01-July-2008
Goldstein Media Releases, Foreign Affairs
Federal Member for Goldstein and Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs, Andrew Robb MP, will depart for a 6 day tour of Israel on Thursday 10 July 2008.
The purpose of the visit is to explore the realities of Israeli political and social life and that of the broader Middle East, including the prospects of reviving a genuine peace process between Israel and its neighbours.
“Ever since my teenage years, I could never reconcile the extraordinary contribution of the Jewish people against the persecution and discrimination they have historically faced,” said Mr Robb.
“This tour will provide me with a valuable opportunity to further increase my knowledge of Israel, meet with its leaders and further strengthen the bond between our two countries.”
As part of his tour Mr Robb will visit Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Bethlehem, as well as hold discussions with Members at the Knesset and visit the Holocaust Remembrance Museum and the Park of the Australian Soldier & Anzac Cemetery in Beersheva.
“I am privileged to represent the Goldstein Jewish community, one of the largest Jewish communities in Australia,” said Mr Robb.
“I have always admired the ability of the Jewish community to so steadfastly hold onto the essential elements of their Jewish culture while simultaneously integrating and contributing substantially to so many facets of the wider community.”
The Federal Electorate of Goldstein has a strong and growing Jewish population.
The 2006 Census reported that there are around 88,000 people of Jewish faith in Australia. The Goldstein electorate is home to almost 10% of the entire Jewish population of Australia.
“The Jewish community is a very important part of the Goldstein community. I proudly supported a Motion in Parliament early this year celebrating the 60th Anniversary of the State of Israel and I am very much looking forward to visiting there,” Mr Robb said.
Media contact: Andrew Hudgson (03) 9557 4644 or 0404 020 896