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.