New president for NSWJBD
Lesli Berger has taken over the reins at the New South Wales Jewish Board of Deputies following the completion of Jeremy Spinak’s term.
Lesli Berger, Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Jeremy Spinak Photo: Giselle Haber
At the AGM this week attended by NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Berger told deputies the Board had persuaded the NSW Government to introduce effective criminal racial vilification laws, a law our community has wanted to reform for over 15 years.
Lesli Berger stated that the Board had significantly improved its position with the NSW Labor party saying “it is no longer the case that Bob Carr and Shaoquett Moselmanne can simply have their way with the NSW Labor conference and push their anti-Israel motions”.
I have strong political, media and business experience. I promise you to be a strong but fair President.
He said: “My passion for the Jewish Community and my love for the State of Israel came about as a direct result of my family and in particular my late grandfather Michael Berger who was a Holocaust survivor and an ardent Zionist. He loved Israel despite its flaws as every good democracy is flawed and I share that passion as I know you do.
One of the lessons I learned from Michael is that forgiveness is critical. He never hated the Germans for what they did to him and his family, a life lesson I have learned because I choose not to hate anyone, even when I have felt wronged.”
He said that rising antisemitism worldwide is a pressing issue stating “our purpose is to stop Anti-Semitism, strengthen our security and strengthen our ties with Israel
Deputies heard of the measures taken to strengthen the community.
He said: “All of this work has begun under the capable leadership of Jeremy Spinak and Deputies, with your help, I promise to continue Jeremy’s extraordinary legacy and I am honoured and privileged to serve our community to the best of my ability.”
Premier Gladys Berejiklian warmed addressed the plenum as a keynote speaker. She acknowledged the advocacy of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies and commanded our community on its outstanding leadership. Berejiklian stressed that her government is hearing the Jewish community loudly and clearly on issues important to the Jewish Community. She said: “my, and the government’s door, is always open to be responsive to the needs of your community’.
