Changing of the guard at The AJN

AJN national editor Zeddy Lawrence is set to leave the newspaper next month after more than 12 years at the helm.

Melbourne-based Lawrence, who joined The AJN in 2009, has been appointed the new executive director of Zionism Victoria.

His tenure has seen the newspaper fearlessly tackle issues including the Royal Commission into Child Sexual Abuse, the Malka Leifer extradition, antisemitic bullying in schools, and most recently, communal members flouting COVID-19 restrictions. The paper has also stood up for Israel in an increasingly challenging environment and delivered local angles on key international developments.

“It has been a wonderful honour and privilege to have held the position over the past 12 years, and I am tremendously proud of all I and The AJN have achieved in that time,” he said.

“As well as chronicling developments within the community and that affect the community, we have recounted the incredible and fascinating human interest stories of those that make up the community, both tragic and heart-warming.

“More than that though, we have represented and fought for the community, campaigning on issues that affect Australian Jewry. And crucially we have held those in positions of power, both within and outside the community, to account.”

AJN publisher Robert Magid recalled when he first met Lawrence over 12 years ago.

“He came over from England and we had a meeting at the restaurant at Manly Wharf. What impressed me most is that he had an excellent sense of humour and he had a track record with the Jewish News in England,” Magid said.

The intervening years have been very exciting with a lot of international and local stories presented in The AJN, he said.

“The paper has maintained its strength while many papers have gone down. A lot of it is attributable to Zeddy,” Magid said.

“He held a very strong editorial team together despite the pandemic and various crises we’ve had over the years. I’m very grateful to Zeddy for keeping the paper afloat and for the high standard of journalism under his leadership.”

Lawrence added that over the years, he had been honoured to work with “wonderful colleagues, whose commitment to both The AJN and the community it serves is unsurpassed”.

“I would like to thank each one of them for the support they have given me and for helping to make the past 12 years such a rewarding and enjoyable experience,” he said.

Replacing Lawrence in the editor’s chair will be the current deputy editor, Sydney-based Gareth Narunsky.

“Having worked closely with Gareth for over a decade, I can’t think of anyone better qualified to take the reins of The Australian Jewish News,” Lawrence said.

“His experience as a journalist combined with his knowledge and commitment to the community make him the perfect person to take The AJN forward into the next chapter of its history.”

Narunsky said, “Zeddy leaves giant shoes to fill. We have worked very closely together over recent years and I’ve seen firsthand his work ethic and professionalism.

“His love for the community and dedication to producing the best possible paper inspire the editorial team week in, week out. His personality will also definitely be missed in the newsroom,” he said.

“On the other hand, it is a tremendous opportunity to steer the future direction of the paper. I look forward to meeting any challenges head-on and continuing to produce the very best newspaper and website we can.”

Narunsky also paid tribute to the late Joshua Levi, an AJN stalwart of many years. “Josh challenged me to be a better journalist every day, he said.

“Knowing how much Josh loved The AJN, I hope I can continue to make him proud.”

Looking to the future, Lawrence said he was “absolutely thrilled to be joining Zionism Victoria”.

“With Israel about to mark its 74th anniversary, it’s an honour and privilege to be tasked with taking on such a pivotal role. While celebrating all the Jewish State has achieved, we face a number of challenges at this moment in history, countering the many myths, misperceptions and misconceptions that fuel the hostility Israel faces, and instilling a sense of pride in, and love of, the land among members of our own community.”

Stating the board was “absolutely delighted to make this appointment”, Zionism Victoria president Yossi Goldfarb said, “Zeddy is an outstanding communicator who probably knows our community better than most after his long stint as editor of The AJN.”

He added, “Zeddy will undoubtedly bring a fresh approach to all our activities. His leadership, advocacy and engagement skills are superb, and we look forward to him continuing to build awareness of Israel’s importance to our community while working towards putting Israel’s case to Victoria’s political leaders and media.”

Goldfarb also paid tribute to former executive director Jean Katzen, hailing her as “the absolute rock around which Zionism Victoria operated during her five years at the helm”.

“Her passion and leadership leave big shoes to fill, and I’m sure Zeddy will be working hard to do that.”

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