Leibler Hands ZFA Reins to Gold After Eight-Year Term

Jeremy Leibler stepped down as president of the Zionist Federation of Australia on Wednesday, passing the role to David Gold after eight years at the helm.

President Isaac Herzog hosted the handover ceremony at the President's Residence in Jerusalem. The event marked the formal conclusion of Leibler's tenure and the beginning of Gold's term.

Amir Maimon, Israel's former ambassador to Australia, opened the proceedings with a candid assessment of the political climate he witnessed. "Canberra was very cold, and I'm not just talking about the weather," Maimon said. He sat beside Neil Hawkins, the current Australian ambassador to Israel.

Maimon credited Leibler with smoothing the path for Herzog's state visit to Australia in February 2026. He noted that the Australian government was not always friendly toward Jerusalem, but Leibler's negotiations ensured a warm reception. "As a result, it was a very successful visit," Maimon stated.

Doron Almog, chairman of the Jewish Agency, praised Leibler's resilience during the period of heightened antisemitism in Australia following October 7, 2023. Almog quoted Leibler's firm stance to the community: "We're not going anywhere. We're here to stay."

Michal Herzog, who accompanied her husband on the February trip, shared a personal connection to the Australian community. She recalled her first visit in November 1986, when she traveled with her in-laws alongside her father-in-law, then-president Chaim Herzog. "We feel very close to the Australian Jewish community, and we feel especially close in times of crisis," she said.

President Herzog described Leibler as possessing "immense leadership qualities." He highlighted Leibler's directness and his role in facilitating the 2026 state visit. Herzog also referenced the Leibler family legacy, noting that Mark Leibler, Jeremy's father, served as ZFA president for 10 years and received the President's Medal of Honor in 2024.

David Gold takes over the ZFA presidency immediately. Gold serves as president of the Mount Scopus College Foundation and previously led the World Union of Jewish Students. Herzog met Gold in January 2023 at a Mount Scopus alumni reunion. The president's father visited the college in 1986.

Leibler will maintain a public profile until his final scheduled appearance as president. He is set to speak at The Jerusalem Post Conference in Sydney on November 19. His father, Mark Leibler, and Michal Herzog, who will join by video, are also confirmed speakers for the event.

During his address, Leibler emphasized the necessity of solidarity for Israel's security. He urged the community to learn how to communicate effectively with those with whom they disagree. The three-generation Leibler family, including Mark Leibler, attended the ceremony to witness the transition.