A salute to Israel
ISRAEL is a young nation. Even so, it has achieved much in its short history: economic prosperity, advances in agriculture and cutting-edge technology, and, above all, a refuge for Jews escaping persecution.
ISRAEL is a young nation. Even so, it has achieved much in its short history: economic prosperity, advances in agriculture and cutting-edge technology, and, above all, a refuge for Jews escaping persecution.
Keen not to forget its historic beginnings, the National Council of Jewish Women of Australia (NCJWA) recently held its annual Celebrating Israel event at Council House in Woollahra.
The event marked the passing of Resolution 181 by the UN General Assembly in November 1947, calling for the Jewish State’s establishment. It also noted Australia’s part in the resolution, with then external affairs minister, Dr Herbert Evatt, part of the the UN Special Committee on Palestine recommending the end of the British Mandate for Palestine, and the eventual formation of the state.
“Australia has played a very special role in the short history of Israel, and with this continued support, relations continue to grow onward and upward,” said guest speaker Kate Millward, 16, a recipient of the NSW Order of Australia and the Queen’s Guide Award.
“As Australia was one of the first to come in and support Israel as an independent state, I stand strong knowing that with the kick-start I have been given in life, our society is willing and trying to help those who have been less fortunate.”
Davidson MP Jonathan O’Dea, who co-chairs a ministerial consultative committee for the Jewish community, also spoke at the event.
“Australia and Israel have a strong, substantial and unique relationship with a rich political history,” he said. “Australia supported Israel economically in its early years, [and] Australia benefits from Israel’s expertise in information technology and agriculture through the importation of telecommunications equipment, agricultural technology and scientific knowledge.”
CHANTAL ABITBOL
Remembering Israel’s beginnings. From left: Dalia Ayalon Sinclair, Kate Millward and MP Jonathan O’Dea at NCJWA’s Celebrating Israel event.
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