Anton Hermann tragically killed on holiday
The vice-president of The Jewish Community Council of Victoria Anton Hermann has been tragically killed in a cycling accident near Port Douglas in North Queensland.
Anton Hermann
The 53-yr-old father of three had been on holiday with his family.
The Cairns Post reports there was contact with another rider and Anton Hermann was tragically was clipped causing a collision with the side of a van.
The president of the JCCV Elizabeth Huppert had been a long-time friend of Anton Hermann.
She wrote on Facebook “Anton was a very special man, who devoted his time to his family, his friends and his community,.
Our thoughts are with his wife Karen, children Joel, Ella and Tahlia, Mother Doreen and brother Larry.”
A full statement is expected shortly.
Anton Hermann with Israel’s ambassador to Australia Mark Sofer and Jennifer Huppert
The co-CEO of The Executive Council of Australian Jewry Peter Wertheim said: “We are devastated to hear of the sudden tragic passing of ECAJ Councillor and JCCV Vice President, Anton Hermann, while riding his bicycle during a family holiday near Port Douglas on Saturday morning. Anton was a devoted family man, a talented lawyer and a long-standing activist in the Jewish community in Victoria. His thoughtful contributions to the deliberations of the JCCV and the ECAJ were greatly valued. He will be sadly missed by family, friends and colleagues. We wish long life to Anton’s wife, Karen, their three children and other close family members. May his memory be a blessing.”
The Zionist Federation of Australia expressed condolences to the family
Jeremy Leibler, President of the ZFA said, “this is a devastating loss of a community leader who contributed so much in so many areas, often behind the scenes.”
He continued, “Anton was a leader and expert in the area of Safeguarding Children, in the Jewish community and beyond. His advice and support to the ZFA and the AZYC in this area was always rational, helpful and given with grace.”
The president of Maccabi Australia Jeff Sher added: “On behalf of the Maccabi Australia Board we are sad to lose one of our family. Anton was a highly regarded member of the Maccabi community. He had contributed so much and had so much more to give. He was in the prime of his life, and will be missed by us all.
From the JNF, CEO Dan Springer commented: “JNF Australia together with all the community deeply mourns the tragic passing of Anton Hermann z”l and extend our heartfelt condolences and wishes of long life to all the family.May Anton’s memory and tremendous legacy of good deeds be forever blessed.”
Dr Colin Rubenstein is executive director of The Australia/Israel and Jewish Affairs Council The Australia/Israel and Jewish Affairs Council told J-Wire: “The heartbreaking and untimely passing of Anton Hermann is a shocking tragedy.
I was privileged to know Anton during and after his student days at Monash University. He was not only a gifted student and delightful young man, but also displayed maturity and sophistication beyond his years as an impressive young political aspirant on the national stage.
He was always communally minded and supportive, traits which clearly marked his charitable, professional and community activities and distinguished leadership roles throughout the years.
Our heartfelt sympathy and condolences go out to his wife, Karen, his children Joel, Ella and Tahlia, his mother, Doreen and brother, Larry and the Shapiro family.May his memory always be a comfort and blessing.”
