AJN: Stand up and be counted. This is the message Australian Jewish leaders are sending the community ahead of the 2006 Census, which will take place on August 8. By declaring their religion, they argue, members of the Jewish community will contribute towards providing accurate data on the number of Australian Jews, which can affect government funding and the allocation of resources.

In the past, some Jews, especially Holocaust survivors, have been reluctant to declare their religion on the census for fear of antisemitic reprisal, or because of apathy.

Executive Council of Australian Jewry president Grahame Leonard said the Census questions relating to religious affiliation and nationality were among the �most significant� on the national survey.

�They have a crucial influence on the ability of our communities to receive grants and other financial assistance from the government.�

The census also allows the community to better plan childcare, educational and aged-care services, he said.