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 Difference. The list was released today in honour of International Women’s Day and recognizes a select group of leaders that inspire with their commitment to innovative leadership and for their word in advancing a brighter, more connected Jewish future.
Masa recognized the 12 women as having set high standards for future Jewish leaders who aspire to become agents of change. Across continents, industries, and issues, these 12 incredible women have made strides in their fields will bring communities together amid turbulent times.
Ofer Gutman, CEO of Masa wrote to Searle stating that her role “as a Jewish leader has created meaningful impact within the communities you serve, and in turn, has inspired and strengthened global Jewry.”
He continued, “We recognize your role and influence as CEO of the Zionist Federation of Australia, your longstanding commitment to the Jewish People and Israel, especially to young Jewish adults and Zionist youth movements is commendable. Your commitment to building bridges to closing the gap between Israel and Australia will impact generations for years to come.”
Searle has been the CEO of the ZFA for over a decade, having served as the Executive Director of Zionism Victoria for several years before that. In that time, she has worked tirelessly to deepen both the connections between young Jewish adults and their personal connections to Israel.
In her time as CEO, she has taken the organization to new heights through the expansion of several operational areas within the movement. Ginette’s service is rooted in the belief that young Jewish adults should and must experience Israel to help inform and frame their identities, and she believes that Masa is the vehicle for creating this profound change in greater connection and community involvement. To this end, the ZFA launched the incredibly successful pilot Israel Go, under Ginette’s leadership, which has already seen close to 200 young adults head to Israel in 2022 on Gap Year programs with the assistance of the grants.
Ginette is well-known for her selfless, compassionate work that sets a positive example for her local and global community.
ZFA President Jeremy Leibler said, “I am incredibly proud of Ginette for this wonderful honour and cannot think of anyone more deserving of it. She is well-respected throughout the Jewish world and has forged deep connections with our partners in Israel. I wish Ginette a very hearty Mazal Tov and look forward to seeing her continue to carry the Zionist movement from strength to strength.”
Ginette Searle said, “I’m honoured to have been included in this global list – and thank Masa for celebrating the contribution of women in Jewish community leadership”.
