Hebrew Uni update
The Australian Friends of the Hebrew University recently held its Federal AGM in Surfers Paradise and its Victorian AGM in Melbourne.
Robert Simons with Professor Ronnie Friedman
Re-elected as Federal President were Robert Simons, Treasurer Philip Moses and Secretary Jonathon Goodman. Additional board members are NSW President Michael Dunkel, Victorian President Grahame Leonard and Prof Peter Winterton from Perth.
Visiting from Israel was Hebrew University Professor Ronnie Friedman, Vice President for External Affairs and University Advancement who, alongside Senator Brett Mason, Federal Parliamentary Secretary, Foreign Affairs, addressed the Gold Coast community .
In Melbourne, the Australian Friends of the Hebrew University-Victorian Division had a change of guard at its Annual General Meeting held on Sunday 23 November.
After 3 years as President, Larry Gandler handed over the reins to Grahame Leonard. Grahame brings many years of experience with him from within the Jewish community and more broadly in his role as a Victorian Multicultural Commissioner.
Grahame began his Presidency with nominations for new board members and outlined his vision for new portfolios. Robert Simons AM, Federal President thanked Larry for his commitment and welcomed Grahame into the role. An event was held in the evening at Beth Weizmann with speakers, Prof Ronnie Friedman, Vice President for External Affairs and University Advancement and Prof Greg Barton. Prof Barton spoke on the rise of the Islamic State, challenges posed to global stability and the implications for Australia and Israel. The successful event was attended by 200 people.
The full Victorian Board for 2015 is:
Mr Grahame Leonard President
Dr Mervyn Cass Organizational Development Portfolio (Increase membership/Yearbook)
Mr Larry Gandler Collaborative Research Portfolio
Dr Rolene Lamm Education Portfolio
Mr Jeff Morrison Event Management Portfolio
Ms Talia Raab Alumni Portfolio
Mr Evan Thornley Community Liaison Portfolio
Lady Anna Cowen Patron
