Hakim announces OAM in Israel – Australian Jewish News

When Danny Hakim was awarded the Order of Australia (OAM) in Israel, he said, “This is the first medal I don’t have to actually fight for.”

The Budo for Peace founder, who was named to the Australia Day Honors List for his contributions to the international community in a variety of roles, just received a medal earlier this month from Paul Griffiths, Australia’s Ambassador to Israel. is.

“We were honored to present the Order of Australia to Daniel Hakim, an Australian Israeli who has served in a variety of roles including Founder of Budo for Peace, Kids Kicking Cancer, Middle East Peace Alliance and President of the Israel Surf Lifesaving Federation. I’m honored to do that,” said Griffith.

“Worthy Recipient”

Hakim said he was surprised and honored, including being a two-time world karate silver medalist in Australia and a board member of the Middle East Peace Alliance. His country for the ideal of living in a Jewish homeland. ”

Hakim was born in Adelaide to Egyptian-Jewish parents before moving with his family to Sydney where he discovered karate with the help of his grandmother.

“I was a little kid. My peers saw me as an immigrant Jewish kid and a fit game to be bullied,” Hakim said.

“For my bar mitzvah, my grandmother bought me a one-year subscription to karate classes. I believed that people should play sports that help, and that was the beginning of my journey to become the fighter, educator and philanthropist I am today.

“My grandmother and father died 25 years ago, but I know they are laughing today.

“When I represented Australia, they were very proud because I was representing the Jewish community. I had Australians from Lebanon and Iran on my team. became very close friends and they too were proud to represent the Christian and Muslim communities.It was the It was these personal person-to-person relationships.”

Hakim went on to thank Australia for the learning experience he brought to Israel, especially through sport.

“Australian sport is a religion,” he said. “It’s about fair play and equality. It’s a platform for breaking down ignorance and fear and bringing communities together.”

Hakim is also president of the Israel Life Saving Federation, and along with his brother Paul were instrumental in seeing competitive life saving competitions added to the 2022 Maccabiah Games.

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