Jeremy Leibler steps down as ZFA president, handing leadership to David Gold

Jeremy Leibler is leaving his post as president of the Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA) after serving for eight years. The transition of power was marked on Wednesday by a farewell reception held at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem.

President Isaac Herzog hosted the event to honor Leibler. Also present were Israeli President’s wife Michal Herzog, Jewish Agency chairman Doron Almog, and Neil Hawkins, the Australian Ambassador to Israel. Former Israeli ambassador to Australia Amir Maimon attended the gathering, where he discussed the challenges faced by the local Jewish community during Leibler’s tenure.

Maimon described the political climate in Canberra as cold, a condition he attributed to factors beyond just the weather. He noted that the period following the events of October 7 brought a wave of antisemitism to Australia. Maimon credited Leibler with providing wisdom during this difficult time and effectively negotiating with Australian authorities.

According to Maimon, these diplomatic efforts ensured that President Herzog received a warm welcome during his state visit to Australia in February of this year. Maimon stated that the visit was very successful as a direct result of Leibler’s work. The former ambassador also acknowledged the troubling reactions in Australia to statements made from Jerusalem.

Doron Almog praised Leibler’s courage during the reception. Almog recalled hearing Leibler tell the community, “We’re not going anywhere. We’re here to stay.” Other speakers at the event described Leibler as a proud Australian Jew who stood tall with courage. They urged him to continue inspiring the community even as he steps down from his executive role.

Michal Herzog shared a personal connection to the region, recalling her first visit to Australia in November 1986. At that time, she accompanied her father-in-law, then-president Chaim Herzog, on his historic state visit, which was the first by an Israeli president to that part of the world. She stated that the community feels very close to the Australian Jewish people, particularly during times of crisis.

President Herzog commended Leibler for his leadership qualities, noting that he is clear about what he means. Herzog said that Leibler was impressive in his efforts to bring the President to Australia. He added that Leiblers are a well-known family in Israel and that individuals like Leibler are essential for the president’s Voice of the People initiative.

Leibler responded by explaining that his time in the role deepened his understanding of how Israel’s security relies on the solidarity of the Jewish people. He emphasized the need to learn how to communicate effectively with those with whom one disagrees. This perspective reflects the focus of his final months in the position.

David Gold will succeed Leibler as the ZFA president. Gold is currently the president of the Mount Scopus College Foundation and previously served as the global chairman of the World Union of Jewish Students. President Herzog first met Gold in January 2023 at a gala reunion for Mount Scopus students and staff living in Israel. Herzog’s father had visited the college in 1986.

Leibler is scheduled to speak at The Jerusalem Post Conference in Sydney on November 19, which will be one of his final public appearances as ZFA president. His father, Mark Leibler, who led the organization for 10 years and received Israel’s President’s Medal of Honor in 2024, will also address the conference. Michal Herzog will participate via video link.