Herzog Honors Jeremy Leibler at Jerusalem Farewell

President Isaac Herzog hosted a farewell reception for Jeremy Leibler on Wednesday at the President's Residence in Jerusalem. Leibler is stepping down as president of the Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA) after serving in the role for eight years.

Amir Maimon, Israel's former ambassador to Australia, sat beside Australian Ambassador Neil Hawkins and offered a blunt assessment of his time in Canberra. "Canberra was very cold, and I'm not just talking about the weather," Maimon said. He credited Leibler with negotiating with Australian authorities to ensure a warm reception for Herzog's state visit in February of this year. Maimon noted that the visit was very successful despite a surge in antisemitism in Australia following October 7.

Doron Almog, chairman of the Jewish Agency, praised Leibler's resolve during difficult times. Almog recalled Leibler stating, "We're not going anywhere. We're here to stay." Other speakers described Leibler as a proud Australian Jew who stood tall for the community. They urged him to continue inspiring others even after his tenure ends.

Michal Herzog, the president's wife, joined her husband at the event. She traveled with him to Australia in February. Michal Herzog recalled her first visit to the country in November 1986, when she went with her in-laws for the historic state visit of 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 commended Leibler for his "immense leadership qualities." "You say what you mean," Herzog said. He highlighted that Leibler had been clear about bringing the president to Australia. Herzog stated that Leibler is an asset to the Jewish people and mentioned the Leibler family's long history in Israel, noting that people like Leibler are needed for his Voice of the People initiative.

Leibler responded that his role helped him understand how Israel's security depends on Jewish solidarity. He emphasized the need to learn communication skills even when disagreeing with others. A large three-generation group from the Leibler family attended the event, including his father, Mark Leibler. Mark Leibler led the ZFA for 10 years and received the President's Medal of Honor in 2024.

Leibler is scheduled to speak at The Jerusalem Post Conference in Sydney on November 19. His father and Michal Herzog will also speak at the event, with Michal Herzog appearing by video. David Gold, a former global chairman of the World Union of Jewish Students and current president of the Mount Scopus College Foundation, will succeed Leibler as ZFA president.