ZFA statement on publication of ABC complaints inquiry report
The Zionist Federation of Australia is disappointed by the recommendations of the ABC inquiry into its complaints handling system. ZFA President Jeremy Leibler said, “The... Read More
News and Views
ZFA statement on the death of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan
The Zionist Federation of Australia mourns the passing of United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan. Sheikh Khalifa’s legacy will be remembered across... Read More
ZFA statement on possible ABC ombudsman
The Zionist Federation of Australia welcomes the news that the ABC is set to create an independent ombudsman as part of its complaints handling procedure.... Read More
ZFA statement on Kotel disturbance
The Zionist Federation of Australia expressed its concern and disgust at the verbal and physical attacks carried out by individuals at the Western Wall last... Read More
ZFA statement on Elad terrorist attack
After a day and night celebrating Israel’s Independence Day, the Australian Jewish community woke to the terrible news that three more Israelis were murdered, this... Read More
ZFA statement on Melbourne University condemnation of antisemitic student union motion
The Zionist Federation of Australia welcomes the strongly worded statement by Melbourne University that repudiated the antisemitic motion passed by the university’s student union, and... Read More
University of Melbourne Student Union motion
On Friday 29 April, Melbourne University Student Union passed 10-6 a resolution that falsely accused Israel of “ongoing ethnic cleansing”, “apartheid”, attacks on innocent worshipers... Read More
ZFA statement on Glen Eira adoption of IHRA working definition
The Zionist Federation of Australia welcomes Glen Eira Council’s adoption of the IHRA working definition of antisemitism on Tuesday 26 April. The motion was adopted... Read More
ZFA statement on unfortunate ACMA decision
The Zionist Federation of Australia is disappointed at the outcome of the Australian Communication and Media Authority investigation into the biased Q&A panel on 27... Read More
ZFA statement on Tel Aviv attack
The Zionist Federation of Australia stands with Israel as its people continue to come under attack. At least two people have been killed in a... Read More
ZFA statement on Bnei Brak attack
The Zionist Federation of Australia deplores the recent terrorist attacks, in which 11 people have been murdered. There have been five attacks over the past week, including... Read More
ZFA statement on terrorist attack in Hadera
The Zionist Federation of Australia condemns the terrorist attack in Hadera overnight. ZFA President said, “The Australian Jewish community stands with the people of Israel and joins... Read More
ZFA statement on Negev Summit
The two-day Negev Summit, beginning today, is a reflection of Israel’s centrality to the growing consensus in the Middle East, says the Zionist Federation of Australia. ZFA... Read More
ZFA welcomes NSW Parliament endorsement of IHRA
The Zionist Federation of Australia welcomes the NSW Parliament endorsement of the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism. The bipartisan Parliamentary motion endorsed the December 2021... Read More
ZFA statement on terror attack in Be’er Sheva
With horror and sadness, the Zionist Federation of Australia condemns the terrorist attack in which four people were killed in Be’er Sheva overnight. ZFA President... Read More
Masa’s Inspiring 12 – Ginette Searle
Zionist Federation of Australia CEO Ginette Searle has been recognised on Masa Israel Journey’s 2022 list of 12 inspiring Jewish Women Who are Making a... Read More
ZFA welcomes the announcement that the Government will proscribe Hamas.
