Honour for AIJAC director
COLIN Rubenstein, the executive director of the Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council (AIJAC), was recognised for his role in Jewish community affairs by the American Jewish Committee (AJC) at its Global Forum in Washington.
COLIN Rubenstein, the executive director of the Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council (AIJAC), was recognised for his role in Jewish community affairs by the American Jewish Committee (AJC) at its Global Forum in Washington.
At a session for the organisation’s national leadership before the formal opening of the AJC’s Global Forum, David Harris, the organisation’s executive director, described Rubenstein as one of “the greatest Jewish leaders of our time” and said AIJAC and AJC were “natural partners”.
The award’s inscription lauded Rubenstein as “one of the world’s leading advocates on behalf of the Jewish people and Israel. In friendship and admiration”.
Accepting the award, Rubenstein listed many areas of cooperation between the two organisations, which he said were ahead of the curve on many issues, including understanding Islamist extremism, noting important developments in geopolitics and exposing Iranian adventurism.
He stated, “I’m very moved by this gracious honour extended to me by David Harris and AJC, the inspiring gold standard for effective and responsible Jewish leadership and advocacy.
“But I’m also moved to reflect at this time on the great faith shown in me by our founding chairmen Isador Magid and Robert Zablud, for the outstanding leadership of our national chairman Mark Leibler and our dedicated directors … I’m also grateful for the recognition of the efforts of all our committed professional and support team at AIJAC and the fruits of our successful partnership with AJC which this tribute represents.
“And a special thanks to my wife Jan for her heroic role in whatever I’ve accomplished.”
AJN STAFF
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