Our purpose

Who we are

The ZFA is the representative body of the Australian Jewish community and its Zionist organisations. We have been building a strong Jewish community with a deep and enduring connection to Israel, Since 1927.

Nearly 100 years of Leadership in Zionism and Community Building

Founded in 1927, the ZFA has grown to become one of the most active Zionist organisations in the world. We represent over 200 organisations across Australia, including our State Councils active in six states. We proudly lead national efforts to strengthen Jewish identity through connection to Israel.

What is Zionism?

Put simply, Zionism is the belief in the Jewish people’s right to self-determination in their ancestral and biblical homeland of Israel. It is the movement that actively sought, and achieved, the creation of the modern State of Israel in 1948, however its values and ideals – the centrality of Israel to the Jewish people – are over 3000 years old.

Zionism at the Core of Jewish Identity

Like the vast majority of Jewish Australians, the ZFA believes in the centrality of Israel to Jewish identity. Our mission is grounded in the understanding that Zionism is not just a political movement, but a cornerstone of Jewish peoplehood. Zionism is a core Jewish value that has endured for thousands of years, manifesting in modern times through the deep bond between the Jewish people and the State of Israel.

Our Guiding Principles

We affirm the Jerusalem Program as the ideological foundation of the modern Zionist movement. It recognises the unity of the Jewish people, the centrality of Israel to Jewish life, and the right of every Jew to make Aliyah. In this spirit, we also reaffirm our commitment to strengthening Israel as a Jewish, Zionist, and democratic state, and to shaping it as an exemplary society with a unique moral and spiritual character — one that reflects mutual respect across the diverse strands of the Jewish people. We are guided by the vision set out in Israel’s Declaration of Independence, to “ensure complete equality of social and political rights to all its inhabitants irrespective of religion, race or sex… guarantee freedom of religion, conscience, language, education and culture… safeguard the Holy Places of all religions… and be faithful to the principles of the Charter of the United Nations.”

Supporting Peace and Coexistence

Support for Zionism and support for Palestinian self-determination are not mutually exclusive. The ZFA affirms the dignity and rights of both peoples and supports efforts to advance peace, mutual recognition, and coexistence. We believe in a future where Israelis and Palestinians live side by side in security, prosperity, and with respect for one another’s national aspirations.

We are governed by the ZFA constitution.

Our History

Nearly a century of representing, advocating and connecting

The Beginning

On 19–20 September 1927, a national Zionist conference was held at Melbourne’s Windsor Hotel, chaired by Rabbi Brodie. At a time when the Australian Jewish community numbered just 27,000, delegates unanimously voted to establish the Australian Zionist Federation. Rabbi Brodie was elected President, and General Sir John Monash was appointed Honorary first President.

Sir John Monash’s funeral in 1931 drew an estimated 250,000 people — half of Melbourne’s population — who lined the streets in silent tribute. The city came to a standstill as Monash, Australia’s greatest WWI commander and a proud Jewish leader, was farewelled with full military honours. Thousands of returned soldiers marched in the procession, while civic and religious leaders joined a deeply symbolic farewell led by Rabbi Jacob Danglow. The scale and solemnity of the event reflected Monash’s extraordinary impact on Australian public life.

In 1939, more than 700 people attended the Federation’s public conference session at Kadimah Hall. That same year, New Zealand joined the Federation.

Building Support for a Jewish Homeland

Between 1942 and 1947, the Federation played a central role in securing Australian government support for the establishment of a Jewish homeland, particularly from Dr H.V. Evatt, then Attorney-General, who became Chair of the United Nations Special Committee on Palestine in 1947 -the body that ultimately recommended partition.

Zionist Youth Take Root

Following the creation of the State of Israel in 1948, Zionist youth organisations in Australia gained prominence. In recognition of their growing influence, the Federal Zionist Youth Council (nowadays the Australian Zionist Youth Council or AZYC) was formally established that year as the youth arm of the ZFA.

Emergency Mobilisation and Community Solidarity

In 1967, during the Six-Day War, thousands of Australian Jews rallied in support of Israel. The ZFA launched nationwide fundraising and advocacy campaigns and coordinated the registration of over 1,500 volunteers to assist. 250 young Australians were selected to travel to Israel to help fill civilian vacancies left by those called to military service.

In 1973, during the Yom Kippur War, the ZFA once again coordinated major fundraising efforts, volunteer recruitment and public advocacy on Israel’s behalf.

Supporting Aliyah from Australia

In 1969, the ZFA welcomed its first Aliyah shaliach, Yehuda Svoray, in Melbourne. By 1973, demand led to the appointment of shlichim in both Melbourne and Sydney. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, approximately 400 Australians made Aliyah annually.

In 1986, Australian Parliament passed legislation allowing Australians who had made Aliyah to regain citizenship and guaranteeing the same for future olim — an important recognition of the dual identity of Australian Israelis.

Zionist Education in Australia

In 1973, Yair Levy became the first Israeli education shaliach appointed to Australia. From the mid-1980s, additional shlichim were deployed annually to support Jewish schools, youth movements and adult education.

In 1985, Zionist education seminars were introduced into Jewish day schools in Melbourne, bringing young Israeli educators to Australia for intensive teaching. The program soon became annual and expanded nationwide. Known as Zionist Seminars, these programs continue to this day.

Global Recognition for Australian Zionist Leaders

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.

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