| OUR TWO LOCAL HEROES |
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In Strife-torn times, heroes show us the way SMH27/09/2025
(See translation in Arabic section)
Sydney-Middle East Times Int'l: Australia has just endured an unprecedented winter of discontent that seems to be drifting into spring. Turmoil over immigration, the demonisation of political institutions, voter disaffection and housing and economic hardship all seem to have gathered to cast a pall over our once happy land. But against dark and unsettling reality, we should never forget that more unites us than divides us. We can thank two of Sydney’s pre-eminent medical leaders – Professor Less Bokey and Dr Jamal Rifi – for reminding us that common values matter and of the central role unity plays in creating community wellbeing. Professor Bokey, our world famous innovative cancer specialist, told guest at a gala dinner this week that Sydney’s famous south-western region was the heart of the world, a gateway to the Asia-Pacific, with people of every faith, every heart, every culture. “Our population is the Petrie dish of the world,” he said. “It’s the only place in Australia where I can say in Arabic, “assalamu alaikum warahmatuallahi wabarakatuh” and he can answer me in Yiddish if he wants to.”
The recently retired Bokey , who arrived in Australia from Alexandria as a refugee in the 1960s, and Dr Rifi were presented patron’s prizes at the Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue’s 10th anniversary gala dinner.
At a time of national and global dislocation, our two local heroes from different backgrounds have worked closely together to achieve great outcomes for all, the embodiment of the true path forwards. |
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