The Zionist Federation of Australia welcomes the announcement that the Government will proscribe Hamas. ZFA President Jeremy Leibler said, “By taking this decision, the Minister... Read More
ZFA responds to Amnesty’s apartheid allegation
The Zionist Federation of Australia completely rejects the allegations made by Amnesty International. The ZFA received a copy of the report on Sunday 30 January... Read More
ZFA responds to Yaakov Litzman plea deal
The Zionist Federation of Australia notes media reports that former Deputy Health Minister Yaakov Litzman has signed a plea deal admitting to breach of trust... Read More
ZFA welcomes publication of the Gandel Holocaust Knowledge and Awareness in Australia Survey 2021 Project Report
The Zionist Federation of Australia welcomes the publication of the Gandel Holocaust Knowledge and Awareness in Australia Survey 2021 Project Report, and its important findings.... Read More
Zionist Federation of Australia welcomes the UN resolution condemning Holocaust denial
The Zionist Federation of Australia welcomes the UN resolution condemning Holocaust denial, passed overnight in New York. ZFA President Jeremy Leibler said, “The UN was... Read More
ZFA further comments on Sydney Festival
Jeremy Leibler said: “We commend the Board of the Sydney Festival and Mr Kirk for refusing to submit to the intimidation and aggression of the... Read More
ZFA extends condolences on the passing of former First Lady Aura Herzog z”l
The Zionist Federation of Australia extends condolences on behalf of the Australian Jewish community to Israel’s President, Isaac Herzog and his family on the passing... Read More
ZFA thanks Sydney Festival for principled stance
Zionist Federation of Australia President Jeremy Leibler has written to the Board of the Sydney Festival, thanking them for their principled stance in the face... Read More
Letter to PM Bennett on Diaspora Jewry’s ability to enter Israel
2 January 2022HE Naftali Bennett Prime Minister of Israel Jerusalem, Israel Dear Prime Minister, I am writing on behalf of the Australian Jewish community in... Read More
ZFA submission to the ABC
The ZFA believes that the ABC complaints mechanism is currently not fit for purpose. The absence of transparency and independence leads to a lack of... Read More
ZFA welcomes NSW adoption of IHRA
The Zionist Federation of Australia welcomes the adoption of the IHRA working definition of antisemitism by the NSW Government. ZFA President Jeremy Leibler said, “The... Read More
An open letter to Mr Bandt, from ZFA President Jeremy Leibler
Dear Mr Bandt, RE: Greens statement on antisemitism Following our previous correspondence regarding the antisemitic comments by former Greens candidate, Julian Burnisde QC, I, together... Read More
ZFA statement on listing of Hezbollah
The Zionist Federation of Australia welcomes the Government’s listing of Hezbollah in its entirety. ZFA President Jeremy Leibler welcomed the development. “This is a vitally... Read More
ZFA Statement on terror attack in the Old City of Jerusalem
The Zionist Federation of Australia is deeply saddened by the murder of Eliyahu David Kay and the wounding of four others in the Hamas terrorist... Read More
Matthew Guy says Victorian Liberal party will adopt IHRA definition
Zionist Federation of Australia President Jeremy Leibler welcomed Mr Guy’s announcement. “Mr Guy’s commitment to adopt the working definition, coming so soon after the Australian... Read More
Herzog, Michaeli write to ZFA to welcome Australian adoption of IHRA
Israel’s President Isaac Herzog has written to Zionist Federation of Australia President Jeremy Leibler, welcoming the announcement that Australia will adopt the IHRA working definition of antisemitism,... Read More
Australian Ambassador to UN Mitch Fifield speaks to the ZFA
On Tuesday, 19 October, the Zionist Federation of Australia hosted a background briefing with Australia’s ambassador to the UN, Mitch Fifield. The leadership of key... Read More
ZFA statement on PJCIS recommendation to proscribe all of Hamas
The Zionist Federation of Australia welcomes the report by the Intelligence and Security Committee, which recommends that the Government proscribe all of Hamas, and calls... Read More
ZFA welcomes PM Morrison’s announcement about IHRA
The Zionist Federation of Australia welcomes Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s announcement that Australia will adopt the IHRA working definition of antisemitism. “With this announcement”, said... Read More
Statement on John Lyons’ new book
The central thesis of John Lyon’s new book, Dateline Jerusalem: Journalism’s Toughest Assignment, is that journalists covering the middle east are bullied into submission by an... Read More
The Abraham Accords’ legacy is a new Arab pragmatism
By Dr. Bren Carlill This article first appeared in the Canberra Times on 22 September 2021 Israel has had a lonely time of it in... Read More
Education minister calls on government and universities to adopt the IHRA working definition of antisemitism
Education Minister Alan Tudge has called on the Australian Government to adopt the IHRA working definition of antisemitism. Mr Tudge spoke with the Jewish community... Read More
ACMA to launch investigation into the ABC’s atrocious Q&A program
The Zionist Federation of Australia welcomed the decision by the Australian Communication and Media Authority (ACMA) to launch an investigation into ABC’s 27 May Q&A... Read More
ZFA calls on Government to list all of Hamas as a terrorist organisation
The Zionist Federation of Australia on Friday called for the Australian Government to list all of Hamas as a terrorist organisation. Currently, Australia only proscribes... Read More
Clear definition of anti-Semitism aims to stop its rise
Much of the outrage sparked by barrister Julian Burnside’s recent tweet (since withdrawn) likening the treatment of Palestinians to that of Jews during the Holocaust hinged on the assessment that someone with his level of education should know better.
