Rabbi Greets U.S. Envoy

Rabbi Yaakov Glasman, President of the Rabbinical Council of Victoria (RCV), yesterday met with the new U.S. Ambassador to Australia, His Excellency Mr Jeffrey Bleich, at a nofficial welcome reception hosted by the U.S. Consul General.

Following a formal address by Ambassador Bleich, Rabbi Glasman extended him a warm welcome, adding that he hopes Melbourne’s Jewish community becomes a home away from home for the Jewish Ambassador and his family, who arrived in Australia two weeks ago.

Noting the Ambassador’s background in working on behalf of the Anti-Defamation League in its campaign for human rights and against anti-Semitism, Rabbi Glasman informed him of the important work the RCV is doing on behalf of both the Jewish and wider communities.

The Ambassador responded by expressing his desire to address
Melbourne’s Jewish community once fully settled into his new role.

Given the presence of numerous political leaders at the reception, Rabbi Glasman also took the opportunity to discuss matters of relevance to the Jewish community with Michael Danby MP, Federal Member for Melbourne Ports, and the Hon. Michael Ronaldson, Senator for Victoria, two political stalwarts known for their support of the Jewish community and Israel.

Rabbi Glasman thanked them for their ongoing support and expressed his desire for closer collaboration between the RCV and both state and federal parliamentarians.