A huge honour for Lowy and Leibler
The medal is awarded 'to those who through their talents, service, or any other means, have made an outstanding contribution to the State of Israel or to humanity'.
Sitting around the dinner table, Mark Leibler said he did not expect to receive a call from the President of Israel.
Leibler and fellow communal stalwart Sir Frank Lowy were this week announced as recipients of Isaac Herzog’s prestigious Israeli Presidential Medal of Honour.
An initiative of the late Shimon Peres, the medal is awarded “to those who through their talents, service, or any other means, have made an outstanding contribution to the State of Israel or to humanity”.
Saying he was “astonished and deeply moved”, Leibler said, “Israel has always been central to my identity as a proud Australian Jew. Working in support of Israel, the Australian Jewish community, and the relationship between the two nations has been a passion and a privilege.”
He also paid tribute to the Australian Jewish community, “Whose enduring commitment and contribution to Israel has always belied our relatively small numbers” and said he was “thrilled to be recognised alongside my friend Frank Lowy”.
Sir Frank said he was “very proud” to receive the honour. “I’m not sure I deserve it, but I certainly value it greatly,” he said. “Many good people do good things but they don’t receive the honours. So I think we should remember that.”
Sir Frank said life in Israel “is not easy these days, but I’m very pleased to be here, proud to be here and take part in the life of Israel at this difficult time.”
The two Australians joined six other international Jewish leaders in being awarded the recognition.
In his conversations with the recipients, Herzog said the past year had proved that “Jewish communities worldwide and the State of Israel share a common destiny”.
“Your work and dedication embody this great bond, and the Jewish people and the State of Israel will remain deeply grateful for all that you have done and continue to do,” he said.
Congratulating the pair on the honour, the Israeli embassy said on Tuesday, “Your unwavering commitment to advancing the well-being of Israel and the Jewish people worldwide, especially in these challenging times, is truly commendable.”
UIA Australia president Esther Frenkiel said, “It is exceptionally gratifying that two stalwart leaders within the Keren Hayesod – UIA family have been given this incredible honour.
“The award is wonderful recognition for their lifetime of dedication on behalf of the Australian Jewish community, The State of Israel and global Jewry. This also reinforces the standing of Keren Hayesod-UIA.”
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