Cultivating the leaders of tomorrow
Supporting the leaders of tomorrow demands a collective effort.
Where do our future leaders come from?
It’s a question that should be keeping our community awake at night. In a time of unprecedented challenges – rising antisemitism, disinformation campaigns and relentless attacks on Israel’s legitimacy – the need for strong, knowledgeable and articulate leaders has never been greater.
Yet, leadership does not emerge by accident. It must be cultivated with intent and urgency.
The recent federal election laid bare a sobering truth: our community is small and politically, our vote is not decisive. We cannot rely on political clout alone to safeguard our future. Instead, our strength must come from the quality of our leadership, the depth of our advocacy, and our ability to build alliances and influence public discourse far beyond our numbers.
The reality is stark: if we don’t intentionally build the pipeline of future leaders, it won’t exist. Education is the starting point, but it is no longer sufficient. Facts and history alone are not enough to equip the next generation for the battles ahead. They will need critical thinking skills, media literacy, public speaking confidence and the ability to engage in difficult, often hostile, conversations. They must navigate complex digital spaces, counter misinformation in real time and foster meaningful dialogue – both within and beyond the Jewish community.
Of course, homes, families, schools and youth groups provide a vital foundation. They instil values, identity and a connection to our heritage. But the challenges we face are no longer confined to fringe elements; antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment have been mainstreamed through social media, academia and political discourse. The next generation requires more than a solid foundation – they need specialised skills, practical tools and a united community-wide commitment to their development as advocates and leaders.
No single organisation or institution can do this alone. Supporting the leaders of tomorrow demands a collective effort: families, schools, synagogues, youth movements, communal organisations and targeted leadership initiatives all have critical roles to play. But more importantly, we must break free from working in silos. Too often, resources are duplicated, efforts fragmented and impact diluted. Collaboration is no longer a luxury – it is essential. Only through coordinated efforts, shared expertise and streamlined resources can we ensure our young people are supported effectively and sustainably.
StandWithUs exists precisely in this space. As an international education and advocacy organisation, we are a resource for the community – offering focused training, mentorship and real-world advocacy experiences. We complement, not compete with, the broader community’s work, bridging the gap between traditional education and the harsh realities of public discourse.
Looking ahead, the challenges are formidable. The next generation of leaders will face increasingly hostile environments – on university campuses, in the media and online. They will need more than knowledge; they will need resilience, courage, adaptability and a strong moral compass. They must build coalitions, engage across divides and communicate with authenticity. They will need to be agile advocates, capable of countering hate while promoting positive narratives about Israel and Jewish identity.
For us, the focus is clear: equip young people with the skills, confidence and support to advocate effectively, lead with integrity and stand proudly as representatives of our community. This is not the responsibility of any single organisation. It is a collective imperative.
The question of where our future leaders will come from is no longer rhetorical. It is urgent. Because when the political calculus tells us our vote isn’t needed, it becomes even more critical that our voices are heard, our stories are told and our leaders are prepared.
Our future depends on what we do today.
Michael Gencher is the executive director of StandWithUs Australia.
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