On 21 November 2007, it was alleged Jackson had "espoused anti-Zionism" during her tenure in the NUS. "The Australian" reported on its front page a leaked email which Jackson had addressed to "Dear Activists", stating "I oppose Zionism because it calls for the creation of a Jewish state, and I think all governments should be secular". The incident attracted significant media coverage because of Jackson's role as a staffer for candidate George Newhouse whose electorate of Wentworth has the highest Jewish population of any in Australia. The "Australian Jewish News" said Jackson's comments "attacked the heart and soul of every Jewish voter". Jackson said she had not understood the definition of Zionism at the time she wrote the email, saying "I support Israel."