My friend Isaac
Sydney-based Steven Lowy is the Chairman of the World Board of Trustees of Keren-Hayesod and has worked extensively with President-elect Isaac Herzog.
Isaac Herzog and Steven Lowy Photo: Supplied
On a personal basis, the two men have been close friends for many years.
Steven Lowy told J-Wire he has known Isaac Herzog have worked very closely together over the last two years. He is on the executive of the Jewish Agency over the last two years the chairman of which was the president-elect.
He told J-Wire: “The Jewish Agency and Keren Hayosed are very important partners as well as Zionist organisations. I have really enjoyed working with Isaac and I believe he will prove to be a very strong choice as president.
He has a very deep understanding of diaspora Jewry.”
As Chairman of the Jewish Agency, Isaac Herzog is very well-known and very well-liked in the Diaspora.
Steven Lowy continued: “His politics are moderate to the Left but he has the ability to work with all sides of politics and all sides of religion. He has a deep sense of love for Israel.”
Isaac Herzog’s grandfather was the first Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi in Israel and his late father Chaim was also a President of Israel.
Steven Lowy believes Isaac Hertzog will able to play a role in bringing the Tribes of Israel together and he will also play an important role in the Jewish world “of getting the people together”.
Talking about Herzog the friend, Steven Lowy said: “We have a great personal relationship and we speak often about global and Israel issues. He has a particular association with Australia which he has visited many times. He knows the Jewish community in Australia.
Keren Hayesod UIA Australia is a major element of Keren Hayesod worldwide. He has always been aware of this even when he was the leader of the Labour Party. In his role as Chairman of the Jewish Agency, he took a particular interest in Australia. He has many friends here. It is particularly pleasing to see a President of Israel being a friend of the Diaspora and a great friend of Australian Jewry.”
On the mayhem of politics in Israel, Steven Lowy believes Isaac Herzog has the ability to transcend politics.
On the subject of Herzog’s age which is far lower than his predecessors, Steven Lowy believes it is a plus and “he has great energy”.
He added: “I have spoken with him since he was elected president and I congratulated him personally.”
