSHIP, THE APOSTOLIC AND PROPHETIC AND MUCH MORE – AT YOUR FINGERTIPS!!! BE BLESSED!!!
May God bless you in the coming year! Deut 28:1-14
VISION
A few weeks ago, Barbara saw the pendulum swing back in favour of Jewish Australians after Bondi as middle Australia and leading figures came out in support. Antisemitic proponents will attempt to regain ground but they certainly lost ground at Bondi.
Barbara also saw that, as surf board riders need to catch the wave at the right time, we (IFI Int) have developed antisemitism education for primary schools at the right time to catch the wave of support for its implementation. Let us know if you can help get it into schools.
Australia changed dramatically on Dec 14 with the massacre of 15 people, 14 of them Jewish, at the Chanukah By the Sea event at Bondi Beach, Sydney. The Jewish community had been warning the government of the possibility of a mass casualty event with the rise of antisemitism since Oct 7. This included the firebombing of the Adass Yisrael synagogue and too many other incidents to mention.
Dr Mike Kelly is one of two key speakers for our IFI International zoom seminar on the topic “Where to After Bondi?” on 16 Feb 7pm Sydney time. The other speaker is being finalized.He is currently Adjunct Professor at the National Security Institute of the University of Canberra.
Mike is also one of the founding Co-Conveners of Labor Friends of Israel, established late 2023. He served in the Australian Army, including deployments in Somalia, Bosnia, Timor Leste, Iraq and a hostage recovery mission in Africa. He served as Director of UN, NATO, Europe, Peacekeeping, the Middle East and Africa in the ADF Strategy Group, including managing the crises in Timor Leste and Lebanon in 2006.
Mike was a member of the Australian Parliament serving as Assistant Minister for Defence, including responsibility for the transition of operations in Afghanistan, and as Minister for Defence Materiel. He was also a member of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security. So he is amazingly well qualified and in demand. We will have a flyer out soon so you can register. Please let others know this is coming up.
The video shows the lighting of the menorah. Norman and Barbara Miller of Indigenous Friends of Israel International lit the 4th candle. The 8th candle was fittingly lit by a 10 year old girl on behalf of the children in memory of Matilda, the 10 year-old tragically killed at Bondi Beach on Dec 14. Norman was asked to speak to the crowd that had gathered outside an hour before the event to show support, sing and share.
The City of Cairns gathered to support the Jewish community for an event on the last day of Chanukah and Norman and Barbara were invited to share but attended the Brisbane event instead at the invitation of Jason Steinberg, the President of the Qld Jewish Board of Deputies to light the menorah along with others. About 1500 attended a very moving event. Similar events were held all round Australia.
Moving messages were given in Brisbane by:
Jason Steinberg: President, Queensland Jewish Board of Deputies (QJBD)
Adrian Schrinner: Brisbane Lord Mayor
David Crisafulli: Queensland Premier
Steven Miles: Opposition Leader
Archbishop Shane Mackinlay
Archbishop Jeremy Greaves
Imam Uzair Akbar: Holland Park Mosque
Hesam Orouji: Representing the Iranian community
Gail Paratz OAM: QJBD Interfaith Chair
Rabbi Jaffe: Led Memorial Prayers
David Paratz AM: Led the menorah lighting
The event also featured music by Cantor Greg Hurwitz and a video tribute accompanied by Dr. Courtenay Cleary.
Top – Solidarity event Brisbane, Bottom left – Barbara and Norman in front row, Right – Candles and flags at Brisbane event.
We are grateful so many Australians from all walks of life called for a Royal Commission after Bondi and Albo finally caved in. Here was our contribution. He also belatedly and reluctantly issued an apology of sorts.
PRESS RELEASE – Don’t Blame Me: Albo Refuses Royal Commission 30.12.25.
“We are joining the call for a federal Royal Commission re the Bondi Beach massacre on 14.12.25, the first night of Chanukah when the Jewish community was gunned down by ISIS-inspired terrorists,” said Norman and Barbara Miller, Co-founders of Indigenous Friends of Israel International Foundation.