ISRAEL GO!
Zionist Federation of Australia launches “Israel Go”, a funding initiative providing financial support for Gap Year Programs in Israel The Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA)... Read More
ZFA statement on the passing of Millie Phillips
The Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA) extended condolences to the Phillips family on the passing of communal identity and philanthropist Millie Phillips. Born in Poland,... Read More
ZFA meets with Minister for Diaspora Affairs, Nacham Shai
The Zionist Federation of Australia’s president, Jeremy Leibler, CEO, Ginette Searle and Israel Office Director Moriah Ben David held a warm and constructive meeting with... Read More
Press Release: meeting with Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese
The Zionist Federation of Australia held a constructive discussion with federal Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese on Sunday. It comes after similar meetings with Deputy Opposition... Read More
ZFA statement on recommendation that all of Hezbollah be proscribed
The Zionist Federation of Australia welcomes the recommendation by a Parliamentary committee that all of Hezbollah be proscribed. ZFA President Jeremy Leibler said, “The distinction... Read More
ZFA welcomes new government
The Zionist Federation of Australia welcomes the establishment of the new government of Israel. ZFA President Jeremy Leibler said, “We congratulate Naftali Bennett on becoming... Read More
ZFA submits official complaint regarding ABC’s Behind the News program
The Zionist Federation of Australia lodged two official complaints with the ABC this week regarding two stories on its Behind the News (BTN) platform. BTN... Read More
Opening remarks to the Intelligence and Security Committee on Hezbollah
Dr. Bren Carlill Thank you and good morning. The Zionist Federation of Australia’s submission and, indeed, the submissions made by the ECAJ and AIJAC all... Read More
ZFA Statement on QLD Labor state conference
The Zionist Federation of Australia was deeply disappointed by QLD Labor’s one-sided resolution. The resolution reflects at best, a failure to understand recent events and... Read More
ZFA welcomes formation of a coalition
Zionist Federation of Australia President Jeremy Leibler welcomed the news. “After such a long period of uncertainty”, he said, “I hope a Bennet–Lapid government will... Read More
ZFA congratulates President-elect Isaac Herzog
The Zionist Federation of Australia welcomed the outcome of the Presidential Election where Isaac Herzog was elected to be the 11th President of Israel. “Mr... Read More
Statement on Litzman being prosecuted for intervention in Leifer case
The Zionist Federation of Australia welcomes the announcement by Israeli Attorney-General Avichai Mandelblit that MK Ya’acov Litzman be tried for breach of public trust and... Read More
ZFA call to proscribe entire Hezbollah organisation
The Zionist Federation of Australia has called on the Australian Government to proscribe the entire Hezbollah organisation. ZFA President Jeremy Leibler said, “Hezbollah is a... Read More
Solidarity Rally for Israel
The Australian Jewish community united on Sunday afternoon, with rallies in Australia’s three biggest cities to show solidarity with Israel. Zionist Federation of Australia President... Read More
Sensible Centre
By ZFA President Jeremy LeiblerThis article originally appeared in The Daily Telegraph 14 May 2021 By digging in with his comparison of Israel and the... Read More
Statement on current violence
The Zionist Federation of Australia is deeply concerned with the renewed rocket attacks on Israeli civilians and the unrest in Jerusalem and fully supports Israel’s... Read More
Statement on Durban
The Zionist Federation of Australia welcomes the Prime Minister’s decision to withdraw from the Durban IV event. ZFA President Jeremy Leibler said, “The Prime Minister’s... Read More
Statement on tragedy at Meron
The Executive and staff of the Zionist Federation of Australia are deeply affected by the tragic events in Mount Meron. ZFA President Jeremy Leibler said,... Read More
Statement on HRW report
The Zionist Federation of Australia expressed deep concerns following the release of the Human Rights Watch report, ‘A Threshold Crossed: Israeli Authorities and the Crimes... Read More
Statement on possible charges against Litzman
The Zionist Federation of Australia welcomes the news that the Israeli Attorney-General will likely indict Yaakov Litzman for interfering in the Malka Leifer criminal case.... Read More
ZFA statement on the ALP platform conference
