Since emigrating to Australia on a student visa in 1998, Akram – formerly residing in Hyderabad's Tolichowki area – rarely set foot in India, making the journey only "two-three occasions," authorities disclosed to The Hindu.

"His father died in 2017; he did not even come to attend his last rites," a senior government official reported to The Hindu. Other officials told The Hindu that Akram's close family members still live in Hyderabad, including an elder brother practicing medicine. The late father finished his UAE military career in 1984.

Naveed Akram – Sajid's son and the attack's second perpetrator – took police bullets and remains under medical care, The Hindu learned. Born in Australia in 2001, he holds Australian nationality. "After completing bachelors in commerce from Hyderabad, Akram moved to Australia and married a European woman. He retained his Indian passport," the official conveyed to The Hindu.

Asked about possible Indian ties, the source informed The Hindu, "Preliminary investigation does not establish any local links so far. We do not have access to his activities in Australia. His background was checked based on information from our sources."

Information verified by The Hindu indicates Australian investigators maintain active dialogue described as "in touch" with Indian officials about the examination.

Philippine immigration personnel disclosed Tuesday that Sajid Akram entered their territory on an Indian passport in November, accompanied by his Australian-national son Naveed Akram, The Hindu reported.

"Sajid Akram, 50, Indian national, and Naveed Akram, 24, Australian national, arrived in the Philippines together last November 1, 2025, from Sydney, Australia," announced Dana Sandoval, speaking for the Bureau of Immigration, to Manila news outlets Tuesday, per The Hindu.

The Ministry of External Affairs offered no statement regarding Philippine authorities' comments, The Hindu found. Officials stressed that Australian investigators bear the duty of providing probe particulars.

Australian investigators have so far withheld comment on the attackers' backgrounds, the report noted. When pressed whether Sajid Akram originated from India or Pakistan, as certain accounts proposed, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said such information forms part of the active investigation.

"So I can't go into that detail and it wouldn't be appropriate to undermine the investigation by going into it," Prime Minister Albanese addressed reporters Tuesday, according to The Hindu.

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He continued, "I saw inside a large yellow garbage can full of bodies. Women, adults, small children, all covered in blood, and they were murdered only because they are Jews and Israelis. During my time in captivity, they tortured me every day and left me with physical and mental scars everywhere. This captivity is not suitable for animals, certainly not for humans. Therefore, I ask you, dear people, to continue the good work for the sake of justice and peace. The October 7 massacre was without a justified reason, and was an inhuman massacre."

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The incident occurred in November 2024, when two students from DePaul University, Michael Kaminsky and Max Long, were attacked by two masked individuals. Kaminsky suffered a wrist injury requiring surgery, and Long suffered a concussion. According to local police, the second attacker who participated in the incident has not yet been apprehended.

Following the incident, Kaminsky and Long filed a lawsuit in April against the university, claiming that "security officers stood by and watched the assault take place." As reported by ABC7 Chicago, Erkan pleaded guilty to charges of assault and battery and was sentenced to two years of probation and 100 hours of community service.

Just over a year after two men attacked IDF Reserve Staff Sgt. Max Long and his friend, Michael Kaminsky, in broad daylight on the DePaul University campus, one of the men charged pleaded guilty to a charge in the case. https://t.co/NhhMnwJqUA

— ABC 7 Chicago (@ABC7Chicago) November 25, 2025

"Not taken seriously"

Daniel Schwartz, president and co-founder of the Chicago Jewish Alliance, told JNS that "When a convicted attacker walks away with probation and community service after admitting to a targeted assault, it signals that violence against Jews does not carry serious consequences in this city."

He added that "What happened inside the courtroom is a profound failure. That message is dangerous, far beyond one campus. The guilty plea acknowledges what happened, but the sentence fails to match the gravity of the crime. Chicago cannot claim to care about equity or safety while treating violence against Jews as a low-priority offense. Targeted violence must carry meaningful consequences if Jewish people in this city are to believe they are protected."

Jay Tcath, vice president of the Jewish United Fund, said it was "unfortunate that the prosecution accepted a plea deal that included a penalty lower than the maximum possible," although it's important to note that Erkan admitted to the sequence of events and served more than 200 days in custody.

