Pollies’ l’chaim to Israel
ISRAEL was the toast of the Parliament of Victoria last week when the 69th anniversary of the State was celebrated at a cocktail reception.
ISRAEL was the toast of the Parliament of Victoria last week when the 69th anniversary of the State was celebrated at a cocktail reception.
The evening, organised by Zionism Victoria in conjunction with the Jewish Community Council of Victoria (JCCV), was attended by Premier Daniel Andrews, Leader of the Opposition Matthew Guy as well as several other MPs and community leaders.
“There are ministerial and parliamentary colleagues here from all sides of the aisle and that speaks volumes for the strong support … for the State of Israel, its security and its future,” Andrews said, addressing some 150 attendees.
“It is a very clear statement that all of us acknowledges and respects the contribution that Victoria’s Jewish community has made and continues to make across our vibrant state.”
Andrews also revealed that he will be travelling to Israel later in the year, “on an official visit – for the first time as Premier”.
Following the event, Andrews told The AJN, “I’ve celebrated Yom Ha’atzmaut with the Victorian Jewish community for many years now, and I was proud last week to be able to host the special occasion at Parliament.”
Guy, who will also be visiting Israel this year – next month, in fact – honoured Israel’s multi-faceted “powerful economy” despite the “enormous challenges and threats” faced by the country on both domestic and international fronts.
“I lead a party that is proudly a Zionist party”, he declared to a rousing applause.
Speaking with The AJN, Guy acknowledged “with eternal gratitude all those who have given the ultimate sacrifice so that the State of Israel can be what it is today and we remain grateful to all those who continue to protect the Jewish State ensuring a secure, stable and prosperous future for the global Jewish community.”
Sharene Hambur, president of Zionism Victoria was “delighted” by the attendance of “so many members of the Victorian Parliament and communal leaders.
“The bipartisan support of the Victorian and Federal Parliaments for Israel is something we value greatly and do not take for granted.”
REBECCA DAVIS
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