Some of Australia's most influential business leaders will join senior Israeli executives, international security experts, investors and Jewish community leaders in Sydney on November 19 for the first-ever Jerusalem Post Australia Summit.
Among the prominent Australian figures participating are David Thodey, business leader and chancellor of the University of Sydney; Steven Lowy AM, principal of LFG; Alex Waislitz, founder and chairman of Thorney Investment Group; and Philip Chronican, chairman of National Australia Bank and non-executive director of Woolworths Group.
They will be joined by Michael Schneider, managing director of Bunnings Group; Peter Edwards, executive chair of Victor Smorgon Group; and Jeremy Leibler, partner at Arnold Bloch Leibler and president of the Zionist Federation of Australia.
The gathering comes at a complicated time for relations between Australia and Israel. Political disagreements, rising antisemitism and growing hostility toward Israel have strained ties between the two countries. Yet business leaders, investors and entrepreneurs continue to see opportunities for cooperation, particularly in technology, finance, healthcare, cybersecurity and innovation.
The Jerusalem Post Australia Summit aims to bring those opportunities into focus while addressing the political, security and communal challenges facing Israel and Australia's Jewish community.
The full-day conference will feature keynote addresses, one-on-one interviews and panel discussions, bringing together people who might not otherwise find themselves in the same room.
From Australian boardrooms to Israeli innovation
Lowy will deliver the opening keynote, followed by a conversation with Thodey about leadership and the challenges facing business in a changing world. Waislitz, one of Australia's leading investors, will participate in an exclusive interview examining investment and business opportunities. Chronican will join a discussion titled "Connecting Capital and Opportunity," alongside Ron Klein, executive vice president and head of the Economic Department at the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange; Sagi Ben Yosef, managing partner at Alpha LTI; and Jeremy Lustman, partner at DLA Piper LLP (US). The panel will examine Australian banking, Israeli capital markets and the potential for cross-border investment.
The discussion is particularly relevant as Israeli companies look beyond traditional markets in the United States and Europe, and Australian investors explore new technologies and international investment opportunities.
Australia offers Israeli companies access to a sophisticated financial market and a gateway to the broader Asia-Pacific region. Israel, meanwhile, brings expertise in cybersecurity, medical technology, defense, agriculture and other sectors where innovation is increasingly driving economic growth.
Another panel, "Investing in the Next Generation of Innovation," will bring together Alon Lifshitz, founding partner of Aurelius Capital; Meirav Har Noy, co-founder and managing partner of MonetaVC; and Schneider to discuss how venture capital, strategic investment and industry partnerships can help turn promising technologies into global businesses.
The summit will also examine the role of family offices and private wealth in shaping the next generation of investment and philanthropy. Edwards will join Lillian Kline, head of philanthropy at Victor Smorgon Group; David Ram, partner and chief investment officer at Goldrock; and Rebecca Zwier, partner at Arnold Bloch Leibler, for a discussion on investment, legacy and long-term wealth stewardship.
Simone Szalmuk-Singer, CEO and director of the ERDI Foundation, will explore how philanthropy and private capital can support entrepreneurship and create lasting social impact.
Among the prominent Australian figures participating are David Thodey, business leader and chancellor of the University of Sydney; Steven Lowy AM, principal of LFG; Alex Waislitz, founder and chairman of Thorney Investment Group; and Philip Chronican, chairman of National Australia Bank and non-executive director of Woolworths Group.
They will be joined by Michael Schneider, managing director of Bunnings Group; Peter Edwards, executive chair of Victor Smorgon Group; and Jeremy Leibler, partner at Arnold Bloch Leibler and president of the Zionist Federation of Australia.
The gathering comes at a complicated time for relations between Australia and Israel. Political disagreements, rising antisemitism and growing hostility toward Israel have strained ties between the two countries. Yet business leaders, investors and entrepreneurs continue to see opportunities for cooperation, particularly in technology, finance, healthcare, cybersecurity and innovation.
The Jerusalem Post Australia Summit aims to bring those opportunities into focus while addressing the political, security and communal challenges facing Israel and Australia's Jewish community.
The full-day conference will feature keynote addresses, one-on-one interviews and panel discussions, bringing together people who might not otherwise find themselves in the same room.
From Australian boardrooms to Israeli innovation
Lowy will deliver the opening keynote, followed by a conversation with Thodey about leadership and the challenges facing business in a changing world. Waislitz, one of Australia's leading investors, will participate in an exclusive interview examining investment and business opportunities. Chronican will join a discussion titled "Connecting Capital and Opportunity," alongside Ron Klein, executive vice president and head of the Economic Department at the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange; Sagi Ben Yosef, managing partner at Alpha LTI; and Jeremy Lustman, partner at DLA Piper LLP (US). The panel will examine Australian banking, Israeli capital markets and the potential for cross-border investment.
