Antisemitism isn’t just a historical relic or a distant concern—it’s a present and growing threat with dire consequences for Western civilisation. The events of 7 October 2023, exposed a harsh reality in Australia: an eruption of irrational hostility from political circles, academia, media, and the broader community. I did not expect to see such venom and ignorance so close to home. But after thirty years serving in the Australian Army, I know that shock alone achieves nothing. Action does.
That’s why I founded The 2023 Foundation—a nascent global harm- minimisation charity committed to fighting antisemitism and fostering peaceful coexistence. Our approach is clear: Together, we will prevail.
The purpose of this article is to introduce myself and The 2023 Foundation; and to overview the legacy I am in the process of creating.
My name is Michael Scott and I was born in Mt Isa, Queensland. The son of a Geologist father and Pharmacist mother. I have two siblings who reside with their families in south east Queensland where I spent my schooling. I am a proud and patriotic Australian—a husband, father, veteran, and unapologetic Zionist. My Zionism came not from religion—though I identify as a Christian. Rather, it was the professional study of warfare that first opened my eyes to Israel’s extraordinary story. More than 20 years ago, a commanding officer told me, “Michael, as part of your professional development, you must study Israel’s wars.” I took his advice, I ‘awakened’ in that I could empathise, relate and understand. My love of Israel has deepened from there.
At 17 years of age I joined the Army. My first career has been an extraordinary experience of service and sacrifice. I was fortunate to serve in East Timor and Bougainville, Iraq and Afghanistan—twice. Between 2019 and 2021, I lived in Jerusalem while serving as a military peacekeeper with the United Nations. Those years gave me a deeper understanding of Israel’s resilience, ingenuity, and moral compass. So when the antisemitic backlash erupted after 7 October, my wife—also a resident of Jerusalem—and I made a decision: we will not be bystanders.
To the Jewish community and Christian Zionists who have borne the brunt of the slander and vilification for so long, hear this—you are not alone. Many stand with you. Many refuse to stay silent in the face of lies and defamation. Antisemitism is surging, but The 2023 Foundation stands ready to fight it—not with words alone, but with action.
Our Mission: Building Bridges of Understanding
The 2023 Foundation was created to address the misperceptions that fuel antisemitism and division. Our strategy centres on immersive, hands-on experiences that cultivate empathy and understanding. We offer scholarships, industry placements, and cultural exchanges, allowing individuals to experience Israel’s complex realities firsthand.
What began in Australia is now expanding to the US and beyond, with the aim of creating a global network of allies. A colleague once reflected, “A love for Israel cannot be taught; it must be caught.” My own appreciation for Israel was not born from textbooks but from walking its streets, meeting its people, and witnessing its triumphs and challenges.
The media often presents Israel through a narrow, distorted lens. Israel is a pluralistic society that protects the rights of Jews, Christians, Muslims, Druze, and other minorities. During my time there, I cycled along roads that have since become symbols of tragedy. I had coffee in towns like Sderot and Ofakim, unaware that they would later be targeted by terror. The massacre at the Re’im music festival struck me deeply, as my 18-year-old daughter had attended a similar concert in Sydney on the same day. Friends were directly affected and one dear friend has a hostage in Gaza to this day. This personal connection drives my commitment to stand with Israel during its darkest moments.
Fighting Misinformation with Experience
Our Foundation directly counters movements like Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS), which aim to isolate Israel and block meaningful engagement. BDS promotes ignorance and division; we promote dialogue and understanding. By sponsoring trips and internships, we give participants the chance to witness Israel’s diversity, innovation, and resilience firsthand.
Our educational philosophy is inspired by Benjamin Franklin’s timeless words: “Tell me, and I forget; teach me, and I may remember; but involve me, and I learn.” Participants in our programmes engage with Israelis in real-world settings—whether through high-tech industry internships, cultural exchanges, or collaborative projects. They leave not just with knowledge but with personal connections to Israel’s people and values.
My philosophy is simple: to partner and collaborate. I believe we are all in this together, and I am genuine in my approach to helping others. I bring a unique skill set to this shared mission, and I look forward to connecting with others who, like me, are motivated to act and help shape a better tomorrow for future generations.
Deeds, Not Words
The 2023 Foundation’s motto, Facta non Verba—“Deeds, not Words”—guides every aspect of our work. We aim to reclaim the word ‘Zionist’ as a proud and positive identity, representing those who support a safe, secure, and democratic homeland for the Jewish people. Through meaningful experiences, we build bridges of understanding that can challenge and dismantle the harmful narratives spread by antisemitic movements.
As we look beyond the horizon of war and envision a future of peace, our mission becomes even more critical. History has shown that transformative ideas, when pursued with conviction, can change the course of nations. The vision of The 2023 Foundation is one such idea.
If you share our commitment to combating antisemitism, promoting peaceful coexistence, and fostering truth and understanding, I invite you get in contact. I am genuine in my desire to partner and collaborate. Together, we can help Israel not only defend its present but also win the peace and build a future founded on tolerance, truth, and shared humanity.
Let us walk this path together. For together, we will prevail!
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