Harmony on Macquarie Street
SEVERAL Jewish leaders attended an “Iftar Dinner to Celebrate Interfaith Harmony” hosted by NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell at Parliament House last Thursday.
SEVERAL Jewish leaders attended an “Iftar Dinner to Celebrate Interfaith Harmony” hosted by NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell at Parliament House last Thursday.
The event is held annually during the Muslim month of Ramadan with leaders from a variety of faiths on the guest list. Among the Jewish contingent were NSW Jewish Board of Deputies (JBOD) CEO Vic Alhadeff and vice-president Jeremy Spinak, former JBOD president David Knoll, Zionist Council of NSW president Richard Balkin and Young Adult Chabad director Rabbi Eli Feldman.
In his speech, the Premier paid tribute to the contribution that people from a wide range of ethnic backgrounds have made to Australian society, noting that 40 per cent of Sydney’s population was born overseas.
“In my belief, our greatest resource is not the mineral wealth underground, but rather the walking diamonds and immense talent of our citizens,” he told the guests.
“I take pride in the fact that with hard work and creativity, anyone can succeed in this country, not withstanding one’s background or the size of one’s bank account.”
He also pointed out the importance of education as a key to understanding and respect between different communities.
Alhadeff said the dinner “was an excellent example of the acceptance of cultural differences which makes this country the great nation that it is”.
“Marking such events in Parliament House makes an important statement – that our society comprises citizens from a vast range of faiths and cultures, and that they have been embraced by the broader Australian community”.
Rabbi Feldman said the event was conducted “in a spirit of respect between all faiths”.
“Grand Mufti of Australia His Eminence Dr Ibrahim Abu Mohammed … spoke about the physiological similarities of all humans, created by the one God, and how tolerance and peaceful coexistence can only occur when we are open to appreciating the goodness found within every person, regardless of race, religion, colour or creed,” he said.
GARETH NARUNSKY
NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell and AIJAC director Jeremy Jones.
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