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.