Security fears shelve Daniel Andrews’ Israel travel plans

Daniel Andrews’ plans to travel to Israel have been pushed back over security concerns, as new details about the former premier’s post-politics advocacy come to light.

Daniel Andrews has had his Israel travel plans pushed back due to security concerns as new light is shed on the former premier’s post-politics advocacy.

The ex-Labor leader was set to join a high-profile delegation headed for Israel this week to visit the communities targeted by Hamas during the October 7 terrorist attacks, meet key Israeli figures and learn from Israel’s world-leading innovation and technology start-ups.

Prominent lawyer and president of the Zionist Federation of Australia Jeremy Leibler was due to host Mr Andrews, alongside NSW Liberal senator – and former ambassador to Israel – Dave Sharma.

But due to escalating threats from Iran, last month, the pair’s bipartisan trip has been delayed until November.

Mr Leibler, who has previously taken other prominent politicians including former prime minister John Howard to Israel, will fly over to the Jewish homeland with a group of 25 others this week before returning again in November.

Daniel Andrews’ plans to travel to Israel have been postponed. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

Sources told the Herald Sun Mr Andrews – a longtime supporter of Israel and a driving force against anti-Semitism – has remained a solid advocate for the Jewish community since his shock resignation in September.

One prominent figure suggested that the former premier has been helping his successor, Jacinta Allan, understand the complexity of the Jewish community and its connection to Israel.

“I know of at least one instance where Daniel counselled Jacinta on her engagement with the Jewish community,” they said.

“It’s only natural that her predecessor who was very well acquainted with the community and Israel should give her some advice.”

The Herald Sun understands Mr Andrews met with some of Melbourne’s most high-profile philanthropists and arts names in April at Arnold Bloch Leibler’s offices following the mass doxxing of 600 Jewish artists, writers and performers.

The group of 20, both Jewish and non-Jewish, are believed to have included representatives from the Besen and Schwartz families – some of Australia’s most prominent philanthropists.

It’s understood attendees raised concerns about recipients of awards and donations from Jewish-owned organisations being given to individuals or groups who expressed antisemitic sentiments.

Due to escalating threats from Iran, Daniel Andrews and Dave Sharma’s bipartisan trip has been delayed until November. Picture: Getty Images

In October, ABL cut ties with the Melbourne arts precinct Collingwood Yards after signs labelling Israelis “dumb white dogs” were erected outside Hope St Radio ahead of a pro-Palestinian rally.

The law firm had previously donated more than $1m in pro bono legal services to the arts collective.

Mr Andrews is believed to have inquired about the group’s experiences in Victoria amid rising antiSemitism.

Word of what the former Labor leader’s post-politics business dealings consist of have been drip-fed since his retirement.

In January it was revealed he had teamed up with his former adviser on China Zheng Wei

in a new business aiming to attract foreign investment to Victoria.

Mr Andrews registered two companies, including Glencairn Street Pty Ltd and Wedgetail Partners Pty Ltd.

It appears he has now jumped on board with metal mining magnate Andrew “Twiggy” Forrest to help sell the billionaire’s green iron to China.