Davidson MP lauds community
During a private members statement on April 11 at NSW Parliament House, Davidson MP Jonathan O'Dea, whose electorate takes in the northern Sydney suburb of St Ives, praised the work done by Jewish organisations in the wider community.
JEWS have made important contributions to both New South Wales and Australia, Davidson MP Jonathan O’Dea told state parliament earlier this month.
During a private members statement on April 11, the Liberal MP, whose electorate takes in St Ives, spoke fondly of his relationship with the community and praised the work done by Jewish organisations in the wider community.
“I recognise the strong, caring and vibrant Jewish community in Davidson and New South Wales and look forward to a continuing warm and supportive relationship,” he remarked.
He noted the long history of Jews in Australia dating back to the First Fleet, highlighting the community’s many milestones, including the consecration of the Great Synagogue in 1878, the formation of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies (JBOD) in 1945 and the establishment of the Australian Jewish Welfare Society, Emanuel Synagogue and Moriah College.
He said many Jewish values are shared by his own Christian beliefs.
“I have attended many Jewish celebrations and occasions over my years as a parliamentarian and I always feel warmly welcomed, despite not being Jewish,” he said.
“I continue to demonstrate my support to my Jewish constituents through involvement in a range of occasions celebrating their commitment to faith, family and community.”
Noting that he was to speak at the Yom Hashoah commemoration at Masada College that evening, O’Dea provided a history of the school from its beginnings as a kindergarten at the North Shore Synagogue.
He also praised the work of Chabad North Shore. “Chabad House strives for peace and goodness through providing numerous services, especially to the Jewish community, throughout the north shore,” he said.
“These services include a wide range of high-quality educational, outreach, crisis and welfare programs for men, women and children of all ages.”
He also spoke of his “very positive” working relationship with JBOD and of visiting Israel on an Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council study tour in 2012.
“Many other Jewish organisations and individuals similarly contribute substantially to our society,” he said.
GARETH NARUNSKY
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