Rethinking representation in the Jewish Community

“I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.”

This quote, often attributed to Voltaire but probably put into his mouth by his biographer Evelyn Beatrice Hall, captures the principle that even when ideas are polarising, the right to voice them remains a cornerstone of democratic societies.

The Jewish Council of Australia is the latest group in the Jewish community to challenge our willingness to give freedom to those with whom we disagree. Many in the Jewish community have voiced outrage, questioning how a group seen as sharing the views of only a sliver of Jewish Australians could possibly position themselves as a voice of Jewish Australians.

Claims that one group or another does or does not represent Australian Jews beg the question of whether it is possible to capture and express the view of the Jewish community in Australia on any given issue? Views on issues from religion to Zionism to Australian politics vary. Is there a majority view? And if so, who gets to define it, express it, and be seen as its voice?

We’re likely all familiar with the old saying: two Jews, three opinions. It’s often delivered with a knowing smile, but in moments like this, it cuts to something deeper—how difficult it is, maybe even impossible, to pin down a singular Jewish perspective. And yet, we continue to have peak bodies and public figures who claim to represent us as though we were a homogenous bloc.

This is not unique to the Jewish community. Only two years ago, the Indigenous people of this country were the focus of a national conversation around the Voice to Parliament. Many different representative bodies came forward to speak on behalf of Indigenous Australians, however, frustration was also expressed in various pockets about how some views weren’t being heard and that there also wasn’t one singular, simple stance from this diverse group.