News
The Jewish Museum of Australia pays tribute
to its Patron Sir Zelman Cowen AK GCMG GCVO QC
7.10.1919 - 8.12.2011
Sir Zelman Cowen Governor General, Banner The Age, 15 July 1977, Jewish Museum of Australia Collection.
"As we mourn the sad loss of Sir Zelman Cowen, one of the most distinguished individuals in Australia, we celebrate his achievements and honour his thirty years as Patron of the Jewish Museum of Australia. It's timely that this month we begin major works on the redevelopment of the Australian Jewish History Gallery to make way for a stunning new gallery named the Zelman Cowen Gallery of Australian Jewish History. On the occasion of Sir Zelman's 90th birthday in 2009, he graciously agreed to have the Gallery named in his honour. It was an appropriate tribute and now serves as a fitting memorial. Calling Australia Home, the new exhibition to be housed in the Zelman Cowen Gallery of Australian Jewish History will move chronologically from Jewish settlement in Australia in 1788 until the present day. The exhibition looks at the adaptation of Jewish tradition and culture in response to the conditions of Australian life and the ways in which Jews have interacted with and contributed to Australian society. The 'healing' Governor-General of 1977, academic, soldier, Rhodes Scholar, Vice Chancellor of two universities, Sir Zelman always identified himself as a proud Jew and a proud Australian. His values set an example to our community about the sort of society we wish to be part of and we are incredibly lucky to have had his support and recognition since the Museum was founded. He was such an extraordinary visionary and we will carry his spirit with us always."
Rebecca Forgasz,
Director,
Jewish Museum of Australia