“The refusal by PM Albanese to set up a Royal Commission despite calls by the families of those killed and injured at Bondi Beach, and a host of eminent Australians from the judiciary, national security, law enforcement, Jewish leadership and former MP’s is scandalous and is adding fuel to the fire of a rage burning in Australia that could see the Prime Minister’s downfall.
“Instead, Albanese is setting up a law enforcement and intelligence review that does not mention antisemitism or Jews or previous attacks on Jews, and does not include hate speech, hate preachers or pro-Palestinian protests featuring the flags or photos of leaders of terror groups. This will not cut it.
We need to get to the root causes of antisemitism and how it was allowed to escalate to the massacre at Bondi. The government needs to face its inadequate response, indifference and its own role in fanning the flames that led to Bondi. Albo’s don’t blame me won’t cut it either.
“At least Premier Chris Minns is showing some leadership by setting up a NSW Royal Commission but it will not have wide enough powers and all states need to be looked at. The fact that Jewish security asked for more police at the Bondi event – a no-brainer – and didn’t get it is shocking.
“PM Albanese’s excuse for not holding a Royal Commission shows he is fearful of the outcome. He said, ‘Royal Commissions can be good at deciding facts … (they are) not as good to consider things that are not agreed, where people have differences of views.’
“Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said it would further challenge our social cohesion. It would ‘provide a public platform for some of the worst statements and worst voices, to effectively relive some of the worst examples of antisemitism over the last two years.’ But the truth needs to come out and the Jewish community have said they need it to feel safe.
“Sheina Gutnik, the daughter of Reuven Morrison, led the efforts of the families of victims of Bondi to write a joint statement to the Prime Minister calling for a Royal Commission and she told The Australian: “’It’s the absolute audacity for them to come out and tell us how we are going to feel about this. It’s incomprehensible on Albanese, trying to dictate what is going to traumatise us. Let’s take these steps to ensure that there will be no further trauma.’”
The Millers continued, “PM Albanese thought he and Foreign Minister Penny Wong could criticize Israel unfairly and with impunity and not lead to serious consequences for Jewish Australians and not draw accusations of culpability for the Bondi Beach massacre. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke thought he could bring in 3,000 Gazans and some ISIS brides to keep his Muslim voters onside without affecting social cohesion in Australia,”
“Albo was caught on the backfoot and was like a deer in the headlights. Despite numerous warnings from the Jewish community and national security agencies he took little action and now plans an inquiry into national security and law enforcement agencies as window dressing and a cover for his own performance.
“Our hearts grieve with the Jewish community who have been exemplary citizens of Australia and deserve protection, admiration, respect and love. Australia will never be the same again just as Israel will never be the same again after Oct 7. However, many good-hearted Australians have come out of the woodwork to show support and care for our Jewish neighbours. We hope this will continue. It should not take a horrific tragedy to bring it, but we have reached a turning point in facing and dealing with antisemitism in Australia. Let’s make sure we are up to the task.” …………………………………………………………………………………………………… National Day of Mourning Australia observed a National Day of Mourning on Thursday, 22 January 2026, to honour the 15 victims of the Bondi Beach terrorist attack. The day, themed “Light will win,” featured a special event at the Sydney Opera House which reclaimed it from the horrific pro-Palestinian protest on Oct 9, 2023, flags at half-mast on government buildings, a national minute’s silence at 7:01 pm AEDT, and the lighting of 15 “Pillars of Light” or monuments. Also the Jewish community encouraged Australians to do “mitzvahs” or acts of kindness. Australians were encouraged to light a candle and put it in your window (as we did).
Last Hostage Returned Home After 843 days, the last of 251 hostages brutally kidnapped both dead and alive on Oct 7 into Gaza from Israel. Ran Gvili was a 24year old off duty policeman with a broken shoulder who raced to the frontline on Oct 7 to help and was killed. He has returned a hero and for the first time, Israel has no hostages in Gaza since 2014.
Amazingly, this happened while we commemorated International Holocaust Remembrance day on 27 January. Now Israel reopened the border between Gaza and Egypt and phase 2 of the Trump peace deal can be put into effect.
