In the vibrant landscape of Australian political discourse, few figures have generated as much discussion within the Jewish community and beyond as Dr. David Adler, the long-standing President of the Australian Jewish Association (AJA). Established in 2017, the AJA, under Adler's leadership, has positioned itself as a centre-right conservative organisation providing a self-proclaimed "principled voice" grounded in Torah values and unwavering support for Israel. But who is David Adler, and what are the politically charged connections that define his and the AJA's influence?
A medical graduate from the University of New South Wales with over 35 years of experience and a former Deputy Medical Secretary of the Australian Medical Association (AMA), Adler stepped into the political arena with the formation of the AJA. The organisation emerged from a sentiment within a segment of the Jewish community that felt existing bodies were "drifting away from important values" by becoming too politically left-leaning and embracing "woke causes". Adler articulated that many in the community desired a "more principled voice, a stronger voice, a clearer voice".
A Strong Conservative Voice:
True to its founding principles, the AJA, under Adler's guidance, has become an outspoken voice on a range of politically sensitive issues. A central tenet of their advocacy is an unyielding support for Israel as the Jewish homeland. This stance informs much of their political engagement, including their strong opposition to Australian funding for UNRWA, which they vehemently label a "terrorists Factory". Adler has actively campaigned against this funding, citing concerns about Hamas's integration within the agency and incitement in its educational materials. Their efforts have seen some success, with Australia halving its UNRWA contributions.
Domestically, Adler and the AJA have consistently advocated for the formal adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism in Australia, viewing it as a crucial tool in combating rising antisemitism. Adler himself has actively lobbied parliamentarians on this issue. Furthermore, the AJA is a vocal proponent of free speech, aligning with conservative principles in opposing restrictions like section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act. Adler has also been critical of what he perceives as a "woke" agenda, questioning topics such as the teaching of "gender fluidity" in schools.
Connections to the Right Wing:
The AJA's conservative ideology has naturally led to connections with various right-wing entities within the Australian political landscape. The organisation was "quickly welcomed by the political centre-right and conservative side". Adler is a member of the Advisory Council for Advance Australia, a prominent conservative activist group that played a significant role in the campaign against the Indigenous Voice to Parliament. This connection places Adler within a network that includes figures like former Liberal Prime Minister Tony Abbott, a strategic advisor to Advance Australia.
The AJA also maintains "good relationships with many leading think tanks", with the Institute of Public Affairs (IPA) and the Centre for Independent Studies (CIS) being identified as ideological allies. These think tanks are significant players in shaping conservative policy in Australia and have been linked to the US-based Atlas Network, a global network of free-market think tanks. While direct links between Adler or the AJA and the Atlas Network aren't explicitly detailed, the alignment of their conservative principles and connections to Atlas-affiliated organisations like Advance Australia, IPA, and CIS suggest an indirect association.
Furthermore, Adler and the AJA actively engage with conservative media outlets such as Sky News Australia and The Spectator Magazine, with Adler himself being a frequent commentator. He has also spoken at events like CPAC Australia, a conference that draws conservative figures, further solidifying his connections within these circles.
Navigating the Political Landscape:
The AJA's political leanings are evident in its engagement with political parties. They seem to have a close alignment with the Liberal National Party (LNP), with Adler and the AJA maintaining "good relationships with many senators and members of parliament". Adler has personally met with numerous parliamentarians to advocate for the AJA's policy positions. Conversely, the AJA has been a vocal critic of the Australian Labor Party (ALP), particularly regarding its stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, accusing them of moving towards the "Corbynization" of the party and embracing "Palestinian terror". They have also openly attacked other political parties like the Greens, accusing them of being terrorist supporters.
Potential Links to Hasbara:
Given the AJA's strong pro-Israel advocacy, conservative political alignment, and active media engagement, some sources suggest a potential alignment with or association with Hasbara, the strategic communications effort by the Israeli government and its supporters to shape public opinion in favour of Israel. While the sources don't provide evidence of direct formal links or funding from Israeli government entities, the AJA's objectives and tactics resonate with the broader goals of Hasbara. One source explicitly labels the AJA as associated with "hasbara".
Hasbara's Impact on Australian Politics and Society
The sources suggest that Hasbara is having a detrimental effect on Australian politics and social cohesion. Some of the key impacts include:
1
Foreign Interference: Pro-Israel lobby groups, some of which are publicly funded charities, are accused of acting as agents of foreign interference in Australia. These groups are also accused of attacking Australian political parties for not supporting Israel enough.
2
Demonization Tactics: Hasbara tactics include demonizing Muslims, Arabs, and particularly Palestinians, as well as anyone who supports peace or criticizes the Israeli government.
3
Media Influence: The mainstream media is accused of being "cowed" into accepting the hasbara narrative or running with it for its own political agendas, thereby failing to investigate the issue effectively.
4
Division of the Jewish Community: Many Jewish Australians oppose the actions of Zionist groups and their hasbara tactics, but their voices are often drowned out by the "cacophony of whining victimhood" coming from these organisations].
5
Lobbying and Political Activity: Some charities are accused of engaging in political lobbying, which is against the rules of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission. The Australian Jewish Association (AJA), for example, is identified as a charity that openly attacks political parties, and seems closely linked to the LNP. David Adler (who has been President), for example:
David Adler and Tony Abbott: Advance backers: Adler (AJA) and LNP involved in QLD: Other interactions: One interesting quote includes; "Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council national chairman Mark Leibler, a prominent Indigenous rights activist who co-chaired the Referendum Council, said that due to the AJA’s “misleading name”, it is very important for people within the Jewish community, but also people outside the Jewish community, to “understand that this organisation and this person, they do not speak for us”."
Controversies and Criticisms:
Despite its prominent voice, the AJA and Dr. Adler are not without controversy. Their hardline stances have led to them being labelled "extremist" by mainstream Jewish organisations like the Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ) and the Australia Israel Jewish Affairs Council (AIJAC). Prominent figures within the Jewish community, such as Mark Leibler, have publicly stated that Adler and the AJA "do not speak for us". Adler has also faced criticism for controversial comments regarding Indigenous Australians. Furthermore, the AJA's focus and methods have created tensions within the Australian Jewish community, with mainstream organisations distancing themselves.
Conclusion:
Dr. David Adler, through his leadership of the Australian Jewish Association, has carved out a significant and often contentious space within Australian politics. Driven by a strong conservative ideology and an unwavering commitment to Israel, he and the AJA have become influential voices on issues ranging from antisemitism and foreign policy to domestic social debates. Their connections to right-wing think tanks, political figures, and media outlets highlight their active role in shaping the conservative side of the Australian political spectrum. However, their hardline positions and controversial statements have also made them a divisive force, drawing criticism from within and outside the Jewish community. As Australian politics continues to evolve, the role and influence of Dr. David Adler and the Australian Jewish Association should be monitored and scrutinised.
Sources: https://www.auspol.info/2025/01/is-foreign-interference-undermining.html