Jones’ posthumous honour
"I cannot think of a more fitting addition to the NSW Multicultural Honour Roll than Jeremy Jones," says NSW Premier Chris Minns.
NSW Premier Chris Minns said this week, “I cannot think of a more fitting addition to the NSW Multicultural Honour Roll than Jeremy Jones.”
Jones, who passed away aged 64 last September after a battle with cancer, was inducted onto the Honour Roll at the Premier’s Harmony Dinner last Thursday. The recognition honours “those who have made a lasting contribution to multiculturalism beyond their passing”.
Jones was the director of international and community affairs at the Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council (AIJAC), a former ECAJ president and life member, a former deputy of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, a veteran of interfaith affairs and a world renowned expert on antisemitism.
His citation on the roll states, “His voice was constantly raised throughout the entirety of his life in defence and in support of those who were discriminated against, overlooked, or disregarded.
“His efforts have had a tangible and lasting impact on community cohesion in NSW, Australia and globally.”
Minns told The AJN this week, “Jeremy was passionate about interfaith and multicultural relations and bringing communities closer together, in Australia and around the world.
“He fought against antisemitism, discrimination and racism, including winning a landmark Racial Discrimination Act case against a Holocaust denier.
“Jeremy Jones has rightly been honoured many times in the past, and it is fitting his life’s work has been recognised once again.”
Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said Jones had been at the forefront of exposing and fighting antisemitism, racial hatred and bigotry for almost 50 years.
“He was also a leading figure across interfaith and multicultural activities, as well as driving reconciliation with First Nations people,” he added.
AIJAC executive director Colin Rubenstein said the recognition was a “fitting tribute”.
“Jeremy dedicated a significant part of his life to strengthening multiculturalism and interfaith understanding, not just throughout Australia, but also internationally,” he said.
“He regularly visited Indonesia to explain Judaism to Muslim academic and political leaders, and his vast network of friends from all faiths also extended beyond our borders. We at AIJAC miss him every day, and trust his induction brings a sense of satisfaction and profound appreciation for his life’s work to both his family and his many close friends and admirers.”
NSW Jewish Board of Deputies president David Ossip said, “He was a giant not just of the Jewish community but of the broader community, who dedicated his life to building a more cohesive and harmonious society.”
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