SYDNEY, Australia (JTA) – Two Australian Jews have been honored for their contribution in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Michele Kosky was named to the Order of Australia for her work in advocacy for people with HIV/AIDS in Western Australia. Dr. John Ziegler also was recognized for his service to pediatric medicine in infectious disease, HIV/AIDS and immunology.
They were among more than a dozen Jews out of nearly 600 Australians honored in this year’s Queen’s birthday list, which was released Monday.
Professor Arie Freiberg, dean of law at Monash University in Melbourne, also was made a member of the Order of Australia for his work in criminology and law reform on sentencing. He was joined by Dr. Jack Bendat, a West Australian businessman honored for his philanthropy to a Perth cancer center.
Other Jews who received a medal of the Order of Australia included an educator, B’nai B’rith international Vice President Dr. Peter Schiff, and Roslyn Feitelson, a community volunteer who died of cancer last year. Robyn Gerber was recognized for her work with Oxfam Australia.
Honors are awarded twice annually, on the Queen’s birthday and Australia Day, which falls on Jan. 26.
In New Zealand, at least two Jews received honors: Professor Stephen Levine was made an officer of the order for his services to education and the Jewish community, along with Gurshon Fisher, who was recognized for his philanthropy.