"Step in the right direction"

CHICAGO– Tuesday, December 2, 2025 - The Lawfare Project's (LP) Founder and Executive Director @GoldsteinBrooke issued the following statement in response to the recent guilty plea made by Adam Erkan for his role in the assault of DePaul University students and Lawfare Project… pic.twitter.com/EGRpVW0PRe

— The Lawfare Project (@LawfareProject) December 3, 2025

 Gerard Filitti, senior counsel at the Lawfare Project representing the students, said, "We appreciate the efforts of Chicago law enforcement and prosecution authorities to bring the attackers to justice. The system is not perfect, but it demonstrates the need to remain vigilant and ensure that everyone involved in hate crimes against Jews is held accountable."

Regarding criticism about the lightness of the sentence, Filitti added, "Even before October 7, hate crimes were not sufficiently enforced throughout the United States, and local law enforcement or prosecution authorities do not always handle assaults motivated by antisemitic intent."

"This process represents a step in the right direction, and we hope to reach a situation where society views attacks against Jews as unacceptable exactly as it views attacks against any other minority group."

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Chief Government Affairs Officer at CAM, Lisa Katz, a former New Castle Town Supervisor, stated, "Jewish New Yorkers are right to be alarmed by today's victory of Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, whose radical outlook and history of antisemitic rhetoric should concern all New Yorkers."

The CAM official noted, "The Jewish community continues to face unprecedented antisemitic threat levels." Katz warned that "barring an improbable 180-degree ideological about-face from Mamdani, Jews in New York City will lack an ally in City Hall come January."

"If past is prologue, a Mamdani administration will refuse to recognize as antisemitism hate that vilifies and demonizes Jews on the basis of the Jewish people's connection to Israel," Katz's statement continued.

"The Combat Antisemitism Movement stands with New York's Jewish community and will vigilantly monitor the new administration, together with our partners," Katz added, noting that "CAM works on a daily basis with mayors across the country who are proving real leadership... While New York City may lack such leadership come January, the election results have only deepened CAM's commitment to ensuring that the city government keeps all New Yorkers, including Jewish New Yorkers, safe."

The Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC) reacted with a statement saying, "It's official. Zohran Mamdani is the face of the Democratic Party now. Democratic 'leaders', including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Governor Kathy Hochul, have handed their party over to what was once the radical leftwing fringe."

It added, "This is a deeply distressing result for New Yorkers, particularly Jewish New Yorkers, but in fact this election will affect all of us," the RJC continued. The group stressed, "The national Democratic Party owns this election and all its results, and voters across the country will hold them accountable when they vote in 2026 and 2028."

"We've said it before and we'll say it again: There is only ONE party in this country fighting antisemitism and supporting Israel, and it is the Republican Party," it continued.  "While Republicans loudly condemn antisemitism, Democrats have shamefully endorsed and elected an antisemite to run the largest city in America with the largest number of Jews in the country," the RJC statement said, warning that New Yorkers will now have "a mayor who took money from terror-supporting Islamist organizations... who is virulently anti-capitalism, anti-police, and anti-Israel, and who will not lift a finger to protect Jewish New Yorkers from the 'globalize the intifada' crowd."

The press release from the RJC concluded, "This is a dark day for the City of New York, and the Democrats own all of it."

Jonathan Greenblatt, the CEO and national director of the ADL, issued a statement regarding the election of Zohran Mamdani as mayor. "In light of Mayor-elect Mamdani's long, disturbing record on issues of deep concern to the Jewish community, we will approach the next four years with resolve," Greenblatt said, according to the ADL.

The ADL chief continued, "We expect the mayor of the city with the largest Jewish population in the world to stand unequivocally against antisemitism in all its varied forms and support all of its Jewish residents just as he would all other constituents."

"In the months ahead, we will hold the Mamdani Administration to this basic standard, and ADL will be relentless and unyielding in our work to ensure the safety and security of all Jewish New Yorkers," Greenblatt's statement added, per the ADL. "We will neither compromise nor relent in our pursuit of our core purpose, to protect the Jewish people," the ADL statement concluded.

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The gathering seeks to forge bridges of connection and trust linking Israel with Diaspora Jewry, businesses with the US administration, and classical Zionism with the emerging landscape of technology, economics, and global communications. The summit will spotlight the period's central questions – how to build the day after the war, what role the American Jewry plays in shaping Israel's future, and how to preserve mutual responsibility and shared values connecting the Jewish people across the ocean.

