ZCV’s Annual Assembly to feature keynote speaker The Hon Wayne Swan MP, Federal Treasurer

The 71st Annual Assembly of the Zionist Council of Victoria will take place on Wednesday November 4, 2009 with the Hon. Wayne Swan MP as keynote speaker.

Israeli Ambassador Yuval Rotem will be in attendance and address guests and delegates, expected to number about 350 people, including representatives from affiliated organisations, and leadership of the Victorian Jewish community.

The Federal Treasurer said “The Australia-Israel relationship is one that the Rudd Government believes is very important, which is why I am really looking forward to taking the opportunity, once again, to speak directly with members of Australia’s Jewish community.”

Mr Swan will also take questions following his address.

As Shadow Treasurer, Wayne Swan authored a book in 2005 entitled “Postcode: the splintering of a nation” where he wrote that government support of philanthropy was one of the lessons he brought back from a visit to Israel in 2003.

Another major feature of the ZCV Annual Assembly is the awarding of the Jerusalem Prize. Mr Saul Same AM will be honoured for his tremendous contribution to Zionist and Jewish life in the state and indeed, Australia.

The Jerusalem Prize is jointly presented by the Zionist Council of Victoria, the Zionist Federation of Australia and the World Zionist Organisation of Israel. It has not traditionally been awarded on an annual basis, but rather when a deserving candidate emerges. Previous recipients of this award have most recently included Sir Zelman Cowen, John Howard AC, Alexander Downer and Mark Leibler AC.

Commenting on the prestigious prize befitting Mr Same’s achievements ZCV President Dr Danny Lamm said “This award recognises the outstanding contribution of an Australian to the Jewish community and to our relationship with Israel. Mr Saul Same’s contribution to the Zionist and Jewish communities of Victoria and Australia extends through the decades, with his achievements on a local and national level being widely recognised as outstanding.”

The annual report of the Zionist Council of Victoria is now available on the ZCV website. Click here to browse the report.

 For more information contact:
Ginette Searle – Executive Director, Zionist Council of Victoria 9272 5544
Elinor Shalev – Public Affairs Director, Zionist Council of Victoria 9272 5519
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The Zionist Council of Victoria leads and encourages Jewish and Zionist activity and expression within Victoria, to represent the Jewish community, to promote and communicate Israel’s interests within the broader Victorian community and to promote Victoria’s relationship with Israel. For more information, visit the Zionist Council of Victoria website www.zionismvictoria.org.au