Chaver Sir Frank Lowy
The co-founder of the Westfield shopping centre empire Sir Frank Lowy is now an Israeli citizen, making aliyah two months ago.
Sir Frank Lowy Image: Getty/AFP supplied by Westfield
The are many faces of the 88-yr-old billionaire who is one of the most prominent members of the Australian community and playing more than a major part in the activities of various organisations both secular and Jewish with his philanthropy.
As well as being knighted in the UK, Sir Frank was also received Australia’s highest award in 2000, the Companion of the Order of Australia [AC].
Frank Lowy addresses the conference
Although he has retained the family home in Sydney, Sir Frank was overcome with happiness last week when he welcomed guests to theInstitute for National Security Studies International Conference for the first time as an Oleh Chadash. “I am very pleased to be here with you on the opening night of 12th INSS conference. For me personally, this year’s conference is different from all its predecessors, since this year I am standing before you as an Israeli citizen. Yes, two months ago I immigrated to Israel.”
A media report stated: “Lowy addressed guests in Hebrew and then apologized and switched to English. ‘I hope my Hebrew will have improved by next year’.
Attending the function were Lowy’s sons David and Steven and his granddaughter Rina.
Sir Frank Lowy is the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS).
He was born in Slovakia and after WWII he moved to Mandatory Palestine, fighting with the Golani Brigade in Israel’s War of Independence. He moved to Australia where he joined members of his family in 1952.
Frank and Shirley’s home in Israel is in Tel Aviv.
If you follow your heart, there you will find your soul. What a privilege it must be to be called an Israeli. Such an amazing story of a brilliant mind. Mazeltov indeed
What a fine example! Sir Frank and Shirley Lowy making aliyah is an inspiration to the younger generation of diaspora Jews. While Australia has been the lucky country for the Lowry’s and many other holocaust survivors, Israel is certainly the epicentre of Jewish life. To be an an integral part of the miracle of the “start up nation”, while treading in the footsteps of our biblical and Zionist heroes, is a rare privilege not afforded to many in the diaspora. My wife Eileen and I are similarly fortunate to have made a home in Modi’in, Israel while maintaining our close Australian links through living in our home in Rose Bay. Mazeltov Sir Frank and Shirley!!