Australian Jewish groups urge community to write 'Jewish' on 2026 census despite no option box
In 2026, Australian Jewish groups are urging their community members to write 'Judaism' under the religious options on the upcoming census, which does not provide a dedicated box for Judaism. Since the 1991 census introduced tick-box options for religions, Judaism has never had its own category, as it represents approximately 0.4% of the population. The 2026 census includes categories like Catholic, Muslim, and Buddhist, but Jews must use the 'Other' box and specify 'Jewish' or 'Judaism'. Daniel Aghion KC, president of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, emphasized the importance of accurate identification for resource allocation and service planning. He addressed concerns about privacy due to rising antisemitism, assuring the community of strict confidentiality laws. Australian Jewish Agency President Robert Gregory criticized the lack of a dedicated box, arguing it could lead to significant undercounting of the Jewish population, despite the addition of a non-binary gender option.
Toronto police are investigating a weekend shooting at a Jewish-owned bakery as a potential hate crime, according to authorities. The incident occurred at a branch of Kiva’s Bagel Bar, which was targeted by gunfire overnight between Saturday and Sunday. Another branch of the same business in Toronto had its windows smashed earlier in the week. No injuries were reported in either case. The Toronto Police Department confirmed that both the hate crime unit and the gun and gang task force are examining the incidents. Officials stated that investigators are looking into whether the two events are connected. A police representative acknowledged during a press conference that the incidents were “concerning” for members of the Jewish community in the area and announced plans for increased police presence in the neighborhood as the probe continues. Canadian Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar expressed concern over the developments, tweeting that he was “following with concern the worrying news from Toronto.” He described the attacks as part of a “long and horrifying line of violence and intimidation” against the Canadian Jewish community. Sa’ar called for the Canadian government to take action against the rising tide of antisemitic violence. This is not the first time Jewish sites in Toronto have come under attack. Last month, police indicated that hired gunmen appeared to be targeting Jewish locations in the city. Over the past year, there have been multiple instances of gunfire and arson directed at synagogues and other Jewish properties across Canada. These attacks have not resulted in fatalities, but they have caused widespread alarm within the community. By May 2026, Canada’s Jewish community had already experienced more violent antisemitic attacks than all of the previous year, placing it on track for the most violent year for the Jewish population in recent history. This surge in hostility has been linked to the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel, which began on October 7, 2023. Since that date, Jewish communities in Canada have faced a series of alarming incidents. Among these, a Toronto Jewish girls’ school was attacked with gunfire three separate times. In Montreal, two Jewish institutions were firebombed. Three men attempted to kidnap Jewish women, while antisemitic graffiti was found on three synagogues in Nova Scotia. Additionally, a Jewish man in Montreal was assaulted in front of his children. These acts of violence reflect a broader pattern of antisemitism that has intensified in response to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The Jewish community in Canada numbers around 400,000 individuals and has become one of the most affected groups in the country. The recent spate of attacks underscores the growing threat posed by antisemitic sentiment, particularly in light of the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. As investigations continue, officials are urging greater vigilance and support for Jewish residents in the face of escalating tensions.
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How each side covered it
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Toronto police are investigating a shooting at a Jewish-owned bakery and separate window-smashing at another location of the same business as potential hate crimes. No injuries were reported in either incident. The Toronto Police confirmed involvement of their hate crime unit and gun and gang task force to examine connections between the events. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar expressed concern over the attacks, linking them to a broader surge in antisemitic violence in Canada, which has seen a significant increase since the Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023. The article highlights ongoing antisemitic incidents across Canadian cities, including synagogue fires, vandalism, and physical assaults.
Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the incidents as part of a larger 'antisemitic violent wave,' emphasizing the threat to the Jewish community and calling for governmental action. While it presents factual reports of the attacks, the tone leans toward highlighting systemic antisemitism and the need for urgent, pro
Why factuality (65): The article discusses a different event (firebombings in Montreal) than the primary source document, which covers Toronto incidents. While it mentions antisemitic attacks in Canada, it does not align with the specific details of the Montreal firebombings described in the primary source. This lack of
Why objectivity (55): The tone of the article is alarmist and emotionally charged, using phrases like 'long and horrifying line of violence' and 'antisemitic violent wave.' This suggests a biased perspective favoring heightened concern over the issue, rather than presenting a balanced view.
Over a dozen Torah scrolls were stolen from the Grand Synagogue of Levallois-Perret, a wealthy suburb of Paris, in an attack described as antisemitic by local authorities and religious leaders. The theft occurred between Sunday night and Monday morning, and the local rabbi stated that the crime specifically targeted the Torah, indicating a deliberate act against the Jewish faith. Local officials, including the mayor and regional prefect, condemned the incident and emphasized its deep impact on the Jewish community. The president of the local Jewish community association noted that the theft was carried out by a 'professional team' that bypassed security measures, and he described the event as a 'profound spiritual trauma.' No other property was damaged or stolen, and the stolen Torah scrolls are considered to hold immeasurable value.
Bias read (Center): The article presents the theft of Torah scrolls as an antisemitic act, citing statements from both Jewish community leaders and local officials. It does not exhibit overtly biased language or one-sided sourcing. The framing emphasizes the significance of the event within the broader context of antis
In 2026, Australian Jewish groups are urging their community members to write 'Judaism' under the religious options on the upcoming census, which does not provide a dedicated box for Judaism. Since the 1991 census introduced tick-box options for religions, Judaism has never had its own category, as it represents approximately 0.4% of the population. The 2026 census includes categories like Catholic, Muslim, and Buddhist, but Jews must use the 'Other' box and specify 'Jewish' or 'Judaism'. Daniel Aghion KC, president of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, emphasized the importance of accurate identification for resource allocation and service planning. He addressed concerns about privacy due to rising antisemitism, assuring the community of strict confidentiality laws. Australian Jewish Agency President Robert Gregory criticized the lack of a dedicated box, arguing it could lead to significant undercounting of the Jewish population, despite the addition of a non-binary gender option.
Bias read (Center): The article presents the issue of Jewish representation in the census as a factual matter, focusing on the practical implications for data collection and community planning. While it highlights concerns about underrepresentation and antisemitism, it does not take a clear ideological stance or frame犹
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