Rudd reaffirms friendship with Israel
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd reaffirmed his association with Israel at an Australia-Israel Chamber of Commerce lunch in Melbourne.
Kevin Rudd
At the meeting, held jointly with the General Sir John Monash Foundation, Rudd said that the meeting enabled him “to confirm again publicly before you what I have said throughout my political career…that I am a lifelong friend of the State of Israel.”
Acknowledging the presence of Dame Elisabeth Murdoch and offering sentiments to the Pratt family, Rudd went on to tell the meeting that Ahmadinejad’s remarks at the Durban II Revision Conference in Geneva this week are “unacceptable and underline the Australian Government’s decision not to attend the Conference.
On the eve of Anzac Day, Rudd paid to tribute to the Australian Jewish General who participated in the Gallopili landings, Sir John Monash. He told the meeting that Monash’s outstanding qualities…his values, his passion for education, his passion for excellence and his passion for nation building were indicative of his Jewish heritage.
The Prime Minister announced a Government commitment of $720,000 to the Foundation which will provide funds to allow four bright young Australians to study at one of the world’s leading universities for three years.
