Andrews awarded Jerusalem Prize
Former Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has been awarded the prestigious Jerusalem Prize by the Zionist Federation of Australia, Zionism Victoria and the World Zionist Organisation.
Previous recipients include former Prime Ministers John Howard, Bob Hawke, Scott Morrison and Julia Gillard, former Foreign Minister Alexander Downer, and the late former Governor General Sir Zelman Cowen.
Jeremy Leibler (ZFA), Gusti Yehoshua Braverman (WZO), Daniel Andrews and Yossi Goldfarb (Zionism Victoria)
The award presentation took place at a cocktail reception in the Central Synagogue in Melbourne’s South Caulfield. The event brought together Israeli Ambassador to Australia Amir Maimon, Federal Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus, Josh Burns MP and former State ALP MP and Jerusalem Prize awardee Marcia Thomson, Member for Higgins Dr Michelle Ananda-Rajah, Member for Caulfield David Southwick, Rabbonim and many Jewish community leaders. Gusti Yehoshua Braverman, Head of the Department for Organization and Connection with Israelis Abroad at WZO travelled from Israel for the awarding of the Jerusalem Prize.
Daniel Andrews was accompanied by his wife Catherine and their children.
The cocktail reception was the closing event of the ZFA’s biennial conference which included Jewish community leaders from across Australia. Israel’s leading podcaster, Elad Simchayoff, was keynote speaker at the conference, speaking about “Forging the future – redefining Jewish identity and Zionism in a post October 7 world”.
Other speakers at the conference included Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles, Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs Senator Simon Birmingham, and Ambassador Maimon.
Jeremy Leibler (ZFA), Ginette Searle, Gusti Yehoshua Braverman (WZO) and Alon Cassuto (ZFA)
ZFA President Jeremy Leibler opened the evening event and said that “Demonization of Israel has put this award tonight into a very different context compared to the last one, awarded to Prime Minister Scott Morrison five years ago.”
Leibler said, “Bipartisan support for Israel and against antisemitism is at risk in the current environment.”
Ambassador Maimon complimented the selection of Premier Andrews, who is also the inaugural patron of Labor Friends of Israel, for the award, noting “he had been unwavering in his support for Israel. A loyal friend to the Jewish community and advocate for Israel. His legacy of actions that speak volumes.”
He mentioned Andrews’ opening of the Victorian trade office in Israel, adoption of the IHRA definition of antisemitism and many other steps in support of Israel and the Jewish community, such as Holocaust education in schools, strengthening security measures for the Jewish community, and banning of Nazi symbols in Victoria.
Daniel Andrews gave a gracious and warm acceptance speech. He mentioned his extensive undergraduate studies in Middle East politics and history. He outlined many strengths and differentiators of Israel in the Middle East, including its strong democracy, legislated gender equality, its position as the start-up nation, LGBTI freedom including the only pride marches in the region, and its vibrant trade union movement.
He noted that “Peace requires a partner” and reminded those seeking a ceasefire that “There had been a ceasefire on October 6, 2023.”
Andrews said, “The current antisemitism and anti-Israel environment is worse than I have ever seen. Worse is those who have not spoken up.”
“Most Victorians and Australians have bigger hearts and bigger brains”.
“You don’t go missing when evil takes hold.”
“There is hope. Good people know and understand. The community has many, many friends. I am proud to be one of them.”
Andrews called on Jewish donors to stop their support for projects and organisations which had remained silent or actively promulgated hatred towards Jewish people since October 7.
He said, “If people won’t speak out against antisemitism, defund them. If people are happy to take your money while being antisemites, defund them.”
He said to tell them “If you want to support Hamas, then get them to pay your bills, get them to fund your programs and build your buildings. I am serious. We are beyond tropes. Silence and much worse are only possible if there are no consequences.”
“I would ask each of you respectfully, continue to review your giving. Check and check again that those who so happily benefit from your generosity are not in real terms pretend friends or worse, actually working against the Jewish community and decency itself.”
One of the highlights of the evening was singer-songwriter Lior singing a very moving rendition of Avinu Malkeinu, dedicated to the hostages and their families.
Also, during the evening, former ZFA CEO Ginette Searle was awarded the inaugural Julie Herzl Award for her lifelong contribution to the Jewish community and Israel. Leibler said that “Ginette Searle was being recognised for her contribution over decades, and it was fitting that we can celebrate her tonight.” Her work has included extensive contributions to Jewish youth, including through the Kangarusskis initiative and Birthright programs.
The event closed with a prayer for the hostages read by Rabbinical Council of Victoria President Rabbi Moshe Kahn, and singing of Hatikvah and the Australian national anthem.
