The Edmund Rice Centre strongly condemns the firebombing of the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne on the weekend, as we condemn the violence inflicted by Hamas on 7 October and the unspeakable acts of terror inflicted by the Israeli government on the Palestinian people. None of this is morally acceptable. None of this will lead to peace. As global violence expands in the Middle East and in our own country, the powerful call to work towards a ‘culture of encounter’ (a term coined by Pope Francis) is one that goes beyond the borders of our family, community and nation.

Big thanks to everyone who joined us to farewell our wonderful I-Kiribati and Tuvaluan climate fellows 10 days ago, an event kindly hosted by the Western Sydney MRC. Huge congratulations to all our Fellows- Miriam Moriati Koae , Robert Karoro , Rabwena Ieete , Aselu Lopati Yee Qitty and Marion Fafili Faleasiu on the completion of the Australian-based component of your DFAT Pacific Climate Fellowship.

December 2nd was the beginning of hearings in a landmark climate change in the International Court of Justice, catalysed by the inspiring efforts of Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change. This case will decide countries' obligations worldwide to protect people and ecosystems from the harms of climate change. This is a crucial moment in climate history. Click here to learn more.