Together we can shape the future
The pain of that day remains. But a year on, Jews worldwide have consciously determined that shiva has been sat and we must turn to tomorrow.
Following the largest loss of Jewish life since the Holocaust on October 7, Diaspora Jews were beckoned.
The pain of that day remains. But a year on, Jews worldwide have consciously determined that shiva has been sat and we must turn to tomorrow. So I will not rehash the tragedy of that event, nor begin to speak for the families and extended global family of the hostages who must be returned.
Importantly, as Israel responded to the attack and antisemitism took hold in Australia, many in our community turned to each other. I was privileged to play a part in these efforts locally.
While I had always engaged in community causes at committee or board level, Project A was my segue into grassroots. Together with Moran Dvir and Lillian Kline (and another individual who wishes to remain anonymous), a community of over 500-plus professionals and academics skilled across almost every business, educational, media, medical and community sector, were mobilised.
Many asked, why me? What can I do? And for the most part, the reply turned quickly to, “because if you can, you should”. And so we focused on finding a way, together. It began long before October 7 in the heart of Jewish tradition: tikkun olam, a deep desire to repair or heal the world through action. For many, this was not the first time our people leaned into a cause. It was, however, a journey back to the Jewish community in a time of a need.
One of the objectives of Project A was to be a community bridge between the existing Jewish bodies – to help amplify and connect the efforts with voluntary participants. We quickly realised there was a need to galvanise a capable and highly skilled Jewish community through effective and peaceful action.
Networks helped – it didn’t matter where we turned, everyone knew someone who wanted to get involved. We worked nationally and I will be forever grateful for all those who took my calls. Whether it was housing an Israeli student or fundraising for a media campaign – the generosity and support from our Jewish community relative to its size, is unmatched.
Many peak Jewish bodies stepped into actively and courageously representing the community. The early advocacy of Jeremy Leibler and others gave voice to our concerns on mainstream media.
The work behind the scenes and across community at organisations like the Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA) and its state affiliates, the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, JNF Australia, National Council of Jewish Women of Australia, UIA Australia and others have been extraordinary.
Whether it was the unrelenting advocacy for Israel’s right to defend itself, speaking against antisemitism or through education, connection to Israel programs, community outreach, the vigils, the community rallies. No community has so effectively contributed to sustaining its own future at the very real threat of extinction and support from loud angry mobs.
When I was asked to join the ZFA board, it felt like an organic next step. The ZFA was actively engaged with both Project A and Lawyers for Israel. For me, it meant there was a real and meaningful acknowledgment that the ZFA desired to represent a wide audience.
The board is consciously diversifying – not only in gender balance and skills but in the thought spectrum among Zionists. Our commonality – a passionate belief that the Jewish homeland is necessary for Diaspora Jews to survive and to thrive. Led by our president, Jeremy Leibler and CEO Alon Cassuto, a supercharged team of comms advisers, community leaders and subject matter experts, I believe there is opportunity for boundless success ahead.
In recent years, broadening the tent has been a strategic priority for the ZFA, and since October 7, this mission has become even more urgent.
Our reawakened community now includes a vibrant new wave of activists, each contributing unique perspectives and strengths. Committed to inclusivity, we’re actively fostering spaces for dialogue and engaging diverse voices to strengthen unity.
To further this goal, the ZFA is introducing a “ZFA partner” category by way of a motion at our upcoming biennial conference, welcoming currently unaffiliated Jewish bodies and individuals to participate, contribute and deepen connections across the Australian Jewish landscape. If we can harness the momentum of our reawakened community, this broadened tent will bring renewed unity and strength to the ZFA. Together, we can shape a future that truly reflects the diversity and vibrancy of Australian Jewry.
Lauren Blecher is a board member of the Zionist Federation of Australia.
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