Melbourne welcomes new ambassador
Israel’s new ambassador to Australia Shmuel Ben-Shmuel has been welcomed by the Melbourne community.
Ambassador Shmuel Ben-Shmuel
Born in Tel Aviv in 1951, Mr Ben-Shmuel served as a paratrooper in the Israeli Defense Forces, including during the War of Attrition and the Yom Kippur War, and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Tel Aviv University. He has served in Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in many different capacities. Some of his roles included postings as Political Counsellor in South Africa, Deputy Consul-General in New York, Director of the World Jewish Affairs Department, and Consul-General in Atlanta.
Mr Ben-Shmuel and his wife Gila of 37 years have three children.
At his welcome address, Ambassador Ben-Shmuel said: “Over the course of my shlichut I will dedicate my time to progressing the already strong and close relationship that Israel enjoys with Australia. I believe that our two countries’ shared system of values, beliefs and outlook create the perfect environment for further collaboration in the fields of business, culture, education and tourism.”
“I am filled with a deep sense of optimism, hope and good will, knowing that I have such an incredible and diverse Jewish community like you to work with,” he added.
ZCV President Sam Tatarka said: “The Jewish community of Victoria has a long history of engagement with Israel’s diplomatic mission to Australia and we look forward to continuing that engagement with Ambassador Ben-Shmuel.”
The Ambassador’s welcome was jointly hosted by Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council (AIJAC), Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ), Jewish Community Council of Victoria (JCCV), Zionist Council of Victoria (ZCV) and Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA).
