Publications & Commentary
Award-Winning Books and Four Decades of Journalism
Let My People Go: The Untold Story of Australia and the Soviet Jews, 1959-89
A compelling narrative that reveals for the first time how Australia became one of the world's most significant players in advocating for Soviet Jews during the Cold War. This groundbreaking work documents the extraordinary efforts of Australian Jewish community leaders, politicians, and citizens who fought for the freedom of Soviet Jewry from 1959 to 1989.
Sam Lipski and Suzanne D. Rutland at the "Let My People Go" book launch
About the Book
Drawing on extensive archival research, personal interviews, and previously classified documents, "Let My People Go" reveals how a relatively small Jewish community in a distant country punched well above its weight in the global campaign for Soviet Jewry. The book documents key moments including:
The establishment of the Victorian Council on Soviet Jewry and its national counterpart, pioneering advocacy strategies that influenced international efforts; high-level diplomatic engagement with Soviet officials, including unprecedented visits by Australian parliamentarians to the USSR; coordination with Jewish communities worldwide to maintain pressure on the Soviet government; and the successful immigration of thousands of Soviet Jews to Australia, transforming the Australian Jewish community.
Historical Significance
The Soviet Jewry movement was one of the most successful international human rights campaigns of the Cold War era. While much has been written about the American and Israeli roles, the Australian contribution has remained largely unknown until now. This book fills that crucial gap, demonstrating how Australia's geographic distance from the USSR paradoxically became an advantage, allowing for frank diplomatic exchanges that were impossible for countries more directly involved in Cold War tensions.
Impact and Legacy
Since its publication, "Let My People Go" has become an essential reference for scholars studying the Soviet Jewry movement, Cold War history, and human rights advocacy. The book has been used in university courses and has sparked renewed interest in this important chapter of history.
The collaboration between Sam Lipski, with his deep knowledge of Jewish community affairs and journalistic expertise, and Professor Suzanne D. Rutland, a distinguished historian, resulted in a work that combines scholarly depth with narrative accessibility. Their combined expertise ensured that the book would appeal to both academic audiences and the broader public.
Articles & Commentary
This section contains a selection of Sam Lipski's written archive. AJN columns from November 2016 to October 2020 are available on request. For more information or other queries, please contact via the contact page.
Commentary on Current Affairs
Regular columns for The Spectator magazine covering politics, culture, and international affairs.
Community Commentary (2006-2020)
Regular columns covering Jewish community affairs, Australian politics, international relations, and cultural commentary.
- • America's all set for its first Jewish S-i-lotus (October 14, 2016)
- • Aussie Jewish history must be present in the future (September 2, 2016)
- • Dates for your diary (August 5, 2016)
- • Dangerous Donald (June 10, 2016)
- • Taking Israeli dance to China, the world (May 6, 2016)
- • Functioning in the face of terror (April 1, 2016)
- • As Jewish American as Apple Pie? (February 26, 2016)
- • Gazing into our future (January 15, 2016)
- • Bringing Water to the World (December 4, 2015)
- • Facing up to the uncomfortable truth (October 23, 2015)
- • Reflections while spending the new year in New York (September 25, 2015)
- • Theodore Bikel: The singer of his people (August 14, 2015)
- • Greece is the word for Israel (July 10, 2015)
- • Wouk and remembrance (June 5, 2015)
- • From Gallipoli to Israel (April 24, 2015)
- • If 25 per cent is a landslide, reform is vital (March 27, 2015)
- • The first rule of kiddush club...... (February 13, 2015)
- • My goodness, my Guinness (October 3, 2014)
- • The Media Battleground (September 5, 2014)
- • Dark forces are stirring (May 23, 2014)
- • Matzah Ball Maven's Musings (April 18, 2014)
- • A Worrying Thought (December 20, 2013)
- • Oseh Shema Revisited: picking the top of the Jewish pops (October 25, 2013)
- • Something to chew on (Bagel column) (September 20, 2013)
- • Learning a French lesson…but not at home (November 20, 2012)
- • The so-called Jewish vote (November 2, 2012)
- • Inspired by a woman's voice (October 5, 2012)
- • Putting the past in focus (July 20, 2012)
- • God save our gracious prayer (June 8, 2012)
- • Waging War on the Web (May 4, 2012)
- • The Exodus Revisited (March 30, 2012)
- • The Bad News for 2012 (January 20, 2012)
- • Poland's New Reality (December 9, 2011)
- • A Sound Investment in our Birthright? (November 4, 2011)
- • The Changing Nature of UN Support for Statehood (September 30, 2011)
- • Welcome Greeks Bearing Gifts (August 19, 2011)
- • First round in the Bibi vs Obama world game (May 27, 2011)
- • A skinny flat white Seder (April 22, 2011)
- • You say you want a revolution (March 18, 2011)
- • The challenge on continuity (February 4, 2011)