The discussion is particularly relevant as Israeli companies look beyond traditional markets in the United States and Europe, and Australian investors explore new technologies and international investment opportunities.
Australia offers Israeli companies access to a sophisticated financial market and a gateway to the broader Asia-Pacific region. Israel, meanwhile, brings expertise in cybersecurity, medical technology, defense, agriculture and other sectors where innovation is increasingly driving economic growth.
Another panel, "Investing in the Next Generation of Innovation," will bring together Alon Lifshitz, founding partner of Aurelius Capital; Meirav Har Noy, co-founder and managing partner of MonetaVC; and Schneider to discuss how venture capital, strategic investment and industry partnerships can help turn promising technologies into global businesses.
The summit will also examine the role of family offices and private wealth in shaping the next generation of investment and philanthropy. Edwards will join Lillian Kline, head of philanthropy at Victor Smorgon Group; David Ram, partner and chief investment officer at Goldrock; and Rebecca Zwier, partner at Arnold Bloch Leibler, for a discussion on investment, legacy and long-term wealth stewardship.
Simone Szalmuk-Singer, CEO and director of the ERDI Foundation, will explore how philanthropy and private capital can support entrepreneurship and create lasting social impact.
Security, diplomacy and a changing Middle East
Business will be a central focus of the summit, but the program will also address the geopolitical developments reshaping the Middle East and the broader international order.
For example, Admiral Michael S. Rogers, former director of the US National Security Agency and former commander of US Cyber Command, will deliver a special address on security and the challenges confronting democratic nations.
A panel titled "A World in Disorder: Israel, Australia and the Future of Global Security" will feature Dr. Einat Wilf, former member of the Knesset; Brig. Gen. (Res.) Professor Jacob Nagel, former head of Israel's National Security Council; and Peter Jennings AO PSM, executive director of Peter Jennings Strategy Consultants. The discussion will examine the changing international security environment, threats to democratic nations and the strategic decisions likely to shape the coming decade.
The summit will also feature a conversation with a former Israeli Air Force commander, whose identity cannot be disclosed for security reasons, and an address by Amjad Taha, an Emirati expert in strategic and political affairs.
Another panel, "Changing the Conversation About Israel and the Middle East," will bring together voices from the region to discuss how public perceptions of Israel are changing and the role of media and communication in shaping those perceptions.
The program also includes an interview with the foreign minister of the Republic of Somaliland, and a closing conversation with Israeli Ambassador to Australia Hillel Newman.
For example, Admiral Michael S. Rogers, former director of the US National Security Agency and former commander of US Cyber Command, will deliver a special address on security and the challenges confronting democratic nations.
A panel titled "A World in Disorder: Israel, Australia and the Future of Global Security" will feature Dr. Einat Wilf, former member of the Knesset; Brig. Gen. (Res.) Professor Jacob Nagel, former head of Israel's National Security Council; and Peter Jennings AO PSM, executive director of Peter Jennings Strategy Consultants. The discussion will examine the changing international security environment, threats to democratic nations and the strategic decisions likely to shape the coming decade.
The summit will also feature a conversation with a former Israeli Air Force commander, whose identity cannot be disclosed for security reasons, and an address by Amjad Taha, an Emirati expert in strategic and political affairs.
Another panel, "Changing the Conversation About Israel and the Middle East," will bring together voices from the region to discuss how public perceptions of Israel are changing and the role of media and communication in shaping those perceptions.
The program also includes an interview with the foreign minister of the Republic of Somaliland, and a closing conversation with Israeli Ambassador to Australia Hillel Newman.
Strengthening Jewish communities at a difficult time
For Australia's Jewish community, the summit comes amid growing concern about antisemitism, Jewish identity and the future of relations with Israel. Australia is home to an estimated 120,000 Jews, with major communities in Sydney and Melbourne. Despite its relatively small size, the community has played an influential role in Australian business, philanthropy, education and public life, while maintaining strong ties with Israel. Those relationships will be another central part of the conference.
Mark Leibler AC, senior partner at Arnold Bloch Leibler and national chairman of the Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council, will take part in a special interview on Australian Jewish leadership and the challenges facing the community. A panel on "Confronting Antisemitism and Defending Our Values" will feature Professor Catharine Lumby of the University of Sydney; former Waverley mayor Will Nemesh; Australian Army veteran and 2023 Foundation founder Michael Scott; and Lauren Placks, co-founder of Ripple Effect. The discussion will focus on antisemitism in Australian public life and the responsibility of institutions, educators, policymakers and community leaders to respond.
Another session, "Securing the Jewish Future," will feature Robert Singer, chairman of Spero and former CEO of the World Jewish Congress; Rabbi Levi Wolff, chief rabbi of Sydney's Central Synagogue; and Meir Holtz, CEO of Masa Israel Journey.
