Peres lauds Leibler

COMMUNAL leader Mark Leibler, well known for his work with Keren Hayesod and the United Israel Appeal (UIA), paid tribute to Australia’s “considered and practical” support for the Jewish State, as he accepted a prestigious Israel Goldstein Award from Israeli President Shimon Peres.

At a ceremony on June 20, Leibler became one of a small number of recipients of the award. Previous recipients of the award, which recognises outstanding work done for Israel by Diaspora leaders, have included Australians Isador Magid and Saul Same.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard paid tribute to Leibler on the occasion of the award.

“On behalf of the Australian Government, and our whole nation, I join Mark Leibler’s family and many friends in celebrating this richly justified award,” she said.

Meanwhile, UIA national president Jack Smorgon has been appointed to chair the Jewish Agency for Israel  activism and partnerships committee.

The appointment followed a joint recommendation by Jewish Agency chair Natan Sharansky and board chair Richard Pearlstone.

PETER KOHN

Pictured from left: Shimon Peres, Johanna Arbib-Perugia, Mark Leibler and Moodi Sandberg. Photo: AJN