Two Australians recipients of Israel’s Presidential Medal of Honour
President Isaac Herzog has presented the Israeli Presidential Medal of Honour to seven leaders from around the globe in recognition of their longstanding contributions to the State of Israel and the Jewish people.
Frank Lowy and Mark Leibler
Australians Sir Frank Lowy and Mark Leibler were among the honorees receiving their awards at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem,
Against the backdrop of the current war, the President chose these honorees for their unwavering commitment to Israel and their extraordinary support for the Jewish people over decades of activity, particularly since October 7, 2023.
In his address, President Herzog said: “Mark Leibler, you have fortified the invaluable relationship between Israel, Australia and the Australian Jewish community, and courageously defended Israel’s good name and Frank Lowy, he rose from the ashes of the Holocaust, providing us a lifetime of impassioned inspiration and a legacy of loving dedication and forming magnificent connections for Israel around the world.”
President Isaac Herzog and Mark Leibler
Mark Leibler told J-Wire: “This Presidential honour has truly humbled me. Outside of family, Israel has always been central to my identity, my communal activity and really fundamental to my existence. I have received lots of recognition from various sources over the decades – but to have received Israel’s highest civil award is something I find unbelievably moving and humbling. ”
President Isaac Herzog and Frank Lowy Pic: Screengrab
Sir Frank Lowy said: “I feel honoured and privileged that I am the recipient of the Presidential Medal of Honour, and I am grateful to have been selected for this honour by the state of Israel .
I hope and trust that I am a worthy recipient of this medal.”
Executive director of The Australia/Israel and Jewish Affairs Council, Dr Colin Rubenstein, told J-Wire: “AIJAC’s directors and professional staff have extended a heartfelt mazal tov to AIJAC’s National Chairman Mark Leibler AC and Sir Frank Lowy AC on being awarded the prestigious Israeli Presidential Medal of Honour.
This remarkable recognition is a true testament to their exceptional contributions and unwavering commitment to the State of Israel and its People.
The distinction of being the first two Australians to receive this prestigious award is an incredible achievement.
Their devotion to the State of Israel, the Jewish people and their extraordinary dedication to the Australian Jewish community is to be greatly admired.”
Previous awardees have included Henry Kissinger, Zubin Mehta, Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, Elie Wiesel, Steven Spielberg, Angela Merkel and Joe Biden.
Other awardees were:
Maurice Lévy (France)
Malcolm Hoenlein (USA)
Julie Platt (USA)
Sir Trevor Chinn (UK)
Brigitte Zypries (Germany)
Well deserved. Kol Hakavod to both.