Zionist Federation of Australia News and Views - Zionist Federation of Australia

ZFA statement on recommendation that all of Hezbollah be proscribed

23 Jun 2021

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

14 Jun 2021

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

10 Jun 2021

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

10 Jun 2021

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

09 Jun 2021

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

03 Jun 2021

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

03 Jun 2021

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

28 May 2021

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

24 May 2021

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

23 May 2021

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

14 May 2021

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

11 May 2021

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

07 May 2021

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

30 Apr 2021

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

29 Apr 2021

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

26 Apr 2021

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

31 Mar 2021

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

09 Mar 2021

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

04 Mar 2021

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

19 Feb 2021

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

06 Feb 2021

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

03 Feb 2021

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

25 Jan 2021

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

21 Jan 2021

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

19 Jan 2021

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 Dec 2020

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 Dec 2020

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

04 Dec 2020

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

03 Dec 2020

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

03 Dec 2020

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

24 Nov 2020

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

09 Nov 2020

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

09 Nov 2020

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 Sep 2020

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

16 Sep 2020

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

12 Sep 2020

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

14 Aug 2020

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

11 Aug 2020

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

05 Aug 2020

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

24 Jul 2020

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 Jul 2020

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 Jul 2020

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

10 Jul 2020

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

09 Jul 2020

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

01 Jun 2020

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

26 May 2020

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

21 May 2020

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

21 Apr 2020

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

02 Apr 2020

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

25 Mar 2020

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

17 Feb 2020

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

13 Feb 2020

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

10 Jan 2020

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

29 Dec 2019

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

10 Dec 2019

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

09 Dec 2019

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

04 Dec 2019

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

21 Nov 2019

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

19 Nov 2019

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

12 Nov 2019

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

30 Oct 2019

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

13 Oct 2019

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

11 Oct 2019

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

11 Oct 2019

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

02 Oct 2019

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

26 Sep 2019

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

24 Sep 2019

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

29 Aug 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

26 Aug 2019

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

25 Aug 2019

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

21 Aug 2019

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

07 Aug 2019

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

01 Aug 2019

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

15 Jul 2019

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

15 Jul 2019

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

26 Jun 2019

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

24 Jun 2019

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

20 Jun 2019

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

05 Jun 2019

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

29 May 2019

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

28 May 2019

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

20 May 2019

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

17 May 2019

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.

05 May 2019

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

29 Apr 2019

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

22 Apr 2019

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

18 Apr 2019

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

11 Apr 2019

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

Australia Shows Moral Leadership on the World Stage

25 Mar 2019

The Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA) expressed its gratitude to Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne for Australia’s strong rejection of... Read More

Remembering Rafi Eitan – A hero of the Jewish people and the State of Israel

24 Mar 2019

President of the Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA), Jeremy Leibler: “Rafi Eitan was a hero of the Jewish people and the State of Israel. His... Read More

ZFA Welcomes Federal Government Security Funding

21 Mar 2019

The Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA) has welcomed Prime Minister Morrison’s announcement of 55 million dollars in grants to increase security, following the terrorist attacks... Read More

ZFA Statement on Christchurch Terror Attack and Senator Anning

18 Mar 2019

The Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA) expressed its deep condolences to the victims of the terror attack in Christchurch. Fifty innocent worshippers across two Mosques... Read More

A message of support to our neighbours in Christchurch, New Zealand

15 Mar 2019

Tonight around our Shabbat tables, please spare a thought to our neighbours in Christchurch, New Zealand. 40 innocent worshippers. Gone. As Jews we know all... Read More

ZFA Statement on Otzma Yehudit Alliance

24 Feb 2019

The Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA) does not typically comment on the internal political machinations of the State of Israel. Israel operates its system on... Read More

Statement on Hon. Julie Bishop MP’s Retirement Announcement

22 Feb 2019

The Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA) expressed its deep gratitude to former Foreign Minister, the Hon. Julie Bishop MP, on the occasion of her announcement... Read More

ZFA Welcomes Speeches by PM and Opposition Leader

19 Feb 2019

The Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA) has welcomed the speeches by Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten delivered in Parliament marking 70... Read More

ZFA Statement on Yaakov Litzman

18 Feb 2019

The Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA) is deeply concerned about allegations that Israeli Deputy Health Minister Yaakov Litzman has obstructed legal proceedings by working to... Read More

ZFA Condemns Amnesty International BDS Campaign

31 Jan 2019

The Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA) condemns Amnesty International’s campaign against AirBnb, Expedia, Booking.com and TripAdvisor as part of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS)... Read More

ZFA Welcomes International Paralympic Committee Decision

28 Jan 2019

The Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA) has welcomed the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) decision that it would strip Malaysia of its right to host the... Read More

AZYC Youth Movements Statement on Recent Neo-Nazi Activity in Melbourne.

23 Jan 2019

Wednesday 23 January 2019 The Australasian Zionist Youth Council (AZYC), incorporating the youth movements Betar Australia, Bnei Akiva Australia, CATZ, Habonim Dror Australia, Hashomer Hatzair... Read More