The summit comes at a dramatic moment. Israel has been recovering from its longest war in history, while the American Jewish community confronts a rising wave of antisemitism and a New York mayoral election where an anti-Israel candidate leads in polls. Against this backdrop, New York – home to the world's largest Jewish community outside Israel – will transform for one day into an extraordinary gathering place for leaders, entrepreneurs, intellectuals, and diplomats.

Among the many prominent figures participating in the New York summit are Israel's UN Ambassador Danny Danon, former Ambassador David Friedman, former Ambassador Gilad Erdan, Israel's Ambassador to the US Rabbi Dr. Yechiel Leiter, the parents of fallen hostage Omer Neutra, the parents of returned hostage Edan Alexander, Senator John Fetterman, philanthropist Sylvan Adams, Strauss Group Chairwoman Ofra Strauss, businessman and entrepreneur Adam Neumann, Rashi Foundation Chairmain Shaul Shani, philanthropist and businessman Michael Eisenberg, HaShomer HaChadash CEO Yoel Zilberman, Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli, Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu, Masa Israel Journey CEO Meir Holtz, Rabbi Ari Berman, Elan Carr, and additional senior guests from the worlds of policy, academia, high-tech, and the Jewish community.

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Organized by the Jewish group Australian Jewish Association, the visit responded to a surge in antisemitism since the war's onset. Over the past year, multiple synagogues in Australia have been set ablaze, with the latest arson in early July. Jewish and Israeli institutions have faced relentless attacks. Earlier this month, anti-Israel protests in Sydney and Melbourne featured banners of Iranian dictator Ayatollah Ali Khamenei alongside terrorist group flags.

Rothman, whose visa had approved two weeks earlier, planned to address synagogues and Jewish schools, meet victims of antisemitic attacks, and visit targeted Jewish sites. He learned of the visa cancellation on the day he was set to travel to the airport.

Minister Burke justified the visa revocation by citing Rothman's statements – including "Hamas must be destroyed," "A Palestinian state is the first step to Israel's destruction," and "Sovereignty must be applied in Judea and Samaria" – as incitement. An additional English statement on fighting terrorism to protect Israeli citizens was also cited. Burke claimed Rothman's presence would threaten "peace and law enforcement in Australia," referencing Islamist crowds in Australian streets calling for Israel's destruction.

A blatant antisemitic decision

Knesset Member Simcha Rothman condemned the move, saying, "The Australian Jewish community invited me amid synagogue attacks and growing hostility. By denying me entry for expressing clear positions, the Australian cabinet reveals blatant antisemitism that gives tailwind to terrorism."

He added, "Jihadists attack Australian Jews, and mosques incite murder and Israel's destruction. Yet, positions backed by two thirds of Israel's Knesset are labeled provocative by Australia's cabinet. This antisemitic decision targets the Australian Jewish community, Israel, and the Jewish people."

Speaking to Israel Hayom, Rothman emphasized that his cited statements – calling for Hamas' elimination, opposing a Palestinian state, and supporting sovereignty in Judea and Samaria – reflect Israel's mainstream consensus, shared by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, many in Coalition and even some Opposition members. "Australia claims this decision is designed to protect its Muslim community, but this harms Jews and exposes Australia's own deep issues," he said.

Robert Gregory, CEO of AJA, denounced the decision, saying, "All the paperwork was filled out correctly and on time and the visa was approved. The timing of the cancellation at the last minute was spiteful and intended to cause maximum harm to the Australian Jewish community. Mr. Rothman received his cancellation on the day he was to head to the airport for his flight."

Gregory noted, "This government has a track record of cancelling the visas of Jewish and Israeli visitors, including Ayelet Shaked and Hillel Fuld. The message from the Albanese Government to Jews is clear and we urge all Jews to seriously consider whether it is safe for them to visit Australia under this government." He added, "AJA is hearing from increasing numbers of Australian Jews who feel unwelcome under this government and are planning to leave. It seems the government is happy to replace them by importing thousands of Gazans."