The Zionist Federation of Australia expressed its disappointment that the Australian Labor Party’s newly-adopted platform includes a call for the next Labor government to recognise... Read More
ZFA statement on proposed ALP platform
The Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA) reaffirms its position that unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state is counterproductive to bringing about a two state solution... Read More
ZFA statement on ICC investigation
International Criminal Court Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda has announced the launch of an investigation into the ‘Situation in Palestine’. This is based on the ICC’s determination... Read More
ZFA Statement on latest UNRWA revelation
The Zionist Federation of Australia expressed disappointment but no surprise about the latest UNRWA revelation. In January 2021, a report issued by IMPACT-se, which examines school books,... Read More
Statement on appalling ICC Prosecutor decision
Zionist Federation of Australia President Jeremy Leibler roundly condemned the decision of the ICC Prosecutor. “This is a clear case of activism trumping common sense.... Read More
ZFA statement on potential trade deal between Israel and Australia
Zionist President of Australia Jeremy Leibler welcomed the news of movement toward an Australia-Israel free trade agreement. “The relationship between Australia and Israel is founded in... Read More
ZFA statement on Malka Leifer extradition
Zionist Federation of Australia Jeremy Leibler welcomed the footage of Malka Leifer boarding the plane. “This protracted saga to have Leifer extradited to return to... Read More
ZFA on Joe Biden inauguration
Zionist Federation of Australia President Jeremy Leibler hopes the Biden Administration will heal the serious divisions in American society. “America and indeed the world are in desperate... Read More
ZFA comment on new UNRWA revelations
Zionist Federation of Australia President Jeremy Leibler said he wasn’t surprised by the revelations. “UNRWA teachers have been Hamas members and supporters of violence against... Read More
Statement on Israel High Court rejection of Leifer appeal
15 December 2020 The Zionist Federation of Australia and Zionism Victoria welcome the decision of Israel’s High Court to reject Malka Leifer’s appeal against her... Read More
Statement on Israeli-Moroccan normalisation announcement
11 December 2020 The Zionist Federation of Australia congratulated the leaders and people of Israel and Morocco on Friday, after the announcement of normalisation between... Read More
Statement on Rabin Motion in the Senate
The Zionist Federation of Australia welcomed a Senate motion by Senator Eric Abetz on behalf of 23 other cross-party senators. The motion marked the 25th... Read More
Statement on Leifer appeal
3 December 2020 The Zionist Federation of Australia welcomes today’s hearing in Israel’s Supreme Court and expresses hope this is the last hearing before the... Read More
Statement on Australian UN votes
The Zionist Federation of Australia commended the Australian Government for maintaining its principled voting record in the United Nations. On 2 December, the UN General... Read More
Statement on ZFA Biennial: Penny Wong; Abdulla al-Subousi; new appointments
The Zionist Federation of Australia welcomes Labor’s commitment to the IHRA working definition of antisemitism. On Sunday 22 November, at the ZFA’s Biennial conference, the... Read More
ZFA welcomes the electoral victory of Joe Biden
Zionist Federation of Australia President Jeremy Leibler welcomed the electoral victory of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris in the United States. “Mr Biden has a unique opportunity... Read More
ZFA statement on the passing of Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks
The Zionist Federation of Australia mourns the passing of Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks after a battle with cancer. A voice of moderation, religious tolerance and the... Read More
ZFA welcomes decision to extradite Malka Leifer
21 September 2020 The Zionist Federation of Australia welcomed today’s decision to extradite Malka Leifer. Zionist Federation of Australia President Jeremy Leibler said, “The Zionist... Read More
An historic day and an incredible peace
The Zionist Federation of Australia warmly welcomes the signing of an Israel–UAE treaty and a Bahrain–Israel normalisation agreement, and congratulates the leaders of all three... Read More
Israel and Bahrain deal