Like us, many supporters worldwide removed our yellow badges and necklaces calling for the return of the hostages. It was a sombre moment as Ran’s funeral was held but a great relief to hostage families and supporters that all are home. Video of us removing our hostage badges HERE
Sky News documentary Must see: Sky News documentary, “Bondi: A Timeline of Terror”, will air on Tuesday, February 24th at 7.30pm. Sharri Markson interviews some of those shot who have not been interviewed before and the parents of 10 year old Matilda who feels betrayed by the government. And much more.
Antisemitism Education Taskforce
A 12-month Antisemitism Education Taskforce, chaired by David Gonski AC was announced on the 18 December 2025. The Taskforce forms part of the Australian Government’s response to the Special Envoy’s Plan to Combat Antisemitism. It will consider actions to help the Australian education system “prevent, tackle and properly respond to antisemitism”.
When the massacre occurred at Bondi and Albo was faced with accusations of culpability for lack of action and even stoking antisemitism, he had to admit he had not yet responded 6 months on to the recommendations of Jillian Segal, the Special Envoy on Antisemitism. So it is welcome that this taskforce has been set up.
We approached them to put in a submission but they were not ready to receive them yet.
Gofundme for Schools Antisemitism Education
There is currently no dedicated, age-appropriate antisemitism education in Australian primary schools—only optional anti racism or holocaust or multicultural education. Please help us while we now move on to prepare materials for secondary schools specifically on antisemitism and work on primary school implementation. See more and provide support HERE
Our expert curriculum writer Shoshana Linnane has developed 10-week modules for Grades 1-2, Grades 3-4, and 5-6. The modules foster empathy, compassion, and respect for diversity through activities like art, music, and drama, and align with the national curriculum. We want all children to grow up in safe, inclusive communities where they learn to treat others fairly and without discrimination.
If you believe in building a future where every child feels valued and racism has no place, please consider supporting our fundraiser. Even a small contribution or sharing this opportunity to help would make a difference.
OUR TEAM CELEBRATING OUR 25TH ANNIVERSARY. THIS OCT WE CELEBRATE 30 YEARS
Donations to the ministry of the Centre for International Reconciliation & Peace BSB: 064804 Account no: 14069302 Swift code: ctbaau2s
Commonwealth of Australia Bank, 120 Pitt Street Sydney NSW 2000 Australia Donations to Pastors Account BSB: 064804 Account no: 14258760
THESE AMAZING VIDEOS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR A LOW PRICE USING PAYPAL OR STRIPE. INSTANT DOWNLOAD!
TOPICS – ISRAEL, PRAYER, WORSHIP, THE APOSTOLIC AND PROPHETIC AND MUCH MORE – AT YOUR FINGERTIPS!!! BE BLESSED!!!
May God bless you and Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah to those who celebrate it!
We are sorry it has been such a heartbreaking time with the Bondi Beach Massacre. We did not plan to put out another newsletter before the end of the year but wanted to express our heartfelt condolences to our Jewish readers. If we can help in any way, please let us know.
PRESS RELEASE – Albanese and Wong provided the ammunition for the massacre at Bondi 16.12.25
“PM Albanese didn’t fire the guns at Bondi Beach but he and Foreign Minister Penny Wong provided the ammunition with their continual criticism of Israel since Oct 7 even before Israel responded to the horrific attack by Hamas and Gazans where 1200 Jews and others were slaughtered,” said Norman and Barbara Miller, Co-founders of Indigenous Friends of Israel International.
“Now we have 15 people dead and many still in hospital, six of them in a critical condition including children and police. We have two beloved Rabbis, a Holocaust survivor and a 10-year-old girl called Matilda among those dead and a survivor of Oct 7 injured. While it had been predicted by the Jewish community, it was a shock and has been very traumatic for them as they are simply not safe in Australia to our shame.
“The government’s criticism of Israel and their inaction against the following – the rhetoric of radical Islamic hate preachers calling for jihad, the taking over of streets in major capital cities every weekend for over two years by pro-Palestinians inciting genocide with chants of “From the River to the Sea” and carrying terrorist flags, antisemitic attacks on synagogues, homes, cars, businesses and a child care centre, doxxing and cancelling of Jewish creatives, camps and intimidation of Jewish students and lecturers at universities etc. – has given social licence to antisemitism and normalised it. There has been little or no consequence.
