John Howard inspires at UIA WA Campaign launch event
Over 600 supporters came together for the UIA WA Campaign Launch Event recently at Optus Stadium in Perth, where they heard keynote speaker former Prime Minister John Howard.
John Howard
Howard spoke of his continued support of and alliance with the Jewish People: “I am an unapologetic admirer of the Jewish People, their contribution to Australia, and I think that is probably well known.”
“I’m deeply conscious of the amazing contribution that your community – our community – of Jews in Australia has made to the strength and vitality of our country,” he said.
As the nation’s second longest-serving Prime Minister, John Howard served as Australia’s 25th Prime Minister, as well as a Member of Parliament for 33 years and Treasurer in an earlier Government. “When I entered Parliament, I resolved to do what I can in different ways to support Israel,” he said. “I was determined when I did become Prime Minister that I would see to it that there was always an Australian vote for Israel in the United Nations.”
Governor of Western Australia Kim Beazley, Mathias Corman – Secretary-General Elect of The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and Steven Lowy, Chairman Keren Hayesod-UIA World Board of Trustees were also in attendance.
Steven Lowy noted that the event was the largest gathering of a UIA crowd anywhere in the world in over a year and that John Howard is one of the greatest friends of Israel and the Jewish People telling him “you became a trailblazer in your support for Israel but more importantly, on a global stage.”
UIA WA President Todd Wilner said that UIA’s 2021 Campaign is once again focusing on providing support for the People of Israel.
He told the event: “Collectively, we need to ensure Israel is strong and the Jewish lives in the diaspora at risk are saved. We need to help save the Jewish People who are not as fortunate as us in Australia,” Wilner said. “As Jewish people we must have a strong Israel and a strong diaspora – one does not prosper without the other. We have been witness to what happens if there is not a strong home of the Jewish People.”
Howard added: “I’m very proud to know that my country Australia has stood beside Israel; has recognised and respected Israel’s contribution to the world, but most importantly has recognised and respected Israel’s performance as a humanitarian democracy.”
To donate to UIA’s 2021 Campaign, please visit uiaaustralia.org.au/donate-now
