RE Multi-culturalism
“Howard was concerned that multi-culturalism would encourage minorities to create self-contained enclaves and discourage integration. Well before Islamic extremism raised its ugly head, he warned that anti-democratic elements would exploit multi-culturalism in order to undermine the open society”.
Re Israel
“Howard’s friendship towards Jews can be traced back to his days as a young lawyer in a legal firm with Jewish principals. He first visited Israel in 1962 and since then has remained a champion of the Jewish State. His feelings are best reflected in his own words: ‘The personal affection I have for the State of Israel, the personal regard I have for the Jewish peoeple of the world, will never be diminished. It is something I hold dearly, something I value as part of my being and as part of what I have tried to do with my life.'”
(After meeting with Arafat, Howard told Leibler): “I want you to know that should Arafat ever renege on the commitments to peace he conveyed today, I give you a solemn undertaking that if I am still prime minister, the Australian Jewish community and the people of Israel will never have reason to feel that I forsook them.” Howard kept his word. In subsequent years Australia walked a lonely path, courageously supporting Israel…He never deviated from his commitment. (more…)