Published: 4 May 2020
Last updated: 4 March 2024
AUSTRALIAN PROGRESSIVE ZIONIST MOVEMENTS are standing together on a united ticket, called Hatikvah, for the upcoming elections for the 38th World Zionist Congress (WZC).
The Hatikvah platform for the WZC elections, which take place every five years, is led by Liam Getreu, representing Ameinu Australia, and Maddy Blay, representing Meretz Australia. Hatikvah has 12 candidates in all.
Together they will aim to secure enough support to be part of the 13 delegates allocated to Australia in the Congress, which is the World Zionist parliament where Israel and Diasporic Zionists jointly decide on policy issues and on office bearer positions of the World Zionist Organisation, Jewish Agency for Israel, JNF-KKL and UIA.
The Hatikvah ticket marks a change from the last elections, when Ameinu and Meretz stood independently. This time they have banded together, supported by three other progressive Zionist groups - Habonim Dror Australia, Hashomer Hatzair Australia and the New Israel Fund Australia, in the hope of securing enough support to gain at least two delegates in the Australian contingent.
There are at least 5000-6000 people likely to register their support, according to the Zionist Federation of Australia. Hatikvah says it needs 1300 votes to get two delegates in the proportional voting system.
Other groups putting forward candidates for the 13 delegates include the Australian Reform Zionist Association (ARZA), Australian Forum of Russian Speaking Jewry (AFRJ), Friends of Likud, Mercaz Australia (Masorti) and Mizrachi.
The Hatikvah candidates include Hannah Rollo, Mark Baker, Leah Justin, Michelle Lesh, Ronni Kahn, Russell Goldblatt, Leon Orbach, Julia Meltzer, Lee Ann Basser, Ilona Lee and Ron Finkel.
Hatikvah says on its website that it “represents a united front of progressive Australian Zionists who strive towards supporting Israel to fulfil its destiny as a just, free homeland for the Jewish people. We seek to build an Israel that lives in harmony with its neighbours and upholds the rights of all its citizens.
“Our commitment is to democracy and the rule of law, believing that all citizens of the State of Israel must be treated equally, and their civil and human rights protected. We oppose policies of discrimination, fear, and tribalism.”
With annexation on the agenda, the ongoing assault on the courts, freedom of speech and Arab citizens of Israel – we can tell right-wing populists, settlers and ultra-nationalists in Israel that this isn’t the direction we want Israel to head in.
Liam Getreu and Maddy Blay both have longstanding commitment to progressive Zionism in Australia. Getreu is CEO of NIF Australia and Blay is s former National Coordinator (Merakezet) of Hashomer Hatzair Australia.
“This is a chance for Australian Jews to stand up as partners for our Israeli friends,” Getreu told The Jewish Independent. “As one of the few formal representative bodies for decision making inside Israel to include Diaspora Jews, the World Zionist Congress provides a platform for us to make our voices heard and demonstrate that important partnership.
“In particular, with Israel’s elections and politics the way it is – with annexation of the West Bank firmly on the agenda, the ongoing assault on the courts, freedom of speech and Arab citizens of Israel – we can tell right-wing populists, settlers and ultra-nationalists in Israel that this isn’t the direction we want Israel to head in. It’s our chance to put on display a progressive, inclusive Australian Jewish community.
“Do we want billions going to grow settlements in the West Bank or to bolstering pluralism and democracy inside Israel? For years parts of the World Zionist Organisation has spent its time as a slush fund for the far-right.
“If we want our connection with Israel to remain strong – and for Israel to remain a reflection of its founding ideals – then we need to stand up and be counted.”
The deadline for registering support is May 28.
For more information, go to www.hatikvah.org.au
Photo: Liam Getreu (left) and Maddy Blay