- • The Court Jew (January 7, 2011)
- • A chance encounter? (November 26, 2010)
- • Masorti minus prize preachers (October 22, 2010)
- • Surprising friendship forged through an existential threat (September 24, 2010)
- • Clinton wedding puts focus on intermarriage challenge (August 13, 2010)
- • Recalling lessons we learnt in a bygone age (June 25, 2010)
- • True faith in Aussie Rules (May 21, 2010)
- • Finny 'cause it's true (March 12, 2010)
- • Peres' political persona (February 12, 2010)
- • Facing up to the future (December 25, 2009)
- • Don't deck the halls with doughnuts and dreidels (December 14, 2009)
- • Save the Deli (October 16, 2009)
- • Remembering the Scientist that fed the world (September 18, 2009)
- • Providing Fodder for the Mavens (September 4, 2009)
- • MasterChef for the Jews (July 24, 2009)
- • Israel's Existential Threats (June 26, 2009)
- • The Luxurity of Diversity (May 29, 2009)
- • Chutzpah: it's Australian for ... (April 3, 2009)
- • Dreaming of a Tim Tam Pesach (March 6, 2009)
- • The oil jug is running low (February 6, 2009)
- • Crystal-balling 2009 (January 9, 2009)
- • The loudest prayer of all (November 28, 2008)
- • What's good for the Jews? (October 31, 2008)
- • Chaim Potok, fried onions and coffee (October 3, 2008)
- • Time for a new age (September 5, 2008)
- • The most pro-Zionist leader of them all (August 8, 2008)
- • Tribute to a mensch at 90 (July 10, 2008)
- • Urging all Australian Jews: go to Poland (June 12, 2008)
- • Eyewitnesses to history (March 21, 2008)
- • What makes a great speech? (February 22, 2008)
- • A worrying test (January 25, 2008)
- • Spying or lobbying? The jury's still out (December 6, 2007)
- • 'It's a boy ...' (November 2, 2007)
- • And the score is: Yale 1, Columbia 0 (October 5, 2007)
- • When there's a will, there's a way (September 7, 2007)
- • Sixteen years of success and growth (August 3, 2007)
- • The numbers add up for Australian Jewry (July 9, 2007)
- • The divisive power of overwhelming victory (June 8, 2007)
- • Time to do away with school homework (May 11, 2007)
- • A new siddur reflects the changing times (April 13, 2007)
- • The truly important news: Israel's deteriorating image (March 16, 2007)
- • UN Holocaust Day has ulterior motives (February 5, 2007)
- • Fearless – and possibly reckless – predictions for 2007 (January 12, 2007)
- • The lost honour of Australian history (December 8, 2006)
- • Yiddish journalism is alive and kicking (November 10, 2006)
- • Thanks Gareth, but reality bites (October 13, 2006)
- • The high fertility rate of Australian shuls (September 15, 2006)
- • The Australian comes to Israel's defence (August 18, 2006)
- • Great Olmert speech – little Diaspora support (July 21, 2006)
- • For want of a better word (June 29, 2006)
- • Other columns - February-May 2006
Television & Documentary Work
- "The Petrov Affair" - 1987 TV mini-series, Associate Producer and original concept
- "Bitter Herbs and Honey" - 1981 film, video and audio clips
- Four Corners - Executive Producer (1968)
Additional Resources
Strategic Philanthropy: Beyond Traditional Giving
A series of articles exploring the concept of "philanthrocracy" and how strategic, focused philanthropic investment can create transformative change. Sam outlines the principles of treating philanthropy as "venture capital for the public good."
The Evolving Role of Community Journalism
Articles examining the challenges and opportunities facing community media in the digital age, drawing on Sam's experience as editor-in-chief of The Australian Jewish News and his insights into maintaining editorial standards and community engagement.
Journalism & Editorial Leadership
The Australian Jewish News
As editor-in-chief, Sam Lipski shaped one of Australia's most important community publications for years, setting high standards for Jewish journalism in Australia and contributing significantly to public discourse on matters affecting the Jewish community and broader Australian society.
The Australia-Israel Review
Founded by Sam Lipski, this publication became a leading voice in analyzing and promoting understanding of Australia-Israel relations. The Review played a crucial role in the establishment of the Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council (AIJAC) and continues to influence policy discussions.
Contributions to Public Discourse
Throughout his more than forty-year career, Sam has contributed extensively to national and international media, offering thoughtful analysis on issues ranging from media ethics to international relations, education policy, and philanthropic strategy.
Strategic Philanthropy
Through various articles, speeches, and presentations, Sam has shared his pioneering insights on strategic philanthropy, articulating the philosophy of "venture capital for the public good" and influencing a new generation of philanthropic leaders.
A Journalist's Legacy
Sam Lipski's contributions to journalism and literature reflect a career dedicated to thoughtful analysis, meticulous research, and clear communication. From daily journalism to award-winning historical scholarship, his work demonstrates a consistent commitment to excellence and a deep engagement with the issues that shape our world.
Judges' Comments