Barkat bound for Oz

THE Jewish National Fund (JNF) has scored a coup for its October campaign events, securing Jerusalem mayor Nir Barkat as keynote speaker.

A former high-tech entrepreneur, Barkat has been in office since 2008 and has focused on building tourism and social projects to boost the city’s economy. Earlier this year he famously overpowered a Palestinian terrorist who was attacking an Orthodox Jew.

JNF Australia CEO Dan Springer called Barkat “one of the most inspirational, effective and unifying leaders in Israel today”.

“We are truly honoured to have Mayor Nir Barkat join us in October,” he told The AJN.

“Nir’s unique perspective on regional trends – which he will share with JNF audiences in Sydney and Melbourne – has been shaped by his experiences as a paratroops officer, a successful hi-tech entrepreneur and currently as a successful, second term Mayor of Jerusalem.

“Nir is the embodiment of Israeli initiative and courage, as exemplified by how he tackled a terrorist to the ground earlier this year in Jerusalem, thereby preventing further attacks.

“This will be Mayor Nir Barkat’s first ever visit to Australia and is a case of third time lucky, having tried to get him here since 2013.”

Also appearing at the events will be Judy Feld Carr, who over a 28-year period secretly aided 3228 Jews to emigrate from Syria.

Acclaimed by late former Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and awarded The Presidential Award of Distinction by former Israeli President Shimon Peres, Canadian-born Feld Carr will share her remarkable story with JNF guests.

The Sydney event will be held on Wednesday, October 14 with the Melbourne event on Thursday, October 15.

For more information, visit www.jnf.org.au.

GARETH NARUNSKY

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