Major Israeli honour for former NSW Governor
The Technion in Israel is to award a Doctor Honoris Causa, the Technion’s highest recognition for scientific and humanitarian contribution to former NSW Governor, Professor Dame Marie Bashir
The Israel Institute of Technology President, Professor Peretz Lavie announced that the honorary doctorate award is in recognition of her outstanding and significant contribution to psychiatry and mental health; in tribute to her public service and leadership in building understanding between people of all backgrounds; and for her support and friendship to the Jewish People, Israel and the Technion.
“It is hard to think of an Australian leader who is so respected and loved by people of all backgrounds both in Australia and overseas, whether it be for her ground breaking work in adolescent and indigenous psychiatry, teaching, communal service or just simply caring for others,” said Dr Ruth Ratner, President, Technion Australia (NSW).
“Professor Bashir has had a long association with the Sydney Jewish Community and been a strong supporter of the Technion, attending a number of our events over recent years,” Dr Ratner, said.
“Although Professor Bashir has been the well deserved recipient of honorary doctorates from many Australian universities this is the first time such an award has been made by an overseas university,” she said.
Professor Bashir has said that she is profoundly touched by this honour. She has spoken on many occasions of her enduring and deep friendship since her school days with families of the Sydney Jewish community, referring to their inspirational humanity, their knowledge of, and dedication to music, the arts, commerce, and the consequent enrichment of Sydney’s standing as an international city.
She has visited Israel as recently as July 2014, and as well as visiting great sites of antiquity, she was profoundly moved during her visit to Hadassah Hospital where she observed the excellence of medical treatment provided to all in need, regardless of ethnic or religious background.
The degree also recognises her significant contribution throughout her life as a symbol of harmony, community building and good will from the early 70s as Sydney’s Lady Mayoress through to her record period as NSW Governor.
“The awarding of this honour by one of Israel’s most prestigious institutions cements this reputation further when combined with previous honours received from Australia, France and Lebanon,” Dr Ratner said.
What a terrific initiative on the part of the Technion. I think you would have to conduct an arduous international search to find a more worthy recipient than Marie Bashir.
Kol ha kavod Technion and a big mazel-tov to Prof Bashir, maybe we can now claim her as both an Australian and Israeli treasure.