Dr Tony Abbott
Former Liberal Prime Minister Tony Abbott has received an honorary doctorate from Tel Aviv University.
Prof. Joseph Klafter, President of TAU, Dr Tony Abbott and Prof. Yaron Oz, Rector of TAU.
Tel Aviv University has conferred an Honorary Doctorate Degree upon the Tony Abbott, Prime Minister of Australia from 2013 to 2015, who also served as leader of the Opposition from 2009 to 2013, and has been a Member of the Australian Parliament for more than two decades – since 1994.
Tony Abbott was honoured in recognition of: his exemplary statesmanship in promoting freedom, democracy and human rights; his dynamic political career in the service of the Australian people spanning decades, including as Prime Minister and as Leader of the Opposition; his compassionate and principled support for the Australian indigenous community; his abiding friendship with the Australian Jewish community and courageous role in combating antisemitism and other extremist views; and his unwavering and forthright support for the State of Israel, including his endeavours to strengthen Israel-Australia ties.
Tel Aviv University annually confers its honorary degrees upon several chosen individuals from Israel and around the globe, whose meaningful contributions to humanity merit the highest recognition. Laureates for 2017, alongside Tony Abbott, include such distinguished figures as Dr. Mario Draghi – President of the European Central Bank, Ratan N. Tata – renowned Indian businessman and leader of the global Tata Group and Prof. Qui Yong, President of Tsinghua University in Beijing.
Tony Abbott addressed a geopolitical symposium being held at the University.
Tony Abbott with Australian ambassador Dave Sharma
