For Immediate Release Monday 7 April 2014
The Zionist Federation of Australia held its Biennial Conference on Sunday 30 March, at which Philip Chester retired after 8 outstanding years of leadership and Dr Danny Lamm was elected unopposed as President. Danny comes to the organisation with a deep engagement with Jewish community leadership, having led major Australian Jewish organisations as well as holding key roles with the World Zionist Organisation and the Jewish Agency for Israel.
At the morning session of the conference, the Hon Bill Shorten MP, the leader of the federal opposition delivered a very supportive speech about Israel and the Australian Labor Party’s perspectives on Israel. The general Australian media picked up on the conference and Mr Shorten’s address, which drew the ire of pro-Palestinian advocates within this country.
Dr Lamm welcomed Mr Shorten’s comments and his very positive address and approach, notably commending him for his statement that: “the real answer to the settlements issue is to reach a settlement.”
“The Zionist Federation of Australia is proud of the bipartisan support for Israel in Australia’s parliament. Bill Shorten is a friend of Israel and the Jewish community in Australia and his principled comments regarding Israel and the peace process are welcomed and appreciated” said Dr Lamm.
