ZFA mourns Arens
The Zionist Federation of Australia has sent its condolences to the family of the late Moshe Arens who passed away on Monday, aged 93.
Photo by Kobi Richter/TPS
Born in Lithuania, Arens spent his childhood in the United States. There, he joined the Zionist Youth Movement Betar which would go on to shape his love for Israel, the Zionist Movement and the teachings and philosophies of Jabotinsky.
Arens made Aliyah and entered political life after the devastating Yom Kippur War. Arens felt that Israel’s leadership had failed the country, and that his passion for Israel and its security could help move the country in a better direction. Arens eventually rose to great heights in Israeli politics. He served with distinction as Foreign Minister under Shamir and three times as Defense Minister in the Governments of Begin, Shamir and Netanyahu.
President of the ZFA, Jeremy Leibler said “Moshe Arens will be forever remembered as an Israeli statesman who believed wholeheartedly in Israel’s dual character as a Jewish and democratic state. He showed great skill as a politician and most importantly, was highly respected and liked across the political divide. Israel has lost a true ‘gentleman’ of Israeli politics”.
Arens is survived by his wife Muriel, four children and many grandchildren.
