Silbert’s unique uni honour

STUART Silbert last week became the only Australian this year to be awarded an honorary doctorate from the Hebrew University (HU). The Perth-based solicitor accepted the degree during the university’s 79th annual Board of Governors meeting in Jerusalem.

“I have always thought of the university as a family with connections all over the world,” Silbert told The AJN. “When I was advised by the president of the HU of the honour, I was speechless, possibly for the first time in my life.”

Silbert was officially recognised for his support of Zionism in the Western Australian Jewish community, following a family tradition extending back to the 1880s when his great-grandparents emigrated from Russia. Silbert believes that he received a genetic impetus from his family to help others.

“My family set an example,” he said. “We understood from childhood that we were privileged to have the parents we had in Australia, where we were respected as being Jewish and having an allegiance to Israel when the State of Israel was a dream yet to be fulfilled.

“I am proud to be Australian, proud to be Jewish, proud to be a friend of the Hebrew University and proud to be from the Silbert family.”

In an ongoing effort to foster close relations between Australia and Israel, Silbert helped forge bi-national academic and scientific programs between the HU and WA universities. Through his efforts, major research programs and scholarships have been established as part of his goal to form a strong foundation for the HU and the State of Israel.

“I believe strongly in the need for fostering Jewish continuity in both the Diaspora and Israel. I believe that Judaism and Zionism are one,” Silbert said.

Becoming an honorary fellow of the HU in 1996, Silbert has generated practical support for the Perth Hebrew Congregation, JNF, UIA and the Australia-Israel Chamber of Commerce. In 2008, he was awarded the prestigious Medal of the Order of Australia in recognition of his ­outstanding service to the Jewish community.

Following in his footsteps are his son Jonathan and daughter Aviva, who are both involved in Jewish leadership in their communities.

Silbert is only the 16th Australian recipient of an honorary doctorate from the Hebrew University, joining the likes of Bob Hawke, John Howard and Harry Triguboff. Also honoured this year was Israeli President Reuven Rivlin.

YAEL BRENDER