ZFA plenary this Sunday
"With the contribution of Donniel Hartman, we're taking the conversation to the next level – how do we see the future of our relationship with Israel and what's our responsibility as a Zionist movement in Australia around that? It's an important topic at a critical moment."
The Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA) will host its annual Plenary Conference in Sydney this Sunday, bringing together over 100 Zionist leaders from across Australia.
One of two keynote speakers is Rabbi Dr Donniel Hartman, president of the Shalom Hartman Institute, educator, author and leading contemporary thinker on issues including Israeli politics, trends in society and the Israel–Diaspora relationship.
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles is also appearing as a keynote speaker, for an important discussion in light of recent events.
“The ZFA Plenary Conference is an important opportunity for leaders of the Australian Zionist movement to reconnect with each other, to discuss the issues that matter and set the directions for the next year’s activities,” ZFA president Jeremy Leibler said.
He expressed the importance of Marles’ presence.
“We were obviously disappointed by the recent government announcement, and we made this clear. But we maintain open and friendly relations with the government, and it’s important that the Jewish community hears directly from its senior leadership, and also has the chance to speak directly to it,” Leibler said.
Rav Hartman is well known for his popular podcast series, For Heavens Sake, co-hosted with intellectual and author Yossi Klein Halevi. His session at the conference will raise issues around the current civil disagreements within Israel, leadership and the need for constructive, open dialogue.
A special edition “ZFA Conversation” will feature Hartman in conversation with Leibler live streamed from the conference, enabling the broader community to hear from him.
The conference will also include a panel on the report the ZFA released last week, which said that two-thirds of Jewish university students have experienced antisemitism in universities. AUJS president Alissa Foster will be joined by federal independent MP Allegra Spender and Executive Council of Australian Jewry president Jillian Segal.
ZFA CEO Ginette Searle said, “The ZFA conference fulfils an important role in convening our leadership to learn, listen and debate issues relating to Israel, and to our community in Australia.
“With the contribution of Donniel Hartman, we’re taking the conversation to the next level – how do we see the future of our relationship with Israel and what’s our responsibility as a Zionist movement in Australia around that? It’s an important topic at a critical moment.”
The ZFA is a national representative roof body, with its executive consisting of representatives from its 20 national affiliate organisations and state Zionist councils, plus the Zionist youth movements.
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