Palestinian state recognition and a visa for a Hamas supporter

Tensions between Israel and Australia have escalated under Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's left-wing cabinet, which announced last week it would recognize a Palestinian state in September, aligning with European moves. Weeks earlier, the Australian Home Affairs Department granted a visa to Mona Zahed, a Hamas supporter who celebrated the October 7 massacre and posted disturbing messages afterward (the visa was later cancelled).

Rothman added, "Israel learned on October 7 the steep cost of yielding to terrorism – a lesson Australia's cabinet has yet to grasp, and the consequences will be heavy. Israel must show the world how to resist terrorism. I will not waver and will continue to champion the Jewish people's proud voice wherever I am."

Gregory revealed that AJA briefed contacts in the new Trump administration, saying, "Israel is fully justified in taking strong measures in response to this and we have briefed contacts in the Trump Administration who are also concerned about events in Australia."

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"I am super worried, and I hope November makes people change this plot because the last thing this city needs is a mayor who supports Hamas and jihadist ideology, even if it's not all he 'stands for,'" Erez, a 36-year-old Israeli-American resident of Harlem, told Israel Hayom. He added that the primary results reflect how "the Democratic Party, especially in New York, is filled with young, brainwashed liberals who consider themselves 'progressive,' but are far from it, because they are delusional and misinformed."

Rachel Levy, a 25-year-old Queens resident, also voiced concerns about Mamdani's political positions. "He has a very communist view, which historically has not gone well anywhere at any point in history and anywhere in the world. The younger the generation and the more public places you go, there are people so widely promoting Palestinians and Arab causes, and communist social causes, and it's very scary because anyone who's doing that is an automatic enemy toward Israel and Jews."

Since Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, New York has witnessed numerous anti-Israel protests, with demonstrators chanting slogans such as "globalize the intifada" – a phrase associated with calls for violence against Jews. Mamdani initially supported this slogan, saying in a podcast interview, "Ultimately, what I hear in these expressions is a desperate yearning for equality and human rights for Palestinians." He attempted to justify the term by claiming its meaning in Arabic is "struggle."

Following controversy over his statements, Mamdani held a press conference where he said, "It pains me that they call me antisemitic. I love the Jewish community in New York."

Keren Azaria, an Israeli living in New York and former chief of staff to Israel's consul general in New York, Asaf Zamir, told Israel Hayom that Mamdani's primary victory reflects a troubling trend in American politics. "It is disturbing that so many New Yorkers felt comfortable voting for a candidate who has proudly made deeply troubling statements about Israel," she said. "Extreme anti-Israel voices are becoming increasingly normalized in American politics. When this kind of rhetoric becomes acceptable, it does not just alienate the Jewish community, it undermines the core values of tolerance and mutual respect that define both New York and America."

"It hasn't been easy," Erez said, describing the reality facing Jews and Israelis in New York. "You see hateful stickers everywhere, young people with keffiyehs because it's trendy. The worst for me was to watch the protests when they raised terrorist organization flags, and it's allowed. It's been devastating to see how this city has become so antisemitic."

Azaria expressed particular concern about the safety of New York's Jewish community – the largest outside of Israel – under potential Mamdani leadership. "New York City mayors have always stood with our community with pride, whether at the annual Israel Day Parade on Fifth Avenue, at memorials, or at cultural events. That is why Mamdani's candidacy is so alarming," she said.

"He is someone who refused to condemn Hamas after October 7, he has made inflammatory statements comparing Israel to the Holocaust, and he has actively participated in extreme anti-Israel protests. This is not just about political disagreements; it is about whether Jewish New Yorkers can still count on their elected leaders to stand with them in the face of rising hate. With Mamdani in office, many of us, including myself, are no longer sure."

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The attack that occurred here, which was so cynically aimed at peace-seeking demonstrators who came to raise their voices for the release of hostages and for an end to suffering and fighting, left a deep scar on our community's soul.

I arrived in Denver 15 years ago. I always felt safe. I never hesitated to show that I am Israeli and that I am Jewish. The children go to public school wearing necklaces with their names in Hebrew. They are filled with pride and faith in the righteousness of our path.

