Bishop backs Israel at Ark
FOREIGN Minister Julie Bishop pledged continuing support for Israel and warned of the dangers of homegrown terrorism when she opened the Ark Jewish Community Centre in Hawthorn East last Thursday night.
She also praised the Jewish community’s significant contribution to a multicultural and flourishing Australian society.
Bishop was joined by Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews, Assistant Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer Kelly O’Dwyer and 300 guests when she opened the centre that hosts a shul, after-school activities for children and classes for adults.
“The contribution to this country has been absolutely profound, it has been intrinsic to who we are today,” Bishop said of the community.
“From High Court judges to military generals, to Members of Parliament, to scientists and researchers, to doctors and lawyers, to educators, academics, actors, artists, businesspeople and entrepreneurs, Jewish Australians have made the most extraordinary contribution to enrich this country in a most remarkable way.”
She also guaranteed Australia’s unwavering commitment to Israel, which received a thunderous applause from the audience, and discussed Australia’s final act in its two-year term on the United Nations Security Council when it voted against imposing a two-year deadline for the establishment of a Palestinian state. It did so, she said, “unapologetically” and “unashamedly”.
She said, “Israel has no more steadfast friend than Australia. Successive governments have proven that Australia is there alongside Israel time and time again.
“Israel stands more than ever before as a pillar of stability and democracy in a sea of instability and oppression. Israel and Australia share many values and should always stand together.”
Addressing mounting concerns over homegrown radicalisation and Islamic extremism, Bishop stressed the importance of a sense of belonging in Australian society and congratulated Jewish Australians for sustaining this sense of community.
“All of the psychology behind this and all the experts tell us that this terrorist organisation, ISIL, are preying on the weak and vulnerable people who are looking for some meaning in life, looking for some sense of belonging and community and they feel like they’re not getting it in Australia.”
She added, “Yet here in Melbourne, this magnificent centre [the Ark Centre] represents precisely the ideas and values, the sense of belonging and community that we so desperately need in other places.”
Andrews echoed Bishop’s sentiments in praising the community’s contribution to Victorian culture and society, extending his warm wishes to the unveiling of the Ark’s new home. “This is a celebration of culture and heritage, a reinforcement of values that separate the Jewish community as a stand-out of support, inclusion, harmony, respect and no stronger contributors to our multi-faith and multicultural community.”
ZOE KRON
Julie Bishop opening the Ark Centre in Hawthorn East last week. Photo: Dean Schmideg
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