Rabbi Dr Shalom Coleman CBE AM—Tribute
Brief ministerial statement
Dr Tony Buti (Armadale—Minister for Multicultural Interests) (1:12 pm): I would like to pay my respects to Rabbi Dr Shalom Coleman CBE AM, who passed away last Saturday at the age of 106. Rabbi Coleman is believed to have been Australia's oldest rabbi, and many would consider him one of Australia's most senior rabbi at the time of his passing. Rabbi Coleman was born in Liverpool, England, in 1918 and served in the Royal Air Force as a wireless operator, gunner and recruiting officer for the Jewish Brigade Group during World War II. He received his Rabbinic ordination in 1955 and served Jewish communities in South Africa and Sydney before moving to Perth in 1965. He helped grow, strengthen and support the Western Australian Jewish community to become the third largest in the country, spending 20 years as a Chief Rabbi of the Perth Hebrew Congregation. As Chief Rabbi, Dr Coleman aided in establishing synagogues, schools and kosher services, which have provided support and education for Perth's Jewish community for more than 40 years. Dr Coleman's compassion and care for the community extended beyond his duties as a rabbi. Among his many positions, he was vice president of the Save the Children Fund in 1967; he taught at the University of Western Australia, was a justice of the peace and published many historical and autobiographical works. In 1977 Rabbi Coleman was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire, and in 1990 he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for his services to the community. In all areas, Rabbi Coleman was a true leader and a person to be greatly admired. Rabbi Coleman lived a remarkable and full life and leaves behind a legacy that will impact and inspire many people for years to come. His memory will live through the Western Australian Jewish community and, more widely, through his teachings, his counsel and his determined spirit. Through his passion and commitment to his faith, Rabbi Coleman exemplified the resilience and tenacious spirit of our Jewish communities. His passing is a reminder that the wisdom of our elders offers us an opportunity to learn from their experiences and ensure their teachings live on through actions and words. Please join me in sending my sincere condolences to Rabbi Coleman's family and friends, and to the wider WA and Australian Jewish communities during this sad time.
Members: Hear, hear!
