Antisemitism has become a growing concern in schools, universities, workplaces, and online spaces. What was once subtle is now more visible. What felt distant now feels personal.
At Jewish House, we’ve seen this shift reflected in the stories of people coming through our doors and reaching out to our team.
- People who feel unsafe.
- People who are unsure how to respond when hate appears in everyday places.
- And people supporting others who are affected, but who feel unequipped or overwhelmed.
To help meet that need and support the community, we’ve launched a new initiative: Navigating Antisemitism: A Practical Podcast. It’s designed for anyone navigating this difficult terrain; whether for themselves, their family, their clients, or their community.
The series is hosted by our CEO, Rabbi Mendel Kastel, and features expert guests across healthcare, mental health, youth work, faith leadership and more.
Filling a Gap in Practical, Trauma-Informed Support
This isn’t a podcast about definitions. It’s about what antisemitism actually looks like on the ground, and what kind of support makes a real difference when someone is impacted.
Each episode shares grounded insights from professionals working directly with individuals and families in distress. The conversations are short, accessible, and focused on action: how to offer care, when to refer on, and what cultural safety means in real terms.
Our goal is to create something people can use. Something that fits into existing care networks, classroom discussions, therapy sessions, and community training.
Episode Highlights
Episode 1: Hospitals and trust
Susan Pearce AM, Secretary of NSW Health, joins Rabbi Mendel to talk about what safety means in a hospital; not just physically, but emotionally and culturally. The episode unpacks how fear of discrimination can shape someone’s willingness to speak up, disclose their religion, or accept care. For healthcare professionals, it’s a practical look at how trauma-informed care can build trust with Jewish patients and other marginalised communities.
Episode 2: Understanding psychological strain
Clinical neuropsychologist Dr Kate Gould outlines the very real impact of antisemitism on the brain, body and nervous system. She explains how stress builds up over time, especially for people with past trauma or intergenerational memories of persecution. The episode offers clear, useful signs to look out for—and suggestions for how friends, professionals and support workers can respond when someone is close to burnout.
Episode 3: Strength through connection
Rabbi Zalman Abraham shares how identity, ritual and spiritual connection support recovery, particularly for young people. The episode is a timely reflection on resilience; not just as something individual, but as something communal, shared and sustained through Jewish practice. It also explores how communities can better support young people navigating hate, grief and uncertainty in a very public climate.
Part of a Broader Strategy at Jewish House
This podcast series is part of our growing portfolio of antisemitism-focused initiatives.
Alongside navigatingantisemitism.org.au, our digital resource hub, and ongoing chaplaincy work across hospitals and schools, we are continuing to develop tools that respond to the real-world experiences of Jewish Australians today.
As with all of our work, this project reflects a trauma-informed, person-centred approach. It aims to support individuals in crisis, but also those on the frontlines - educators, health workers, support staff and friends - who want to help but don’t know where to start.
How to Engage
All three episodes of Navigating Antisemitism: A Practical Podcast are available now, and we have more to come.
We encourage you to:
- Listen and share with your networks
- Use episodes as part of professional development or discussion
- Refer to them in classrooms, therapy rooms, or team briefings
- Visit navigatingantisemitism.org.au to explore related tools, training and support services
This resource is designed to grow alongside community needs. And it’s available now on Spotify, Apple, Amazon Music, and all major podcast platforms.
We recommend that you subscribe or follow the podcast on your preferred platform to be notified when new episodes are released.
By listening, sharing and staying connected, you help ensure that practical support reaches the people who need it most.
