A prominent Jewish community leader will seek an urgent meeting with Foreign Minister Bob Carr with the hope Australia will yet oppose a Palestinian seat in the United Nations.

Philip Chester, president of the Zionist Federation of Australia, said time was of the essence before the Palestinian bid is put to the vote in New York on Thursday (around 7.30 am Friday).

''We’re exploring that right now,'' Mr Chester said.

''Our aim is to talk to the Foreign Minister at the first instance, others we have to think about.''