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
News and Views
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Much of the outrage sparked by barrister Julian Burnside’s recent tweet (since withdrawn) likening the treatment of Palestinians to that of Jews during the Holocaust hinged on the assessment that someone with his level of education should know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
ZFA statement on Australian voting pattern at the UN
Zionist Federation of Australia President Jeremy Leibler welcomed the principled stance taken by the Australian Government at the UN General Assembly. In a series of... Read More
ZFA statement on dismissal of Malka Leifer appeal
Zionist Federation of Australia President Jeremy Leibler today welcomed the Jerusalem Supreme Court’s decision to dismiss an appeal by Malka Leifer’s legal team. In September,... Read More
Jerusalem Prize presented to Prime Minister Scott Morrison
Zionist Federation of Australia President Jeremy Leibler presented Prime Minister Scott Morrison with the Jerusalem Prize on Thursday. The Jerusalem Prize was jointly awarded by... Read More
ZFA statement on US position on settlements
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo stated on 18 November that “the establishment of Israeli civilian settlements in the West Bank is not, per se,... Read More
ZFA statement on rocket attacks on Israel
Jeremy Leibler, President of the Zionist Federation of Australia, strongly condemned Tuesday’s rocket strikes into Israel. “Any attack that deliberately targets civilians is a war... Read More
Australian political leaders visit Israel
The highest caliber delegation of Australian political alumni ever to visit Israel was honored on Tuesday evening at a cocktail reception hosted by the Zionist... Read More
ZFA responds to vandalised graves in Haifa
President of the Zionist Federation of Australia Jeremy Leibler said, “We were disgusted to learn that vandals had spray-painted swastikas and Nazi slogans on the... Read More
ZFA responds to shooting in Germany on Yom Kippur
As Yom Kippur drew to a close in Australia, the Zionist Federation Australia (ZFA) was shocked and devastated to learn of the shooting attack outside... Read More
An in-depth look into Kangarusski
Anna Maylis, Zionist Federation of Australia’s Kangarusski community co-ordinator, wants you to know a few things about Russians, firstly, that they do not drink Vodka... Read More
ZFA slams decision to let Leifer out on house arrest
Jeremy Leibler, President of the Zionist Federation of Australia said, “we are outraged by the latest development. With all that we know, and all that’s... Read More
Joint statement on community concerns about anti-Semitism and neo-Nazi groups
Yesterday, leaders of the Jewish community met with Premier Daniel Andrews, Federal Member for Macnamara Josh Burns and the Attorney-General for Victoria, Jill Hennessy to... Read More
ZFA statement in Malka Leifer case delay
The Zionist Federation of Australia was disappointed to learn that the quest to bring alleged paedophile Malka Leifer back to Australia to face her day... Read More
ZFA Plenary 2019
The Zionist Federation of Australia held its Plenary Conference in Sydney on Sunday 25 August with a fantastic line-up of speakers and panel discussions. ... Read More
Achper, apology and review just a start
The Zionist Federation of Australia and Zionism Victoria has cautiously welcomed an announcement from ACHPER that it will undertake an independent investigation and share the... Read More
ZFA condemns terror attack
The ZFA mourns the death of 17-year-old Rina Shenrav who was murdered in a terror attack in Israel on Friday, which also injured her father... Read More
Statement on meeting with the Hon. James Merlino MP
Following a meeting today with Deputy Premier and Minister for Education James Merlino, Zionist Federation of Australia President Jeremy Leibler and Zionism Victoria President Sharene... Read More
Statement on police recommendation re Ya’acov Litzman
The Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA) welcomed the news that Israeli police have recommended that Deputy Health Minister Ya’acov Litzman be indicted on charges of... Read More
ZFA calls on Australian government to pull UNRWA funding
The Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA) has called on the Australian government to reconsider funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) following... Read More
ZFA responds to sample test exam from ACHPER
Background: A year 12 Health and Human Development practice exam included a question asking about religious discrimination and how it can influence mental health.... Read More
ZFA responds to Rabbi Rafi Peretz comments
The Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA) condemned controversial comments made by Israeli Education Minister and leader of Habayit Hayehudi Rabbi Rafi Peretz. Peretz’s comments concerned conversion... Read More
ZFA response to Todd Sampson’s Body Hack
The Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA) is extremely concerned about the depiction of the situation in the Gaza Strip presented in Todd Sampson’s Body Hack on... Read More
ZFA soars ahead in gender equality pledge; acknowledgement of country
The Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA) is pleased to have unanimously adopted two forward looking resolutions at its recent executive meeting on Tuesday 18 June.... Read More
ZFA Condemns Richard Falk Speaking Tour
The Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA) has condemned a speaking tour of Australia by Richard Falk, a former “United Nations special rapporteur” for the Palestinian... Read More
ZFA extends condolences – Nechama Rivlin z”l
The Zionist Federation of Australia extends condolences on behalf of the Australian Jewish community to Israel’s President, Reuven Rivlin and his family on the passing... Read More
ZFA congratulates new Labor leadership team
The Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA) congratulates Anthony Albanese on his election as leader of the Australian Labor Party and Richard Marles who is expected... Read More
Litzman must be held to account
Isaac Herzog, Chairman of the Jewish Agency with Jeremy Leibler from Herzog’s visit to Australia in 2018. President of the Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA),... Read More
ZFA congratulates Prime Minister Scott Morrison
The Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA) has offered its congratulations to Prime Minister Scott Morrison and the Coalition for their re-election following Australia’s Federal Election.... Read More
A Tribute to Bob Hawke
The Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA) has expressed its deepest sympathies and condolences on behalf of the Australian Jewish community to the family of the... Read More
ZFA condemns Hamas rocket attacks which resulted in four deaths, at least 234 injured.
6 May 2019. This Statement has been updated to reflect the number of casualties and rockets fired from Gaza at Israeli civilians. 7 May 2019.... Read More
Statement on San Diego Synagogue Shooting
The Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA) expresses its outrage over the San Diego Synagogue shooting at the Congregation Chabad synagogue in Poway, California, near San... Read More
Solidarity with Sri Lanka and the Christian community
We are shocked and outraged at the terror attack in Sri Lanka during Easter services. At least 207 innocent worshippers have been confirmed dead with... Read More
ZFA President responds to Tony Walker
The following is a letter sent to Tony Walker in response to his column in The Age and Sydney Morning Herald 18/04/2019, headed, “Melissa Parke... Read More
Letter to Minister Pyne on his Retirement
Photo courtesy of Will Nemesh, Liberal Friends of Israel. Dear Minister Pyne, The Zionist Federation of Australia would like to express its deep gratitude and... Read More