Herzog Commends Leibler's Directness at Jerusalem Farewell

President Isaac Herzog seated Jeremy Leibler at the center of the room on Wednesday, citing the outgoing leader's directness as a key strength. "You say what you mean," Herzog said during the reception held at the President's Residence. The event marked the conclusion of Leibler's eight-year tenure as president of the Zionist Federation of Australia.

Former Israeli ambassador to Australia Amir Maimon, seated beside Australian Ambassador Neil Hawkins, offered a candid assessment of the years behind them. "Canberra was very very cold, and I'm not just talking about the weather," Maimon told the crowd. He credited Leibler with negotiating with Australian authorities to ensure Herzog’s state visit in February of this year was warmly received. Maimon noted that this diplomatic groundwork turned the trip into a very successful visit.

The gathering included a large contingent of family and community leaders. Doron Almog, chairman of the Jewish Agency, attended alongside Moriah Ben-David, director of the ZFA's Israel office. Paul Israel, executive director of the Israel Australia Chamber of Commerce, was also present. A three-generation group from the Leibler family filled the back rows, including Mark Leibler, Jeremy's father. The elder Leibler led the federation for 10 years and received Israel's highest civilian award, the President's Medal of Honor, in 2024.

Speakers focused on the challenges the community faced following October 7. Maimon described the period as the most challenging for the Jewish community of Australia and the State of Israel. Almog recalled a specific moment of resolve. "I saw you. I heard you when you said: 'We're not going anywhere. We're here to stay,'" Almog said. He praised Leibler's courage in standing firm during that time.

Michal Herzog, the president's wife, spoke of the personal connections forged during the February trip. She recalled her first visit to Australia in November 1986, when she traveled with her in-laws on the historic state visit of then-president Chaim Herzog. "We feel very close to the Australian Jewish community, and we feel especially close in times of crisis," she said.

Leibler accepted the praise by emphasizing the need for solidarity among the Jewish people. He stated that he came to understand how deeply Israel's security depends on that unity. He also stressed the importance of learning to communicate with people one disagrees with. Herzog said leaders like Leibler are needed for his Voice of the People initiative.

David Gold, the incoming ZFA president, will take over the role. Gold serves as the current president of the Mount Scopus College Foundation and was a former global chairman of the World Union of Jewish Students. Before stepping down completely, Leibler is scheduled to speak at The Jerusalem Post Conference in Sydney on November 19. His father and Michal Herzog will also address the audience, with Herzog participating via video link.