The Yom Ha’azmaut celebrations party on
The Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews and John Pesutto, the Leader of the Opposition, have joined with many of the state’s senior politicians and dignitaries in celebrating a Yom Ha’atzmaut cocktail reception this week.
Premier Daniel Andrews toasts the State of Israel Photo: Peter Haskin Photography
Zionism Victoria, the Jewish Community Council of Victoria, the Zionist Federation of Australia and the Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-hosted the event.
Zionism Victoria President Yossi Goldfarb said: “The presence of the leaders and so many state members reflects the unwavering friendship both the Labor and Liberal parties in Victoria show the Jewish community and Israel. We are indebted to them for their continued support and are honoured to work with them in building a multicultural society in which the rights of all minorities and groups, including our own, are respected, safeguarded and promoted.”
Naomi Levin (JCCV), Daniel Aghion (JCCV), Yossi Goldfarb (Zionism Victoria), John Pessutto, Amir Maiman (Israel’s ambassador to Australia), Premier Daniel Andrews, Ginette Searle (ZFA), Jeremy Leibler (ZFA), Zeddy Lawrence (Zionism Victoria) Photo: Peter Haskin Photography
Jewish Community Council of Victoria President Daniel Aghion KC commented: “This event was a fitting opportunity to reflect on and celebrate the close connections between the Victorian Jewish community and Israel. We thank Premier Dan Andrews and Liberal leader John Pesutto for their warm words and strong support for our community and for the Jewish homeland. The JCCV will continue to work closely with the Premier, his ministers and members of the Opposition to ensure our Jewish community can continue living safely and freely in Victoria.”
Zionist Federation of Australia President Jeremy Leibler added: “Seventy-five years ago, Doc Evatt, Australia’s ambassador to the UN cast the first vote in favour of the partition plan, and later, as the UN’s president, advocated for Israel’s admission as a member state. The enduring and bipartisan support for Israel exhibited by Australian political leaders since that time holds immense significance for the Jewish community. The Victorian Jewish community is profoundly appreciative of state and federal political leaders, who not only demonstrate genuine friendship towards the Jewish community but also wholeheartedly embrace and celebrate our community’s values.”
Jillian Segal is the president of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry President. She said: “The ECAJ was pleased to co-host this important community event, in recognition and celebration of Israel’s 75th anniversary. Across Australia, our Jewish community is fortunate to have the strong support of our parliamentary leaders, including in Victoria.”
