ZFA changing its approach
ZFA President Jeremy Leibler and CEO Alon Cassuto say they are expanding the organization's capabilities and adapt to the new post October 7 reality.
The Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA) is professionalizing its operations by hiring new staff and restructuring its board.
ZFA President Jeremy Leibler and CEO Alon Cassuto say they are expanding the organization’s capabilities and adapt to the new post October 7 reality.
Two new board members were recently appointed as part of what Leibler describes as a more purpose built board that will bring people in based on their various skill sets who will have a fresh approach
As well as that, three new staff appointments have been made, including Yael Steel as Director of Operations and Liana Fisher as Director of Communications.
Steel will focus on amplifying the ZFA’s programs and events, while Fisher will be responsible for strategic messaging and maintaining bipartisan support for the Jewish community and Israel.
Cassuto explained, “We’re essentially building a leadership team that’s capable of doing much more in the advocacy space and the programs and events that we run, and in supporting … our affiliates and next generation of leaders and youth”.
The organization is also creating a new role of Director of Next Generation, aimed at developing leadership and advocacy capabilities among young Jews.
Leibler emphasized that this is not just about filling a “black hole of young people,” but rather about bringing together different aspects of the community and strengthening existing organizations.
Both leaders acknowledge the challenges faced by the community, particularly in dealing with antisemitism on university campuses.
Leibler admitted, “One very clear failure, in my view, is in relation to the universities… we were not able to achieve the right outcome with universities.”
Despite these challenges, Cassuto stressed the importance of maintaining a positive Jewish identity. “This community, and especially our young people, cannot have their Jewish identity and their experience of being Jewish defined by antisemitism” he said.
Leibler said these changes are being made partly because the ZFA wants to do this, but also because of feedback from the Jewish community.
Cassuto said the ZFA needs to think clearly about what it does and how it does it in this new situation.
“I think in part, it demands leadership that has a real sense of clarity around what matters and what doesn’t and can prioritize. We also need to be selective in the battles we take on, and we need to be smart about the relationships we maintain” he said.
comments