The Jewish Independent, a new media platform dedicated to independent reporting and analysis of Jewish issues, has launched in Australia.

Founded and published by Uri Windt, the platform aims to promote intelligent and rational discussion about Israel and the Jewish world. The Jewish Independent is a not-for-profit platform, created in collaboration with Your Creative Agency and its independent creative team led by Creative Director, James Lim. Your Creative Agency specialises in impact-led strategy, technology builds, and communication design for clients focused on being leaders in ESG metrics and enacting social justice.

The Jewish Independent offers a website, bi-weekly e-publication, public events, programs, and research projects. The platform is an offshoot of Plus61J Media, a media outlet established nine years ago to broaden the conversation in the Jewish community. The project involved an extensive qualitative research phase that identified a brand strategy calling for boldness in both verbal and visual identity.

Former Fairfax Editor and contributor to The Jewish Independent, Michael Gawenda, believed there is a need for journalism that is not agenda-driven, and that publishes a wide range of views with fairness and integrity.

“Journalism is in a crisis. The old ethics seem to no longer apply. That’s why media platforms like The Jewish Independent are more important than ever—because they maintain old ethical principles of fairness, objectivity and publishing a wide range of views.”

Editor Deborah Stone echoed this sentiment, highlighting the October 7 massacre, Israel’s War against Hamas, and the global rise of antisemitism and Islamophobia have exposed deep fissures in society.

"The Jewish Independent will be a platform for respectful debate," she said. “Australian Jews are searching for analysis and ideas that reflect their values and go beyond the slogans and stereotypes.”

Managing Director of Your Creative Agency, Lauren Crystal, highlighted the importance of rethinking what a media platform can be to a community.

“At a time where online media platforms are often mistrusted and competing with social media, the project really relooks at what a media platform can be to community – thoughtful, safe and a representation of the integrity of the journalism.”

Gawenda also noted the potential interest from the broader Australian community. “Despite the fact that The Jewish Independent was created as a platform for the issues affecting the Jews of Australia, there is no doubt that the reportage will be of interest to the broader Australian community.”