“Warnings by the Jewish community and ASIO have been ignored. The recommendations of the Sky News/Executive Council of Australian Jewry Antisemitism Summit in Sydney in February which we attended have been ignored. Antisemitism Envoy Jillian Segal’s report with a detailed plan of action has been ignored. Albo, Wong and Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke have no political will to tackle antisemitism as it might upset the government’s Muslim voting base.
“Our hearts grieve with the Jewish community who have been model citizens of Australia and deserve protection, respect and friendship. We thank all those who rushed in to help on Sunday night. We hope this will be a turning point for serious action on antisemitism and blood should not have had to flow to bring it. Gun reform alone will not cut it.
“We would like to see Albo change from being a Chamberlain who appeased Hitler to a Churchill who took the fight to Hitler ‘…whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender …’” It is not enough to sanction the neo-Nazis but all who are antisemitic need to be sanctioned whether they are from the left or the right.”
Jesus, Saint Nicholas, Santa Claus and Christmas by Ps Barbara Miller. Watch HERELeft – Rabbi Ari Ruben conducting Hanukkah service at Cairns Pier Shopping Centre on the first night. Right Ps Norman Miller talking to Mark and Paul Kamsler at Hanukkah event 14.12.25
Jesus, Jewish Messiah, as Light of the World: Hanukkah, Festival of Lights by Ps Barbara Miller Watch HERE
The City of Cairns is gathering to support the Jewish community and Norman and Barbara will have an opportunity to share. All are invited.
Gofundme for Schools Antisemitism Education
There is currently no dedicated, age-appropriate antisemitism education in Australian primary schools—only optional anti racism or holocaust or multicultural education. Please help us while we continue to develop this and work on its implementaton. See HERE
Our expert curriculum writer Shoshana Linnane has developed 10-week modules for Grades 1-2 and 5-6. These lessons use the story of a 7-year-old Jewish refugee girl from the kindertransport during World War II to help children understand what it means to be displaced, excluded, or vulnerable. The modules foster empathy, compassion, and respect for diversity through activities like art, music, and drama, and align with the national curriculum. We want all children to grow up in safe, inclusive communities where they learn to treat others fairly and without discrimination.
If you believe in building a future where every child feels valued and racism has no place, please consider supporting our fundraiser. Even a small contribution or sharing this opportunity to help would make a difference.
Please get involved! We need your help!
We would love to connect with you and help you support Israel, the only democracy in the Middle East, working against calls for its destruction and the genocide of its people. These calls are advancing at great pace since October 7. Indigenous Friends of Israel formed in July 2017 because of concerns over Australia’s policy towards Israel. Since then we have gone international as antisemitism is international and isan ancient hatred. The forces standing against Israel also oppose Western and/or Judeo-Christian values which have helped us achieve a society with social cohesion and the rule of law.
Please help us take a stand against antisemitism, and for a community where all are valued and safe. There are many opportunities to use your passion, gifting and skills as avolunteer whether you are a person of faith or not. United we stand and divided we fall. Please complete the form to volunteer.
Are you good at creating or sharing social media, fundraising, administration, film and video making, government advocacy, newsletters, speaking, representing a geographical area, organising zoom meetings or do you have other giftings or talents that you can use to bless the Lord, the Jewish people, and Israel. It doesn’t matter where you live in the world, you can get involved. Check it out here
Donations to the ministry of the Centre for International Reconciliation & Peace BSB: 064804 Account no: 14069302 Swift code: ctbaau2s
Commonwealth of Australia Bank, 120 Pitt Street Sydney NSW 2000 Australia Donations to Pastors Account BSB: 064804 Account no: 14258760
THESE AMAZING VIDEOS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR A LOW PRICE USING PAYPAL OR STRIPE. INSTANT DOWNLOAD!
TOPICS – ISRAEL, PRAYER, WORSHIP, THE APOSTOLIC AND PROPHETIC AND MUCH
