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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