Great line-up for Graf Oration
It’s a line-up of experts to make a panel host smile. When NSW Jewish Board of Deputies CEO Vic Alhadeff sits in the moderator’s chair for Shalom’s annual Graf Oration on September 26 – which will explore how current global issues impact Israel and Australia – he will have at his disposal three Australian experts from the spheres of journalism, research and academia.
IT’S a line-up of experts to make a panel host smile.
When NSW Jewish Board of Deputies CEO Vic Alhadeff sits in the moderator’s chair for Shalom’s annual Graf Oration on September 26 – which will explore how current global issues impact Israel and Australia – he will have at his disposal three Australian experts from the spheres of journalism, research and academia.
The Sydney Morning Herald’s political and international editor Peter Hartcher will bring to the discussion more than 30 years of experience reporting on domestic and global politics.
Anthony Bubalo is research director at the Lowy Institute for International Policy. Regarded as one of the country’s top Middle East analysts, Bubalo has worked for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and served in diplomatic postings to Israel, Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
Rounding out the panel is Associate Professor Leanne Piggott, the national education director of the Centre for Social Impact and a former lecturer in Middle East politics at the University of Sydney.
Alhadeff said the make-up of the panel presents a unique opportunity to explore, in depth, global issues of importance and relevance to Australian, Israeli and global Jewry.
“The panel has three top-flight political commentators,” Alhadeff said.
“The discussion will cover several current issues – including [the rise of] China, the implications of the upcoming US elections and the nature of Australia-Israel relations.”
The Graf Oration began in 2010 to honour the memory of Ervin Graf – a life governor and former president of Shalom and founder of the Stockland Property Group – and his wife and partner in professional and community work, Kitty Graf.
Its 2016 chapter will be the last Shalom public function under the leadership of its CEO, Dr Hilton Immerman, who will retire from the position in December.
Tickets include entry, a kosher dinner and whisky tasting. Raffle tickets can also be purchased to go into the draw on the night to win great prizes, including dinner for two at Sydney’s top 10 restaurants.
All funds raised will go to Shalom’s PJ Library, which every month gifts award-winning books about Judaism to families raising Jewish children.
The 2016 Graf Oration is at 6.30pm on Monday, September 26 at the Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney. Enquiries/bookings: www.trybooking.com/MPVM or call (02) 9381 4000.
SHANE DESIATNIK
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