Former long-serving Tasmanian Liberal Senator Eric Abetz has received an ‘exceptionally special’ award on behalf of the Israel embassy. Find out why.
Former long-serving Tasmanian Liberal Senator Eric Abetz has been honoured for “nurturing” a special relationship between Israel and Australia.
Israeli Ambassador Amir Maimon presented him this week with a special citation in Canberra.
“The Embassy of Israel in Australia wishes to thank Senator Eric Abetz chair of the Australia-Israel Friendship Group of the 46th Parliament for his resolute commitment and passion for nurturing the special relationship between Israel and Australia and his courageous and unwavering advocacy for the values of liberty and democracy shared by our two countries.”
Mr Abetz lost his seat at the May federal election after being relegated to the largely unwinnable third spot on the party’s ticket ending his 28 years in the Senate.
He said it was “exceptionally special” to receive the honour on the day of the 75th anniversary of Israel’s recognition by the United Nations.
“Having visited Israel and being a keen student of its history and politics I am continually amazed at how the Israeli people through sheer determination have carved out an oasis in the desert,” Mr Abetz said.
“The continual threats that persist and the denial by some of the nation of Israel’s right to exist sees it face pressures like virtually no other people.
Read the article by Sue Bailey in The Mercury.