2025 Australian Mayors Summit Against Antisemitism: Schedule

About the Summit

The 2025 Australian Mayors Summit Against Antisemitism is a landmark event and the first of its kind in Australia bringing together over 250 mayors, councillors, and community leaders in a united stand against rising antisemitism and hate.

Held on the Gold Coast from 3–5 September 2025, the Summit will showcase the vital role of local government in confronting antisemitism, fostering social cohesion, and strengthening inclusive, resilient communities. Through keynote addresses, expert panels, interactive workshops, and cultural programming, participants will gain practical tools, fresh insights, and a renewed commitment to building a more tolerant future together.

Buffet Breakfast
7:30 - 8:30 am

A casual start to the day for attendees to connect and prepare for the sessions ahead.

Opening Addresses
Welcome & Conference Overview

8:30 – 9:00 am

This powerful opening session sets the tone for the day, welcoming delegates from across Australia and outlining the urgent mission ahead, to confront rising antisemitism and strengthen our communities through leadership, policy and partnership

Understanding Antisemitism Today
9:00 – 9:45 am

Gain a clear and urgent picture of the evolving threats we face. This session delivers a powerful overview of global and local antisemitism trends, with data-driven insights from leading experts to inform action and sharpen perspective.

Morning Tea & Group Photo
9:45 – 10:15 am

From Extremism to Engagement: Understanding the Pathways Out of Hate
10:15 – 11:25 am

In this powerful and deeply personal session, two men who have operated on opposite sides of extremist movements come together to share their journeys out of hate. Jeff Schoep, once the leader of one of the largest neo-Nazi organisations in the United States, and Mubin Shaikh, a former extremist turned undercover counter-terrorism operative, will discuss the psychological, social, and ideological drivers of radicalisation and what it takes to walk away. Their conversation will offer crucial insights into prevention, disengagement, and the power of human transformation, vital knowledge for those working to prevent hate in their communities.

Council Leadership in Action
11:30 am – 12:15 pm

Hear directly from councils that have implemented formal antisemitism strategies, what worked, what they learned, and how others can use these lessons in their own municipalities.

Lunch & Holocaust Centre Exhibition
12:15 – 1:15 pm

An immersive experience presented by the Queensland Jewish Museum and March of the Living. Engage with holocaust survivor Suzi Smeed (82 years old) and explore the powerful legacy of remembrance and education in the fight against hate.

Securing Communities: Law Enforcement & Digital Threats
1:15 – 2:00 pm

Explore the critical intersection of hate and security. Law enforcement and digital leaders reveal how antisemitism manifests as a modern security threat, and how we can better protect communities online and offline.

Councils in Action: Defending Social Cohesion Locally - Case Studies
2:00 – 3:15 pm

In this solutions-focused session, local government leaders share practical examples of how they’ve tackled hate, strengthened unity, and led with inclusivity in challenging times.

Break
3:15 – 3:30 pm

Mayors Workshop: Building a City Action Plan
3:30 – 4:15 pm

An interactive working session for mayors to develop tangible local responses to antisemitism based on CAM’s Municipal Action Plan.

Closing Remarks
4:20 – 4:30 pm

Cocktails, Gala Reception & Dinner
6:30 – 10:00 pm

A celebratory evening showcasing local Jewish culture, community voices, and entertainment.

Optional Morning Activities
7:00 – 8:00 am

Choose between a walk along Gold Coast’s beautiful beach or a peaceful morning stretch session.

Breakfast & Survive to Tell VR Experience (with VR goggles)
8:30 – 9:15 am

During breakfast and at the close of the day, immerse yourself in Survive to Tell, a powerful virtual reality experience sharing the first-hand testimonies of survivors of October 7. Using VR goggles, you will be transported into their stories, hearing their voices, seeing their perspectives, and bearing witness to their resilience. This intimate encounter offers a deeply moving opportunity to connect with their experiences.

Testimony from a Holocaust Survivor
9:15 - 9:45 am

A moving and personal testimony from Suzi Smeed (82), a Noosa resident and child Holocaust survivor. She speaks with concern about the alarming increase in antisemitic violence; levels she has not witnessed since fleeing Hungary more than 75 years ago. Her story is a living reminder of why this work matters and a call to ensure the past is never repeated.

Indigenous and Jewish Community Collaboration:
9:45 – 10:30 am

Explore practical initiatives that foster respect and partnership across diverse communities. Led by renowned interfaith educators and advocates, this session highlights pathways for meaningful collaboration.

Break
10:30 - 10:45 am

Explore practical initiatives that foster respect and partnership across diverse communities. Led by renowned interfaith educators and advocates, this session highlights pathways for meaningful collaboration.

Local Strategies for Interfaith & Cross-Cultural Engagement
10:45 - 11:30 am

Presented by Together for Humanity, this panel discusses practical strategies and real-world lessons from the frontline of interfaith education and local community initiatives.

Final Words
11:30 - 11:45 am

Delegate Departures
From midday

Optional lunch with Mubin Shaikh, Jeff Schoep and Acacia Dietz to discuss the rise of extremism, and the work of the Simon Wiesenthal Center and the Mobile Museum of Tolerance.