Labor Jews launch campaign
Slonim acknowledged that many Jewish people currently view Labor negatively.
A group of Jewish and non-Jewish Labor Party activists have launched an organised effort to rebuild the party’s relationship with the Jewish community and restore support for Israel within Labor ranks.
The informal group, calling itself “Jewish Labor”, held a workshop recently, attended by approximately 30 dedicated activists, including a former state minister, party workers and supporters.
Adam Slonim, one of the organisers, said the group recognised the daunting task ahead but remained committed to re-establishing shared values between the Jewish community and Labor.
“We want to work together to re-establish those shared values that the community, our community, the Jewish community and supporters of Israel have with Labor,” Slonim said.
“There are shared values around pluralism, around social democracy, around free association, free trade, unions, organising labour, women’s rights, gay rights. We know that there’s so much that we all stand together for.”
The workshop brought together diverse Labor figures, from former ministers to branch members, party administrative staff and political advisers.
Slonim acknowledged that many Jewish people currently view Labor negatively.
However, he argued that progressively minded members wanted to see the party become welcoming again. “Right now, it’s not in a good place, and we’ve got work to do,” he said.
The group faces significant challenges, with Slonim acknowledging that a majority within Labor now supports a pro-Palestinian narrative.
“We’re a small community. The pro-Palestinian community is a large community in Australia. We’ve got work to do,” he said.
Despite this, Slonim expressed confidence that “the silent majority of Australians who belong to the centre and in Labor, to the left of centre, recognise that there’s more to the issue than just 10-second TikTok feeds.”
Slonim emphasised that Jewish Australians should not be held collectively responsible for Israel’s actions, drawing comparisons with how other Diaspora communities are treated.
“No other community is being held to account for the actions of a nation overseas,” he said, noting that Turkish Australians are not vilified for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s actions, nor Chinese Australians for Xi Jinping’s policies.
The group aims to make the case for Israel as a democratic ally while working to ensure Jewish community safety within Labor ranks.
One participant concluded the workshop by quoting anthropologist Margaret Mead: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed individuals can change the world. In fact, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
Slonim said this left the participants with “recharged spirit” for the work ahead.