Tensions Transplanted

In Episode 5 of Tensions Transplanted, Rob Kaldor sits down with Jewish MPs Julian Leeser (Liberal, Berowra) and Josh Burns (Labor, Macnamara) to explore how their Jewish identity has influenced their political careers — and how they each envision Australia's future post the 2025 federal election.  💡 Support quality journalism: Donate here

In Episode 4 of Tensions Transplanted, Rob Kaldor explores how The Muslim Vote could influence the upcoming federal election. He’s joined by Dr Josh Roose from Deakin University to unpack key marginal electorates, the rising political engagement among Muslim Australians, and the emerging — and sometimes uneasy — alliances with the Greens. Together, they consider how the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict is shaping political discourse in the lead-up to election day.📖 Read Dr Josh Roose’s articles and more election coverage.💡 Support quality journalism: Donate here

In Episode 3 of Tensions Transplanted, Rob Kaldor takes a close look at the federal election campaigns unfolding in Goldstein, Macnamara, and Wentworth — the three electorates with Australia’s largest Jewish populations. He’s joined by author Julie Szego, journalist Michael Visontay, and Jewish Independent editor Deborah Stone to unpack how October 7 and the rise in antisemitism are shaping campaign strategies, shifting voter sentiment, and influencing the political outlook in these pivotal seats.📖 Read Julie Szego’s articles 📖 Read Michael Visontay’s articles 📖 Read Deborah Stone’s articles and more election coverage.💡 Support quality journalism: Donate here

In Episode 2 of Tensions Transplanted, Rob Kaldor speaks with Deborah Stone from The Jewish Independent about the collapse of bipartisan consensus on foreign policy and the growing political divide over antisemitism.📖 Read Deborah Stone’s articles and more election coverage.💡 Support quality journalism: Donate here

In this episode, Rob Kaldor examines the upcoming federal election with insights from political consultant Dean Sherr, who offers a rare insider’s view from Canberra. With a sharp focus on how antisemitism could shape the political landscape, Dean breaks down the key dynamics influencing the campaign.📖 Read Dean Sherr’s articles and more election coverage. 💡 Support quality journalism: Donate here

Josh Burns, a Labor Federal MP, and Allegra Spender, an Independent Federal MP, dive into the impact of the Israel-Palestine conflict on Australia's political landscape. Tim Hollo from the Green Institute discusses the environmental implications of political decisions. Jeremy Leibler shares insights on community tensions while Robert Samuel outlines local council debates. Cultural expert Sam Cairnduff highlights the role of the arts in social discourse amidst rising antisemitism, emphasizing empathy and the need for unity in today's divided society.

In Episode three, Rob Kaldor explores the impact of the Hamas-Israel conflict on Australian workplaces, with a particular focus on schools and universities. He speaks with Josh Burns, a Labor Federal MP, Noah Loven, President of AUJS, Dr. Avril Alba, a university lecturer, and Rabbi Yossi Friedman, known as The Rabbi on Demand. They discuss issues such as racism and campus encampments. The episode also shares personal stories from individuals whose lives have been significantly affected by the conflict.

In Episode Two, the impact of the Hamas-Israel war in Australia goes online. Rob Kaldor dives deep into the battle for dominance on social media as well as the dark art of doxxing. Rob speaks with well-known influencers including Clammy Fraud, Marnie Perlstein and hears the rationale of one of the doxxers. We also hear from some of the targets of the doxxing, including those whose lives were turned upside down through death threats and intimidation.

In the first episode, Rob examines the immediate fallout of the October 7th attacks, including the protests at the Sydney Opera House. He speaks with Mark Spiro, who was arrested for displaying an Israeli flag, and Deborah Stone, the Editor of The Jewish Independent.  Rob interviews two members of Sydney's Lebanese community to gain their perspectives on the attack.