AJC CEO Strengthens Australian-Jewish Relations During Critical Visit

September 5, 2025

By Ted Deutch, AJC Chief Executive Officer

In a significant diplomatic mission, American Jewish Committee (AJC) CEO Ted Deutch completed a comprehensive visit to Australia, standing in solidarity with the Jewish community while engaging in high-level advocacy with government officials in Canberra.

High-Level Government Engagement

During his visit, Deutch conducted crucial meetings with leaders across Australia’s political landscape, including officials from the Foreign Ministry, the Prime Minister’s office, and Parliament members. The primary objective was clear: ensuring that antisemitism never becomes normalized in Australian society.

“We advocated in Canberra, the nation’s capital, meeting with leaders in the Foreign Ministry, the Prime Minister’s office, and Parliament, telling them we expect them to lead and never let antisemitism become normalized,” Deutch stated during his visit.

Palestinian State Recognition Concerns

Following government meetings, Deutch addressed a critical diplomatic issue by sending a formal letter to Foreign Minister Penny Wong. The correspondence expressed AJC’s deep concern regarding Australia’s announced intention to recognize a Palestinian state at the upcoming UN General Assembly session.

Deutch emphasized that proceeding with this recognition “empowers rejectionist actors and undermines the chances for peace,” particularly noting that commitments from the Palestinian Authority, which the government cited as contingent factors, have not been met.

Iran’s Attack on Melbourne Synagogue

A particularly sobering aspect of the visit involved Deutch’s attendance at the site of the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne, which was targeted in an Iran-orchestrated arson attack. This incident underscored the global nature of threats facing Jewish communities.

“We learned last week that the Iranian regime orchestrated the arson attack committed against Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne, Australia. I’m here to remind the world that this was not only an attack on Australian Jews, but global Jewry and all of Australia,” Deutch declared.

Key Advocacy Points

Strengthened US-Australia cooperation on Jewish community protection
Engaged with young Jewish leaders through AUJS roundtable
Addressed nuclear violations and UN sanctions on Iran
Continued advocacy for Israeli hostages (700 days since October 7)
Parliamentary advocacy for Australian Jewish community safety

US Embassy Collaboration

Deutch also met with Chargée d’Affaires Erika Olson at the U.S. Embassy in Canberra to discuss how the United States can better support Australia in protecting its Jewish community, emphasizing shared values and collaborative approaches to combating antisemitism.

Global Context and Continuing Mission

The Australian visit forms part of AJC’s broader global advocacy efforts, with Deutch noting his continued travel to Israel to maintain solidarity with the Jewish state. The mission emphasizes the interconnected nature of Jewish communities worldwide and the need for sustained international cooperation in addressing antisemitism and security threats.

As Deutch concluded his visit, he reinforced AJC’s unwavering commitment: “We will never stop demanding justice for the victims. We will never stop calling for the return of every hostage. And we will never forget the atrocities committed 700 days ago.”