Mark has made his mark

IT’S official, AIJAC national chairman Mark Leibler is one of the 50 most influential Jews in the world.

That’s according to The Jerusalem Post’s annual influence list which was released last week.

The renowned tax lawyer, believed to be the first Australian ever featured, joined the likes of Benjamin Netanyahu (number 3), Steven Spielberg (number 13) and IDF chief of staff Benny Gantz (number 41) in the rankings which are said to recognise “people who have in one way or another worked tirelessly for the improvement of humanity and, in doing so, have made their mark on history”.

Leibler, who just made it onto the list at number 50, is described by The Post’s Greer Fay Cashman as “An Orthodox Jew who walks with ease through Australia’s corridors of power, and Australian high society” and who has “tirelessly immersed himself in local and national Jewish affairs as well as in specifically Australian issues that had little or nothing to do with the Jewish community”.

As well as his AIJAC role, Cashman noted that among many other positions, Leibler is a member of the board of governors and executive committee of the Jewish Agency, a member of the board of governors of Keren Hayesod, life chairman of UIA Australia, as well as co-chair of the expert panel on Constitutional Recognition of Indigenous Australians.

Topping the rankings was US Treasury Secretary Jack Lew, followed by Janet Yellen, chair of the board of governors of the US Federal Reserve System.

Expressing his delight at being featured, Leibler told The AJN, “I may be the first Aussie to make the list, but given our deep commitment to Israel and Jewish values, I anticipate there will be an ever increasing number of Australian Jews in The Post’s lists in the future.”

Congratulating Leibler, AIJAC executive director Colin Rubenstein said, “Mark has a lifetime history of outstanding achievements and stellar contributions in the Jewish community both in Australia and internationally … His efforts have been acknowledged by the highest Australian civilian honour, and we are pleased that The Post has now also fittingly recognised his truly remarkable and influential role on the global stage.

ZEDDY LAWRENCE

AIJAC national chairman Mark Leibler.

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