A parliamentary tribute to Vic Alhadeff
Liberal MP Julian Leeser has told federal parliament the CEO of The New South Wales Jewish Board of Deputies Vic Alhadeff is “one of the great men of multiculturalism in Australia and one of our most recognisable and respected community leaders”.
After 16 years, Vic Alhadeff has announced his retirement.
Vic Alhadeff
Alhadeff said he was “deeply humbled” by Leeser’s remarks. “If he had made those comments in his Canberra garage I would have been touched, but to have my work acknowledged in the nation’s Federal Parliament, and so movingly and articulately, is something which will remain with me for always.”
Vic Alhadeff, CEO of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies is stepping down after 16 years at the helm.
Vic is one of the great men of multiculturalism in Australia and one of our most recognisable and respected community leaders.
A few years ago a bipartisan group of MPs rated Vic the most influential community leader in NSW.
Vic is effective because he is knowledgeable and engaging.
Julian Leeser and Vic Alhadeff
He is forthright in putting his case – not only in calling out antisemitism and defending the State of Israel but also calling out hatred directed to other groups as well – cognisant of the wisdom of Jonathans Sacks that “The hate that begins with Jews never ends with Jews.”
Vic has built coalitions across many different communities and was the spokesman for the Keep NSW Safe campaign, which resulted in reforms to NSW’s laws regarding incitement to violence on the basis of religion, race and sexuality.
He has spearheaded initiatives to ensure holocaust education is part of the curriculum.
He conducted highly impactful trips to Israel for emerging political leaders, journalists and NGOs.
Vic, who can trace his roots to Rhodes, Zimbabwe and South Africa where he was a prominent anti-apartheid journalist, has been a fixture in the Jewish community since he migrated here.
Prior to being the CEO of the Board he was editor of the Jewish News.
Throughout all his endeavours he has been supported by his wonderful wife Nadene, herself a great ambassador for the Jewish people.
No doubt the next phase of Vic’s life will bring more time for marathons and more time for Nadene and his grandchildren.
Vic Alhadeff we salute you.
Kol Hakavod.
