New CEO Ilan Rimer at the helm

Zionism Victoria has appointed a new CEO Ilan Rimer to steer the organisation as it tackles rising anti-Israel sentiment. As to what inspired him to take on this role, Rimer told the AJN, “Like the vast majority of Jews globally, October 7 and the subsequent events violently shook my world view. I have always been a passionate Zionist and have been very involved in the community for years, I’m the co-Vice President at Mount Scopus College. However, these past 23 months have demonstrated to me that, more than ever in my lifetime, Jewish people need to redouble our commitment to one another and strengthen our already-strong ties to Israel. I would like to play my part in pursuing these two aims; I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.”

Rimer began his career as a management consultant before spending years on corporate strategy in major Australian corporations. For the past nine years, Rimer was focused on building and growing startup technology companies while taking on board roles in that time, including Mount Scopus Memorial College. He has a Commerce (Hons) degree from Monash University and an MBA from Oxford University.

Asked about his goals for Zionism Victoria, Rimer said, “Zionism Victoria has a long and important history in Victoria. As such, in the short term, my focus will be on listening, learning, and engaging with our community to understand its priorities and aspirations.    Looking ahead, I want to build on Zionism Victoria’s strong foundations to shape a clear strategy that deepens our connection to Israel, strengthens our voice in the wider community, and ensures our organisation continues to thrive into the future.”

Regarding the likely challenges ahead he said, “Over the past 23 months, we’ve seen the largest global co-ordinated campaign to deliberately misdefine and stigmatise the word ‘Zionism’ for nefarious purposes. Of course, this doesn’t affect what our community and allies know to be true. However, the vast majority of Victorians – good, decent people – have been inundated by a relentless barrage of misinformation since October 7. I worry about how much of it has seeped into Victorian consciousness. I would like to see Zionism Victoria, along with all our affiliates, reclaim ‘Zionism’ in public discourse.”

He added, “There are so many outstanding leaders, future leaders and tireless contributors in our community. Now, more than ever, we need to stand together.”