In 1978, Robert Zablud became the first Australian to be elected to the presidium of the World Zionist Congress.
In 1988, Mark Leibler became the first Zionist leader outside of Israel and the United States elected to the executive of the World Zionist Organization.
Subsequent ZFA presidents – including Ann Zablud and Ron Weiser – were elected to leadership roles within the Jewish Agency Board of Governors and the WZO Executive, cementing Australia’s standing on the world Zionist stage.
In November 2024, Sir Frank Lowy AC and Mark Leibler AC, became the first Australians to receive Israel’s highest civilian honour, the Israeli Presidential Medal of Honour. Awarded by President Isaac Herzog, the medal recognises their decades-long dedication to Israel and the global Jewish community, particularly their unwavering support following the events of October 7.