AJN STAFF
The Australian Jewish News
May 4, 2023
NSW Premier Chris Minns was the keynote speaker at a major Yom Ha’atzmaut celebration, which was hosted by the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, the Zionist Federation of Australia and the Zionist Council of NSW.
Representatives from an enormous number of consulates joined politicians and religious leaders to celebrate Israel’s 75th year of independence.
NSW JBD president David Ossip made the opening address, before Minns spoke about the strong relationship between Australia and Israel.
“I want to pay tribute tonight to the role that the Jewish Board of Deputies has played in building that strong relationship across our diverse communities, and I think it’s demonstrated by the diverse groups that are here with us celebrating tonight,” Minns said.
‘The Board’s commitment to social inclusion and interfaith dialogue is exemplary and a perfect fit for the modern state of NSW.”
Israel’s ambassador to Australia Amir Maimon addressed the audience, as did Liberal opposition leader Mark Speakman.
“Together we celebrate 75 years of statehood, partnership and importantly friendship,” Speakman said.
“Just as Australia stands as a leading example of liberal democracy and an upholder of the rule of law in the Asia-Pacific, Israel provides hope in the middle east.
“From a nation born out of the Holocaust and the murder of six million Jews, to a nation that’s free, ambitious and prosperous.”
