Nelson applauds Jewish contribution to Australia

AJN STAFF

AMERICAN founding father Thomas Jefferson once said his greatest legacy was co-founding the University of Virginia because education was the cornerstone of a nation, former opposition leader Dr Brendan Nelson told the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies annual general meeting on Tuesday night.

“However, it is not only education that matters – the 13 men at the Wannsee Conference were all highly educated – it is character too,” he said.

And it is “character” that enabled a small group of Australian Jews “to make such a towering contribution to this country in so many fields,” he added.

“Jews have played a major role in making this country what it is. This country owes your community a significant debt. And that is the paradox because many people regard your community as introspective and inward-looking.”

Dr Nelson – who flew from Canberra to Sydney for the occasion, and then headed back to the airport at the conclusion of his speech – has announced plans to retire from politics at the next federal election after serving as opposition leader, defence minister and education minister.

Board of Deputies president Robin Margo acknowledged Dr Nelson’s unwavering support for the Jewish community and Israel. He cited the Liberal politician’s speech in parliament last year in support of the bipartisan motion on Israel’s 60th anniversary and his repeated exhortations to Australians to visit the Holocaust Museum in Washington DC because of the universal lessons the Holocaust holds for mankind.

“I’m a strong advocate for Israel,” Dr Nelson said. “Nothing will be achieved unless the Palestinians and their supporters abide by the fact that there has to be an end to violence and there has to be a fundamental acceptance of Israel’s right to exist.”

He also urged Israel to engage with “moderate Sunni states, just as the US is engaging with Syria”.

Proposing the vote of thanks, Executive Council of Australian Jewry president Robert Goot described Dr Nelson’s address as a “tour de force – an analysis of our community and the issues, which are at the forefront of our community. We thank you for your principled support for so many causes we hold dear, and for your decency and honesty.”