Frank Lowy and Mark Leibler awarded Israel’s highest civilian honour

The two Jewish leaders are the first Australians ever to be granted Israel’s Presidential Medal of Honour, for their work ‘in the most difficult year since the founding of the state’.

Frank Lowy and Mark Leibler

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Retail magnate Frank Lowy and lawyer Mark Leibler have been awarded Israel’s Presidential Medal of Honour, the first Australians ever to be granted the Jewish state’s highest civilian honour.

The pair were among eight Jewish and non-Jewish leaders from around the world to receive the award, in recognition of their extraordinary contributions to the State of Israel and the Jewish people.

Announcing the awards, Israel’s President Isaac Herzog said he had chosen the recipients for their unwavering commitment to Israel, particularly since the Hamas atrocities of October 7.

“The past year, the most difficult since the founding of the state, tested our resilience as a nation and as the Jewish people,” President Herzog said. “It showcased the diverse and beautiful face of Israeli society and proved, as we have always known and believed, that all of Israel is responsible for one another, that the Jewish communities worldwide and the State of Israel share a common destiny.”

Sir Frank and Mr Leibler had fought against antisemitism, defended Israel’s name in the media, and had long fought for Israel’s place among the nations, he said.

Frank Lowy happy with the 5-1 result during the World Cup qualifier between the Australian Socceroos and Jordan at Allianz Stadium, Moore Park. Picture: Toby Zerna

“Your work and dedication embody this great bond, and the Jewish people and the State of Israel will remain deeply grateful for all that you have done and continue to do,” he said.

President Herzog said Sir Frank, a holocaust survivor, philanthropist and founder of the Westfield shopping empire, had supported the Jewish community in Australia and promoted the well-being of Israeli society, particularly in the fields of health, education, and social welfare.

“His influence is also evident in fostering Israeli-Australian relations and supporting vital Israeli initiatives, most recently the National Library in Jerusalem,” President Herzog said.

Mr Leibler, a prominent lawyer and Jewish community leader, had worked extensively for human rights, Israel, and the Jewish community in the country, President Herzog said.

“For decades, he has been a central figure on the Board of Governors of the Jewish Agency for Israel and Keren Hayesod, working to promote the Australia-Israel friendship, combat antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiments, defend Israel’s reputation, fight against boycotts, and support the Jewish community in Australia.”

Mark Leibler, photographed at his home in Caulfield North. Picture: Valeriu Campan

The Arnold Bloch Leibler senior partner said he was thrilled to be recognised alongside his friend Frank Lowy.

“Sitting around the dinner table on a Tuesday evening, you don’t expect to receive a call from the President of Israel!”, Mr Leibler said. “I am astonished and deeply moved to have received this extraordinary honour, which I’ll treasure for the rest of my life.

“Israel has always been central to my identity as a proud Australian Jew. Working in support of Israel, the Australian Jewish community, and the relationship between the two nations has been a passion and a privilege.

The medals will be presented to recipients in a ceremony at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem in December.

The medal was established in 2012 by former President Shimon Peres and has been awarded to less than 50 individuals, the vast majority of them Israelis. Past non-Israeli recipients include US presidents Bill Clinton, Barack Obama and Joe Biden, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and film director Steven Spielberg.