From the Liveblog of
Monday, August 25, 2025
Rothman addresses Melbourne Jewish conference over Zoom after Australia barred his entry
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleAriela Karmel is a political correspondent at The Times of Israel. She previously reported for Calcalist and Haaretz. She holds an MA in Middle Eastern and African History from Tel Aviv University and a BA in Political Science from the University of British Columbia.
Religious Zionism MK Simcha Rothman addresses a Melbourne conference of local Jewish community leaders via Zoom after Australia barred him from visiting the country last week.
Rothman is speaking at the conference “about Israel and its challenges, joined by several rabbis and community leaders who condemn the Australian government’s treatment of Israel and its representatives,” according to a statement from his office.
The far-right lawmaker had planned to travel to Australia last week to meet with Jewish schools, synagogues, and victims of recent antisemitic attacks in Melbourne at the invitation of the Australian Jewish Association (AJA), when Australia blocked his visit, accusing Rothhman of intending to “spread division.”
Israel responded by revoking the residency visas of Australia’s representatives to the Palestinian Authority and taking other diplomatic measures.
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