What Matters Now to Deborah Conway & Tamar Paluch: Australia is rife with antisemitism

What Matters Now to Deborah Conway & Tamar Paluch: Australia is rife with antisemitism

Author: The Times of Israel September 2, 2025 Duration: 35:23

Welcome to What Matters Now, a weekly podcast exploring key issues currently shaping Israel and the Jewish World, with host Jessica Steinberg speaking with Australians Tamar Paluch and Deborah Conway, the editor and a contributor to "Ruptured, Jewish Women in Australia Reflect on Life Post-October 7," a book of essays.

Paluch, who edited the book with Lee Kofman, discusses how the idea came from a painful place, after the events of October 7 brought a deluge of antisemitism upon Australia's Jewish community.

She talks about putting together a book written and edited by women, as it was the silence of women's organizations regarding the sexual crimes committed by Hamas terrorists during the October 7 terrorist attack that prompted her and her co-editor to launch the project.

Conway, one of the contributors and a well-known Australian musician and performing artist, speaks about the antisemitism and hatred she experienced in the wake of October 7, as many of her appearances and performances were canceled and sometimes interrupted by virulent pro-Palestinian protestors.

Both women discuss the historical background of Australian Jewry and the sense that the dream of a Jewish paradise has ended, and how they plan on moving forward.

And so this week, we ask Tamar Paluch and Deborah Conway what matters now.

What Matters Now podcasts are available for download on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves.

IMAGE: Palestinian supporters wave flags as they march to the Sydney Opera House in Sydney, Monday, Oct. 9, 2023. Hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters gathered at the Sydney Opera House, which was planned to be illuminated in the colors of the Israeli flag following the weekend Hamas attack on Israel, while police advised the Jewish community to stay away. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)

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Each week, What Matters Now from The Times of Israel focuses deeply on a single, pressing story. This isn't a rapid-fire news recap, but a thoughtful dive into the one topic currently defining life in Israel and influencing Jewish communities worldwide. You'll hear from journalists, analysts, and people directly affected, providing clarity and context on complex developments. The conversation moves beyond headlines to examine the historical roots, present-day realities, and potential futures of each chosen subject. Tune into this weekly podcast for a sustained and nuanced look at the forces at play. It’s an essential listen for anyone seeking to understand the evolving narrative of the region, offering a dedicated space to truly grasp what matters now.
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