May-16 Sydney: U.S. Ambassador to champion Human Rights
US Ambassador to Australia, Jeff Bleich will address over 2,000 attendees at the annual Human Rights Address to be held at the Sydney’s Central Synagogue on Love Power and Trust.
Ambassador Jeff Bleich
Bleich, 48, an over-achieving lawyer known for his work with more than 20 charity and community organisations is a good friend and long-time colleague of President Barack Obama. He became Ambassador to Australia in November last year, after a stint in the White House as Special Counsel to the President.
“As someone who believes deeply in human rights, I also believe that neither words on paper, nor military force, alone, can ever bring about true peace. That is why the rule-of-law depends upon the force of law – to secure human rights and safety.
In my view, the greatest impediment to peace and justice is a lack of trust. We worry that others will not reciprocate our love and so we withhold it. We worry that others will abuse their power and so we keep power only to ourselves. This is as true in human relations as it is in international relations. The challenge for society, for humanity, is – notwithstanding our fear – to always recognise that the ultimate goals are to extend our love and to channel and share our power to that end,” said Jeff Bleich.
Born on a US Army base in Germany in 1961, Bleich received his BA from Amherst College, a Masters in Public Policy from Harvard University, and his law degree from the University of California at Berkeley School of Law.
Outside his legal practice, he has a long-standing commitment to international law. He has taught international human rights at UC Berkeley’s School of Law, and written and lectured extensively on the international criminal court.
The B’nai B’rith Human Rights is a project of the Alfred Dreyfus Anti Defamation Unit (ADU). It is dedicated to addressing and curtailing racism (which often includes anti-semitism), prejudice, stereotyping and discrimination in a pro-active way through a variety of programs.
Jeff Bleich will speak on the topic – “Human Rights: Love, Power and Trust” on Sunday 16th May, commencing at 7pm at Central Synagogue (15 Bon Accord Avenue, Bondi Junction NSW). Ticketss will be available at the door…Bookings can be made via tel: (02) 9361 6035 or email: erniefrbnaibrith@ozemail.com.au (cost: Adults $25; Concession & Students $15.)
