NSW says Happy 75th Anniversary, Israel
NSW Premier Chris Minns has announced the establishment of a helpline “to assist students and staff who experienced religious bullying in New South Wales schools.
He was addressing over 600 guests attending Israel’s 75th anniversary in Sydney, hosted by The New South Wales Jewish Board of Deputies, the Zionist Federation of Australia, the Zionist Council of NSW and The Executive Council of Australian Jewry.
Darren Bark, CEO NSWJBD, Jillian Segal, president ECAJ, Rebecca Lacey-Ehrlich, vice-president of ZCNSW, Mark Speakman, Leader of the Opposition, Premier Chris Minns, Ambassador Amir Maiman, David Ossip, president NSWJBD Photo: Giselle Haber
The premier said the helpline was a suggestion by The New South Wales Jewish Board of Deputies.
Premier Chris Minns
He said he would be honouring the previous government’s commitment to provide $100,000 to safeguard the Torah scrolls at the Great Synagogue. He said: “Some of these scrolls date back to the 1860s, and they are a priceless part of the heritage of our state.”
On bullying, he added: “We’re working to deliver additional measures to address those regrettable and completely unacceptable practices in schools. That means developing best place curriculum resources for teachers about the Holocaust in New South Wales schools, and consulting with schools and religious communities to develop responses to incidents of discrimination and bullying.”
He finished by saying: “I look forward to continuing to develop and deepen the relationship between the people of New South Wales and the people of Israel.”
Mark Speakman Photo: Giselle Haber
The leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman spoke highly of The New South Wales Jewish Board of Deputies mentioning president David Ossip and CEO Darren Bark.
He said: “You’ve stood in the face of discrimination, vandalism, antisemitism, unacceptable social behaviour targeted at your community, but you have been building community relations to investment in education, and social justice, and the ever-growing need for remembrance of the Holocaust. Your organisation has played a vital part in our social fabric.
He said: “Australia and Israel share many common bonds, perhaps none as strong as our fundamental belief in freedom, justice and peace.”
He closed by saying: “In opposition as we were in government, the Liberals and Nationals will continue to stand with you and to ensure that you are safe, welcomed and embraced as part of our community. I look forward to continuing to work with you and to seeing New South Wales continue to partner with Israel in trade, business and cultural exchange and to a prosperous and united Israel for many, many years to come
Israel’s ambassador to Australia, Amir Maimon, said: I’m humbled to see how deep the love of Israel runs here and Sydney 14,121 kilometres from the heart of Jerusalem.
Asides from my beloved homeland, there is no place I would rather be to mark 75 years of Israel’s independence.
Ambassador Amir Maimon Photo: Giselle Haber
The ambassador praised The New South Wales Jewish Board of Deputies for being a respected body advocating for Jewish interests.
He also voiced gratitude to the Leader of the Opposition, Mark Speakman, saying: “I wish to thank you personally for successfully legislating against the public display of Nazi symbols in New South Wales, which occurred during your tenure as Attorney General in the previous government.”
He spoke about the “barrage of over 100 missiles that were fired over last night on the city of Sderot”.
He that “Israel’s destiny will not be dedicated decided by forces beyond our borders forces like Iran and its proxies”.
The function was attended by federal and state parliamentarians as well as local councillors together with leaders of multicultural communities.
Former Prime Minister Scott Morrison was among the guests.