The Zionist Federation of Australia warmly welcomes the historic news of normalisation between Bahrain and Israel and congratulates the leaders of both countries. Zionist Federation... Read More
ZFA welcomes peace with the United Arab Emirates and the State of Israel
The Zionist Federation of Australia welcomes the historic announcement of the normalisation of relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates and congratulates the leaders... Read More
ZFA calls on Facebook to adopt the IHRA working definition of antisemitism
The Zionist Federation of Australia has joined over 100 organisations from across the world calling on Facebook to adopt the IHRA working definition of antisemitism.... Read More
An online farewell to an excellent ambassador
The Australian Jewish community farewelled Israeli Ambassador Mark Sofer and his wife Sara in an online ceremony last night. The heads of the Zionist Federation... Read More
Commemorating Yitzhak Rabin z”l – 25 Years On
Zionist Federation of Australia announces major series of events commemorating the 25th anniversary of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin’s assassination The Zionist Federation of Australia... Read More
Meeting the Israeli Diaspora Affairs minister
24 July 2020 The Zionist Federation of Australia on Thursday hosted an intimate roundtable meeting with newly-appointed Israeli Minister for Diaspora Affairs Omer Yankelevich MK.... Read More
Statement on Leifer extradition hearing
20 July 2020 Zionist Federation of Australia President Jeremy Leibler welcomed the commencement of Malka Leifer’s extradition hearing but expressed concerned that the decision would... Read More
Statement on Leifer appeal
Zionist Federation of Australia President Jeremy Leibler was disappointed at the decision to appeal. “The cynicism of Leifer’s legal team appears to run deep”, he... Read More
Joint statement on bullying allegations
9 July 2020 Zionist Federation of Australia President Jeremy Leibler and Zionism Victoria President Sharene Hambur today wrote to Victorian Minister for Education James Merlino... Read More
Consensus achieved – Australian slate for the World Zionist Congress agreed
The World Zionist Congress takes place every 5 years, with the 38th Congress scheduled to take place in October 2020 in Jerusalem. The Zionist Federation... Read More
ZFA statement on ruling Malka Leifer is fit to stand extradition trial
ZFA President Jeremy Leibler said: ‘This is a welcome and meaningful step, if much delayed. That said, it is likely that Leifer’s lawyers will appeal... Read More
Our complexity, diversity are what makes us so strong
By Jeremy Leibler Ted Lapkin, the Executive Director of the Australian Jewish Association (AJA) believes that the Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA) has lost its... Read More
ZFA welcomes the formation of Israeli government
Zionist Federation of Australia President Jeremy Leibler today welcomed the formation of a new Israeli government after so many months of political deadlock, though criticised... Read More
Joint Letter to President Rivlin
Dear President Rivlin Re: Malka Leifer extradition case We refer to your visit to Australia in late February, when you were welcomed whole-heartedly not only... Read More
Participants on Israel Programs return on historic flight
The Zionist Federation of Australia helped return 36 Australians from Israel to Australia on Tuesday. They will be kept in strict self-isolation for two weeks before... Read More
ZFA welcomes Australian Government decision to comment on flawed ICC case
Zionist Federation of Australia President Jeremy Leibler welcomed the Australian Government’s decision to apply to make an observation on the International Criminal Court’s flawed case... Read More
ZFA calls on Australian Government to condemn UN blacklist
Zionist Federation of Australia President Jeremy Leibler slammed the UN’s blacklist of Israeli businesses and called on the government to condemn it. “A list of... Read More
Statement on latest Malka Leifer development
The Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA) welcomes media reports that a psychiatrist panel has found Malka Leifer fit to stand extradition trial. On Thursday, Israeli... Read More
Open letter to PM Netanyahu
OPEN LETTER TO PRIME MINISTER BENJAMIN NETANYAHU FROM JEREMY LEIBLER, PRESIDENT OF THE ZIONIST FEDERATION OF AUSTRALIA Dear Prime Minister, I write this letter with... Read More
ZFA statement on latest delay in Leifer case
Zionist Federation of Australia President Jeremy Leibler today expressed his concern at yet another delay in the Malka Leifer extradition process. In September, a District... Read More