Ambassador, Premier, Opposition Leader, Politicians, Jewish leaders, clergy of all faiths unite to celebrate Israel at 65
250 toast Israel’s birthday at ZCV and JCCV Yom Ha’atzmaut Cocktail Reception, hosted by Victorian State Parliament, Zionist Council of Victoria and Jewish Community Council of Victoria
12 June 2013
In celebration of Israel’s 65 years of independence, the Israeli Ambassador to Australia, Premier and Opposition leader of Victoria, politicians, Jewish community leaders and representatives and clergy from all faiths came together to toast Israel’s 65th birthday and demonstrate their united support for Israel and the Jewish community.
More than 250 people attended the 11 June 2013 Yom Ha’atzmaut cocktail party at the Windsor Hotel hosted by the Victorian State Parliament and organised by the Zionist Council of Victoria and the Jewish Community Council of Victoria.
“We are particularly delighted with the government’s generous offer to host tonight’s celebration of the 65th anniversary of the founding of the state of Israel, the only liberal democracy in the Middle East,” President of the Zionist Council of Victoria, Sam Tatarka stated. “The Zionist Council and the Jewish Community Council on behalf of Victorian Jewry deeply appreciate the attendance and participation of the Premier, the Leader of the Opposition, parliamentary members…judges…as well as so many community leaders and supporters: We value your friendship with Israel and the Jewish community and thank you most sincerely.”
All speakers noted the bipartisan political support with Israel and the local Jewish community and the similarities between the two countries in terms of their democratic values, multicultural communities and utilising innovative solutions to overcome the challenges of their environment.
“It’s appropriate that we celebrate the great achievements of the Israel over those 65 years,” the Premier said. “It’s also important to reaffirm our strong and unwavering commitment to the independent Israel nation into the future. We want to show our support is clear and unwavering.”
Politicians and community leaders praised the Israeli Ambassador to Australia for his contribution. This cocktail party marked the final Yom Ha’atzmaut celebration the community would share with Ambassador Rotem, who is finishing his term this year.