On the pursuit of leadership and learning

“Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.” John F. Kennedy’s words have never felt more resonant than in reflecting on my time in the Australasian Union of Jewish Students (AUJS) Leadership Development Programme (LDP).

In a world that is constantly evolving, I have come to understand that effective leadership is not only about having vision, but also about continuously learning. The LDP embodies this principle, offering young Jewish leaders an invaluable opportunity to develop leadership skills while learning from the past to shape the future. 

As part of this year’s LDP delegation, I joined nine other young AUJS leaders from across Australia with a shared goal: to develop the skills, knowledge, and mindset to lead in both our communities and beyond. Our journey, however, was more than just leadership training, it was a deep dive into history, politics, and diplomacy, providing us with the tools to engage meaningfully with the world.

Our first stop was Berlin, where we attended the World Union of Jewish Students (WUJS) Conference, joining 150 Jewish students from over 40 countries. This gathering was a powerful reminder of the strength of Jewish solidarity in an increasingly interconnected world.

However, it was Berlin itself, once a city that denied Jewish existence, that left the most profound impact. Walking through its streets, reflecting on its past, and witnessing how society can recover after such dark chapters, I began to grasp the true role of leadership. It became clear that leadership is not just about charting a course for the future, but also about learning from the past.

From Berlin, we travelled to Prague and Terezin, where we confronted the stark reality of the Holocaust. In Terezin, a former Nazi ghetto and concentration camp, we were forced to face the horrors of our shared history. The experience was overwhelming, but it reminded me of the importance of remembrance and the responsibility we bear to ensure that such atrocities are never forgotten. The lessons learned in Terezin were not just about leadership, but about humanity, the enduring importance of vigilance against hatred. 

The most profound experience, however, came when we visited Buchenwald, one of the most infamous concentration camps, liberated by American soldiers in 1945. Standing amidst the remnants of such unimaginable suffering, I felt an intense sense of responsibility. The Holocaust’s lessons cannot be confined to the past; they must guide us as we lead in the present and future.

The visit to Buchenwald underscored the stakes of leadership, how leaders must remain vigilant in confronting hate and injustice, no matter where it appears in the world.

Our next destination took us to the United States, where the programme took a more political turn. In New York, we engaged in discussions about Israeli politics and the broader Middle East conflict. The city's political diversity allowed us to meet a wide range of speakers from across the political spectrum, providing us with different perspectives on Israel’s role on the global stage. These conversations deepened our understanding of the complexities surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the importance of informed, nuanced leadership. 

In New York, we visited the United Nations, where we met with James Larsen, the Australian Ambassador to the UN. With the Ambassador, we discussed global diplomacy, and the role international organisations play in fostering peace. It was a unique opportunity to learn how leadership can shape international policy and influence global peace efforts. 

In Washington DC, we continued our exploration of global politics, particularly in relation to Israeli politics and its implications for US foreign policy. We were in Washington for Trump’s inauguration, an event that offered a unique lens into the intersection of domestic and international politics.

While there, we met with a variety of speakers across the political spectrum, including Henry Olsen, a political analyst for NBC, CNN, and other major publications. His insights into the political dynamics surrounding the inauguration helped us understand how political leadership shapes global conflicts, including the ongoing challenges faced by Israel. 

The LDP experience was more than just an exploration of leadership, it was a profound lesson in the complexities of the world today. We learned that leadership is not just about guiding others through the present – it's about listening to diverse viewpoints, engaging with global issues, and continually learning from history. It’s about understanding the broader context and applying those lessons to create positive change. 

As Kennedy wisely said, “leadership and learning are indispensable to each other”. The AUJS LDP exemplifies this truth, offering young Jewish leaders the opportunity to learn from history, engage with current global dynamics, and use that knowledge to navigate the challenges of the future.

The skills, lessons, and perspectives gained through the LDP will guide us as we work to shape a more informed, resilient, and compassionate future for our Jewish community and the world at large.