URGENT UPDATE: Over 150 Jewish community leaders from across Australia are converging in Sydney for the highly anticipated Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA) Plenary conference this Sunday, September 14, 2023. The conference is set to address critical issues facing the Jewish community and will feature prominent speakers, including Minister for Health Mark Butler and Shadow Attorney-General Julian Leeser.
Themed “Zionism, Unbroken,” this year’s conference aims to galvanize community support and resilience. ZFA President Jeremy Leibler will deliver a keynote address highlighting the challenges faced by the Australian Jewish community over the past two years, emphasizing their unwavering commitment to unity and connection with Israel.
Notably, former Israeli Government Minister and military leader Yoaz Hendel will also speak, alongside a panel discussion featuring notable advocates like survivor of the Nova Festival Natalie Sanandaji and AUJS advocacy coordinator Liat Granot. The discussion, moderated by Lillian Kline, co-founder of Project A, will focus on “Zionism in action,” making this an essential event for community engagement.
Leibler stated, “The conference is not just about refusing grievances and choosing a Zionist purpose. It’s about turning that purpose into practice; interrogating and renewing Zionism together.” The ZFA is poised to emerge as a pivotal platform for individuals and organizations dedicated to reinforcing Jewish identity and advocacy.
Adding to the excitement, the conference will include a design lab led by acclaimed historian and activist Professor Gil Troy, focusing on shaping Zionism’s mission for 2025 and beyond. ZFA CEO Alon Cassuto reiterated the importance of this gathering, stating, “The ZFA is building an organization with its finger on the pulse of the community, and our Plenary conference is a crucial pillar for strengthening our bond with Israel.”
This event is not just a routine gathering; it represents a critical moment for the Australian Jewish community to come together, renew their commitments, and actively shape a unified future. As leaders prepare to convene, the impact of this conference will resonate well beyond the event itself.
Stay tuned for updates as the Plenary unfolds, bringing together voices of resilience, advocacy, and community pride.
