Eric Abetz honoured with award from Embassy of Israel

Former long-serving Tasmanian Liberal Senator Eric Abetz has received an ‘exceptionally special’ award on behalf of the Israel embassy. Find out why.

Former long-serving Tasmanian Liberal Senator Eric Abetz with Israeli Ambassador Amir Maimon. Picture: Supplied.

Former long-serving Tasmanian Liberal Senator Eric Abetz has been honoured for “nurturing” a special relationship between Israel and Australia.

Israeli Ambassador Amir Maimon presented him this week with a special citation in Canberra.

“The Embassy of Israel in Australia wishes to thank Senator Eric Abetz chair of the Australia-Israel Friendship Group of the 46th Parliament for his resolute commitment and passion for nurturing the special relationship between Israel and Australia and his courageous and unwavering advocacy for the values of liberty and democracy shared by our two countries.”

Mr Abetz lost his seat at the May federal election after being relegated to the largely unwinnable third spot on the party’s ticket ending his 28 years in the Senate.

He said it was “exceptionally special” to receive the honour on the day of the 75th anniversary of Israel’s recognition by the United Nations.

“Having visited Israel and being a keen student of its history and politics I am continually amazed at how the Israeli people through sheer determination have carved out an oasis in the desert,” Mr Abetz said.

“The continual threats that persist and the denial by some of the nation of Israel’s right to exist sees it face pressures like virtually no other people.

“Throughout my time in the parliament I sought to be a voice for the democracies of the world which face existential threats such as Israel and Taiwan and Armenia.

“My advocacy was founded on principle and commitment.”

Mr Abetz, a staunch monarchist, has been appointed chair of the Australian Monarchist League to help fight the Labor government’s plans for Australia to become a republic.

He said the world’s democratic countries needed “to stand resolute and in solidarity with each other to ensure our survival”.

“As dictatorships threaten the peace the need for resolve is greater than ever.

“I was convicted that I needed to do my bit and not crab walk away from these matters which from time to time saw me described in less than a flattering manner by the ignorant and apologists.

“To be recognised in this way by the Embassy of Israel is something which I will always cherish.”

A lawyer before entering parliament, Mr Abetz was Employment Minister and Leader of the Government in the Senate under former Prime Minister Tony Abbott from 2013-15 and also a Minister in the Howard government.

Originally published as Eric Abetz honoured with award from Embassy of Israel