Writings, speeches, conversations and songs by Deborah Conway and Willy Zygier on Jews, Judaism, Israel, Zionism, antisemitism and anti-Zionism.
From October 2023 onwards, in chronological order.
2023
In every generation
A short reflection on October 7, the Haggadah, persecution and the reasons offered to justify it.
Re-litigating 1948 / From the river to the sea
On history, Israel and the meaning of a frequently repeated slogan.
A response to our Mushroom 50 shenanigans
Our response to the reaction to our blue-and-white clothing, yarmulke and Magen David at Mushroom 50.
ABC Radio National Breakfast
Deborah in conversation with Patricia Karvelas about the arts community and the Israel–Gaza war. Links below provide background to points of contention in the interview: “Jenin Massacre” & “Depends what you call kids”
The outrage
A response to criticism of the Radio National interview.
2024
Response to Denis Muller / The Conversation
A response to the description of Deborah’s Radio National interview.
Dear HobsonsBay4Palestine
A letter on protest, disagreement and the Altona Theatre appearance.
Never Again Is Now
A speech on Zionism, Jewish self-determination and solidarity.
I need to take this apart in my head
Willy considers Zionism, antisemitism and the interpretation of Deborah’s interview, beginning with a question from their daughter.
Central Synagogue: Shavuot
Jewish life, songwriting, argument and belonging, and the changes following 7 October.
My world had never been touched by anti-Semitism — now my friends aren’t talking to me
Deborah’s account of the year following the publication of Book of Life and the 7 October attacks.
2025
The Australian’s Australians of the Year
A reflection on recognition alongside Josh Frydenberg and Alex Ryvchin, and opposing antisemitism.
Paradigm Shifts
A Shavuot speech on community, antisemitism, faith and resilience after 7 October.
If a random mosque was attacked
A short statement comparing public responses to attacks on different communities.
Brunswick Ballroom cancellation
A short response to the cancellation of the scheduled 7 November 2025 show.
Archies Creek concert and protesters
A response to the concert protests, with thanks to the venue, audience and police.
Chanukah — Night 1: Nothing to say
Posted on the first night of Chanukah, the night of the Bondi massacre.
Chanukah — Night 2: Menorah in the window
Light in darkness, and a call for public solidarity against antisemitism.
Chanukah — Night 3: Why weren’t people listening before Bondi?
Questions about community warnings, the arts, media and leadership.
Chanukah — Night 4: Despondency and fury
A reflection on grief, the Bondi memorial and public responses.
Chanukah — Night 5: Tales from the last two years
An account of the Little Bird Bookshop protest and dehumanisation.
Chanukah — Night 6: Antisemitism and anti-Zionism
A reflection on the relationship between antisemitism and anti-Zionism.
Chanukah — Night 7: Sitting Shiva
Jewish mourning, grief and a reading list.
Chanukah — Night 8: Pillars of Light
The Jewish calendar, grief, music and hope on the last night of Chanukkah.
2026
Where were these artists when the pitchfork mob cancelled me?
Deborah on Adelaide Writers’ Week, cancelled appearances and freedom of speech.
Everybody’s Begging / the unaired 3CR feature
A statement accompanying the music posts about the unaired radio feature.
Royal Commission: statement and testimony
Deborah’s evidence to the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion.
Read the public statement · Read the original unredacted submission · Watch the hearing · Read Deborah’s testimony
Joseph Budko’s defaced woodcut
A reflection on antisemitic vandalism and the preservation of A Jew with the Ten Commandments.
Songs
A selection of related songs from across our catalogue.
Show scripts
Songs From the Book of Life
Written together by Deborah Conway and Willy Zygier, a distillation of Deborah’s memoir Book of Life for the stage.