Young Jewish leaders return from Israel mission
19 participants from Australia and New Zealand complete leadership development programme
Nineteen young Jewish leaders from Australia and New Zealand have returned from Israel after participating in the ZFA Young Leaders’ Mission 2025, designed to develop the next generation of community advocates and leaders.
The participants, representing all major youth movements and the Australasian Union of Jewish Students (AUJS), were selected based on their leadership potential, dedication to Jewish identity, and commitment to community resilience.
ZFA President Jeremy Leibler emphasised the programme’s importance, saying “the Young Leaders’ Mission is an investment in the future of Jewish leadership.
“In an era of growing challenges, it is vital that we empower our young leaders with firsthand knowledge, confidence, and conviction to shape the future of Jewish life and advocacy in Australia and New Zealand”, he said.
During their time in Israel, the group visited Jerusalem, Southern Israel, and the Arava region, meeting with survivors, community leaders, and activists to gain insights into leadership, resilience, and advocacy.
The mission was guided by Nahshon Aloni, an internationally recognised educator on Zionism and leadership, alongside Baruch Goberman, a former IDF soldier with extensive experience in youth leadership.
ZFA CEO Alon Cassuto acknowledged the mission’s partners, stating “thanks to our incredible partners, this mission is not just a trip; it is a launchpad for the next generation of Jewish leaders. These young people will return home with a renewed sense of purpose, a deeper connection to Israel, and the skills to engage meaningfully with Zionism and Jewish identity in their communities.”
The collaborative effort was supported by UIA, Machon, the Jewish Agency, the World Zionist Organization, and the Arava-Australia Partnership.
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