Josh Levi: high praise from high places
Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg and the Premiers of New South Wales and Victoria have added their tributes to Josh Levi, the CEO of The Australian Jewish News who died on Sunday evening at the age of 36. His wife Lia had presented him with their first child, baby Lara, only two weeks before.
Joshua Levi
From: Scott Morrison – the Prime Minister of Australia
Prime Minister Scott Morrison
As a reporter with an enormous love and passion for journalism, Josh Levi had a deep understanding of the Australian Jewish community and the stories that mattered.
Delivering pro-bono sports reporting at the outset, he went on to serve as National Deputy Editor of The Australian Jewish News producing award-winning articles, best known for capturing stories from every angle.
Josh Levi was someone who had a thirst and drive to inform and entertain the reader and was well respected for his integrity.
Most recently as Chief Executive Officer, he oversaw the digital transformation of The Australian Jewish News, breathing new life into a publication that has served the Australian Jewish community for decades.
As someone who expressed an immense joy for life, Josh Levi will be sadly missed among the Jewish Australian community.
On behalf of the Australian Government, I offer his wife Lia, their daughter Lara, and his extended family our sincerest condolences.
Josh Frydenberg
From: The Treasurer of the Federal Government – Josh Frydenberg
It was so sad to hear about the passing of Josh Levi – the community and the country lost a mentsch long before it should have. He was a thoughtful, friendly and engaging person and I feel privileged to have known him. I thoroughly enjoyed our discussions about Australian politics and developments in the Jewish community, two topics which he not only knew well but was very passionate about. His passing is a great loss and I, like many, will miss him.
From Daniel Andrews – Premier of Victoria
Daniel Andrews
As a journalist, Josh understood the power of truth-telling. His award-winning coverage and support for victims of sexual abuse are a testament to his commitment to journalistic integrity and to faithfully telling the stories of his community.
Josh loved working for the Australian Jewish News and he loved his community.
His genuine and heartfelt friendship will be dearly missed by all. During this most difficult time, we extend our sincerest condolences to Josh’s family, his wife Lia and daughter Lara, his parents Ann and Ian, and to all who loved him.
From: Gladys Berejiklian, Premier of New South Wales.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian
I extend my sincerest condolences to the family and colleagues of Joshua Levi after his sudden passing aged just 36.
His courage, passion and commitment to journalism at The Australian Jewish News led to many honours including the Best Investigative Story in 2016 and Best News Report in the 2017 Premier’s Multicultural Media Awards.
Josh’s groundbreaking investigative reports uncovering serious allegations of child sexual abuse later became evidence at the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
His work as CEO of the AJNleaves a lasting legacy, as he inspired his colleagues, launched a partnership with the Times of Israel and transformed the organisation’s website.
Joshua’s infectious enthusiasm, integrity and kindness will be solely missed and my prayers are with his wife Lia, baby daughter Lara, his extended family and many friends.