At the same time, the fears that are surfacing in the Jewish community here are not entirely new, but they have taken on a different dimension since October 7 and the war in Gaza. Until then, we could sometimes feel protected, relatively distant from the complex reality of the Middle East. Since then, life has changed. Antisemitism has become more blatant and public, walking with a kippah or Star of David on the street requires second thought, when attacks or violent incidents against Jews or Israel supporters in the Western world are no longer paranoia – they are a real thing that happens and frightens us all. This is a tangible fear like never before – will the safe home we knew remain so?

The connection to events in Israel is stronger than ever. The pain of our people in Israel, the sense of the country's vulnerability, directly affects our sense of security in the diaspora. We feel the rising waves of antisemitism, and sometimes it seems that the discourse has become so extreme that anyone who identifies with Israel, even at the most basic level, even one who calls for peace – becomes a target. Yet, alongside the pain and fear, we must not lose hope.

The attack in Boulder, like any other attack, was designed to sow fear and despair. But as a community, we are stronger. The rapid mobilization of security forces, to whom we give heartfelt thanks for their excellent operation that prevented a greater tragedy, is a reminder that we are not alone. We will continue to support each other and the Land of Israel and the entire Jewish people. The Jewish people have faced many challenges throughout history, and this time too we will emerge stronger. Our spirit will not be broken. We will continue to live, flourish and thrive.

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American students volunteering in Israel launched a special initiative to show appreciation to wives of reservists serving in Gaza and Lebanon. The project is a collaboration between the IS-Resilient organization and the OU-JLIC student association.

The volunteers, mostly students, visited the homes of soldiers from reserve units stationed on the Gaza and Lebanon fronts. With the wives managing their households alone, the students provided them with much-needed support by checking on their well-being, delivering gift cards, and offering gratitude for their sacrifices.

A Jerusalem resident whose husband is currently stationed at the northern border shared her emotional experience after the visit: "Just when I had hit rock bottom and felt completely overwhelmed, three sweet Americans knocked on my door… They handed me a card that said: 'Thank you for your husband's service and for keeping us safe all this time.'"

"After Oct. 7, I felt like I wanted to do more," Hodaya Camargo, a student from Miami, shared. "I can't describe the excitement I felt when I saw the light in the eyes of the women whose husbands are fighting right now. It was an incredible experience because I wanted to connect more closely with the people who are fighting for the entire Jewish nation."

Gilad Gantz, one of the leaders of IS-Resilient Israel, said: "Having served for many months in reserves, I know that the main concern of the soldiers is not about themselves, but about the families they left behind. That's why we saw great importance in reaching out to support the wives of the soldiers.

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In a landscape where many celebrities have taken stark positions on the Israel-Hamas war, Australian singer-songwriter Natalie Imbruglia has emerged as a voice of nuance. The "Torn" singer, known for her 1990s hit, recently shared her thoughts on the complex situation, expressing concern for Israeli hostages while also acknowledging the plight of Palestinian civilians.

As the conflict continues to polarize global opinion, with many artists and celebrities taking sides while often overlooking historical context and the events of Oct. 7, Imbruglia has chosen to voice a more balanced view.

A recent interaction between Imbruglia and a fan, shared in a Facebook group dedicated to 1980s and 1990s nostalgia, shed light on the singer's stance. User Joe Mitchell recounted, "A few weeks ago, she posted on Instagram 'All eyes on Rafah' alongside 'Release the hostages'. I thanked her for remembering to mention the hostages." Mitchell went on to describe a subsequent in-depth conversation with Imbruglia.

In her response to Mitchell, Imbruglia clarified her position, "I don't want you to think my post took sides. War is complicated. Too many innocent lives have been lost. It's important that we all strive for peace. We can't just let everyone die until no one is left." She added, "Two of my closest friends are Jewish. We talk about it a lot, and they're really scared. I have empathy for them."

Imbruglia further reflected, "Most people want what's good for all of us. It's just the people at the top with shocking motives who make everything impossible for us."

The singer's balanced approach comes against a backdrop of her own history with performances in Israel. In 2016, Imbruglia was scheduled to perform in the country, but the concert was canceled. The production team cited "technical reasons" for the cancellation. Subsequently, in 2017, the singer was set to visit again, but this performance was also canceled. While an organization associated with the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions movement claimed responsibility for the 2017 cancellation, citing "Israeli apartheid," the production team once again stated that it was due to "technical reasons."

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