Friends of Israel WA held its annual general meeting last night (1 August 2024).
The event was well attended with representatives of state and local governments, and candidates from both major parties for the upcoming WA State election (tagged below).
Reports were presented by the Chairperson and Treasurer, and the committee members for 2024-2025 were duly elected.
The AGM’s special guest speaker was WA Liberal Leader, Libby Mettam MLA . During her speech, Libby emphasised that her party’s support for Israel is rooted in shared commitment to key democratic principles. She noted that Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East, a nation where free elections, an independent judiciary, and a vibrant civil society flourish.
As Leader of the WA Liberals, Libby stated that Israel’s democratic values and dedication to freedom and justice align with the very core of her party’s beliefs.
Libby recognized Israel’s remarkable achievements in various fields, from technology and science to education and the arts and noted that Israel’s innovations have not only transformed its own society but have also contributed significantly to the global community.
Echoing the support of Federal Leader Petter Dutton, who just returned from Israel, Libby stated that her “… Party’s support for Israel is unwavering. It is grounded in our shared values, mutual interests, and a vision for a future where democracy, innovation, and peace prevail. We stand with Israel as a friend, a partner, and an ally, committed to working together for a better, more just world.”
With reference to the antisemitism that has been experienced since October 7, Libby pledged to stand against antisemitism “and all forms of discrimination that threaten the security and dignity of the Jewish community worldwide.”
During Q&A, Libby was asked many questions. One that stood out was why other states had compulsory Holocaust education, while WA did not. Libby promised to address that serous omission from WA school education.
In his report, Chairperson Professor Matthew Ogilvie acknowledged the great work of the committee members and highlighted the many events and activities of FOIWA and asked members and guests to “watch this space” for the upcoming activities of the association.
In his closing remarks, Matthew thanked Libby Mettam for her clear, principled, and steadfast support for Israel and the Jewish community.
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Friends of Israel Acknowledges the Attendance at its AGM of:
Libby Mettam, Leader of the WA Liberal Party https://www.facebook.com/libbymettam
Cr Suzanne Migdale, Deputy Mayor of Stirling https://www.facebook.com/councillorsuzannemigdale
Simon Millman, MLA, Member for Mt Lawley https://www.facebook.com/SimonMillmanMLA
Frank Paolino, Labor Candidate for Mt Lawley https://www.facebook.com/FrankPaolinoMountLawley
Ben Cornel, Liberal Candidate for Mt Lawley, https://www.facebook.com/Ben4MountLawley