ZCV Yom ha atzmaut cocktail evening at the Windsor Hotel. Daniel Andrews speaking. Photo: Peter Haskin

Israel’s Independence Day – Happy Belated Birthday

 More than 300 politicians, foreign diplomats, members of the judiciary and journalists have joined leaders of  Melbourne’s Jewish and Zionist communities to celebrate the 68th anniversary of Israel’s Independence Day.

The Israel Independence Day Cocktail Reception was hosted by Zionism Victoria and the Jewish Community Council of Victoria’s (JCCV) and  co-hosted by the State Government of Victoria through its Office of Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship.

Zionism Victoria’s Vice-President Jeff Morrison in his address d=said: “The best route for peace may be through mutually beneficial relationships and grass root engagement rather than through externally imposed conditions and timetables”.  Morrison invited  guests to consider a visit to Israel adding “There is no better way to improve your understanding of the challenges and to see the success story that is Israel than by visiting the country”.

Opening his address to the guests, the Premier of Victoria Daniel Andrews confirmed the respect and recognition of the entire Parliament for Israel and the Victorian Jewish community “There are ministerial and parliamentary colleagues here from all sides of the aisle and that speaks volumes for the strong support…for the State of Israel, its security and its future. It is a very clear statement that all of us acknowledges and respects the contribution that Victoria’s Jewish community has made and continues to make across our vibrant state.”

Read the full report on JWire