Together, they will examine how Jewish communities can strengthen identity, develop future leaders and deepen connections with Israel.
The program will also address the human impact of tragedy and the importance of community resilience.
A special discussion, "When Tragedy Strikes, The Courage to Respond," will bring together ZAKA representative Yossi Landau and Alexandra Edmondson, a first responder and survivor of the Bondi massacre, to share their experiences of responding to tragedy.
The summit will also look at Israel's recovery following the October 7 attacks and subsequent war, including efforts to rebuild communities in the country's north.
Edna Weinstock-Gabay, CEO and director-general of Keren Hayesod–United Israel Appeal; Yair Miller OAM, chief executive officer of United Israel Appeal Australia; and Sivan Yechieli, CEO of i4Valley and general partner at i4v.fund, will discuss the challenges and opportunities involved in rebuilding communities, restoring economic activity and creating a stronger future for northern Israel.
Mark Leibler AC, senior partner at Arnold Bloch Leibler and national chairman of the Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council, will take part in a special interview on Australian Jewish leadership and the challenges facing the community. A panel on "Confronting Antisemitism and Defending Our Values" will feature Professor Catharine Lumby of the University of Sydney; former Waverley mayor Will Nemesh; Australian Army veteran and 2023 Foundation founder Michael Scott; and Lauren Placks, co-founder of Ripple Effect. The discussion will focus on antisemitism in Australian public life and the responsibility of institutions, educators, policymakers and community leaders to respond.
Another session, "Securing the Jewish Future," will feature Robert Singer, chairman of Spero and former CEO of the World Jewish Congress; Rabbi Levi Wolff, chief rabbi of Sydney's Central Synagogue; and Meir Holtz, CEO of Masa Israel Journey.
Together, they will examine how Jewish communities can strengthen identity, develop future leaders and deepen connections with Israel.
The program will also address the human impact of tragedy and the importance of community resilience.
A special discussion, "When Tragedy Strikes, The Courage to Respond," will bring together ZAKA representative Yossi Landau and Alexandra Edmondson, a first responder and survivor of the Bondi massacre, to share their experiences of responding to tragedy.
The summit will also look at Israel's recovery following the October 7 attacks and subsequent war, including efforts to rebuild communities in the country's north.
Edna Weinstock-Gabay, CEO and director-general of Keren Hayesod–United Israel Appeal; Yair Miller OAM, chief executive officer of United Israel Appeal Australia; and Sivan Yechieli, CEO of i4Valley and general partner at i4v.fund, will discuss the challenges and opportunities involved in rebuilding communities, restoring economic activity and creating a stronger future for northern Israel.
Building partnerships beyond the conference
The Jerusalem Post Australia Summit is being presented in partnership with Arnold Bloch Leibler, Keren Hayesod and United Israel Appeal Australia, alongside other community and strategic partners.
For Israeli companies, the gathering offers an opportunity to meet Australian business leaders and explore a market with considerable potential. For Australian investors and executives, it provides access to Israeli innovation and to the people developing technologies and businesses with global applications. The summit will also provide a platform for discussing the future of the Australia-Israel relationship at a time when political tensions have often dominated the headlines.
As Israeli Ambassador Newman recently told The Jerusalem Post, personal relationships can play a significant role in advancing cooperation between the two countries.
"If one gets the phone number and the personal connection, the chemistry with the person, it makes a big difference," Newman said.
That is ultimately one of the goals of the November gathering: to bring people together, create opportunities for meaningful conversations and build relationships that continue long after the conference ends.
The Jerusalem Post Australia Summit 2026 will take place in Sydney on November 19. For the full program, speaker lineup and tickets, visit www.jpost.com/australia2026. For last-minute partnership opportunities, contact conferencep@jpost.com.
For Israeli companies, the gathering offers an opportunity to meet Australian business leaders and explore a market with considerable potential. For Australian investors and executives, it provides access to Israeli innovation and to the people developing technologies and businesses with global applications. The summit will also provide a platform for discussing the future of the Australia-Israel relationship at a time when political tensions have often dominated the headlines.
As Israeli Ambassador Newman recently told The Jerusalem Post, personal relationships can play a significant role in advancing cooperation between the two countries.
"If one gets the phone number and the personal connection, the chemistry with the person, it makes a big difference," Newman said.
That is ultimately one of the goals of the November gathering: to bring people together, create opportunities for meaningful conversations and build relationships that continue long after the conference ends.
The Jerusalem Post Australia Summit 2026 will take place in Sydney on November 19. For the full program, speaker lineup and tickets, visit www.jpost.com/australia2026. For last-minute partnership opportunities, contact conferencep@jpost.com.