Young leaders in Canberra
Discussions surrounded issues such as the rise of antisemitism and what the government is doing to tackle it, the war in Israel and the rising cost of living and its impact on students.
More than 50 Jewish students met last week with leading Australian decision makers in Canberra, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, as part of the annual Political Training Seminar (PTS) held by the Australasian Union of Jewish Students (AUJS).
Discussions surrounded issues such as the rise of antisemitism and what the government is doing to tackle it, the war in Israel and the rising cost of living and its impact on students.
Politicians were asked about the recent decision by the government to resume financing UNRWA; ensuring safe spaces in politics for progressive Jews; and whether or not free speech should be limited when it becomes a threat to the Jewish community.
In an initiative led by Monash University student Shailee Carmeli and AUJS shaliach Tobias Siegal as a symbol of solidarity with Israel, the entire group wore yellow ribbon pins associated with the call for the return of the Israeli hostages held by Hamas since October 7.
The group also met with the spokesperson of the Israeli embassy in Australia, Ilana Lenk.
“Seeing how PTS empowered our students, inspiring them to engage with our political system as active citizens and advocating for what they believe is a testament to the program in ensuring the future of Jewish leadership,” AUJS public affairs coordinator Nathan Levy said.
Participant Aylia Hill from Macquarie University said, “PTS was an incredible experience … There’s no other context where young students would get anywhere near this type of access to high-ranking politicians, or the opportunity to ask them questions that truly mattered to us.”
Amidst the dramatic rise in antisemitism, especially on campus, AUJS president Noah Loven described this year’s PTS as a source of hope and empowerment for Jewish students.
“Seeing our Jewish students engage with and be empowered to participate in the political process has been profoundly uplifting. I know they will bring that passion and advocacy back to campus,” Loven said.
Siegal added, “PTS recognises the importance of bridge-building and engaging in constructive dialogue, even if difficult at times.
“Now more than ever, young Jewish students are looking to contribute to their community and have their voices heard.”
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