Summary

Bronze medal issued to commemorate the state visit to Australia for Chaim Herzog. Designed by Michael Meszaros and minted by Royal Australian Mint, Canberra.

Chaim Herzog, the sixth President of the State of Israel, visited Australia in November 1986, the first such visit by an Israeli head of state. This commemorative medal was jointly sponsored by the Executive Council of Australian Jewry and the Zionist Federation of Australia. 250 silver and 2000 bronze medals were minted for the occasion. The medal was designed by renowned medallist Michael Meszaros; the Israeli ambassador, Yissakhar Ben-Yaacov, explained in a leaflet that accompanied the medal that 'Mr Meszaros' design will be a fitting reminder that symbolizes the closeness of our two countries'. The reverse of the medal features a menorah and the Southern Cross, symbols of Israel and Australia respectively, against a background of gum leaves. Meszaros explained that the gum leaves symbolised the links between the two countries, as Israel had planted many Australian eucalypts in its revegetation programs.

During his visit, Herzog addressed the Australian Parliament on 23 October 1986 on the topic of the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 3379, a Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. On 5 November a Parliamentary dinner was held in his honour.Other Details: Medal issued to commemorate the state visit to Australia for Chaim Herzog, sixth President of the State of Israel, in November 1986. It was the first time that a President of the State of Israel had visited Australia. The Israeli ambassador, Yissakhar Ben-Yaacov, explained in a leaflet that accompanied the medal that it was jointly sponsored by the Executive Council of Australian Jewry and the Zionist Federation of Australia. It was designed by renowned medallist Michael Meszaros, and minted by the Royal Australian Mint. 'Mr Meszaros' design will be a fitting reminder that symbolizes the closeness of our two countries', he said. 250 silver and 2000 bronze medals were minted for the occasion. Herzog addressed the Australian Parliament on 23 October 1986 on the topic of the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 3379, a Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. On 5 November a Parliamentary dinner was held in his honour.

Physical Description

A bronze medal (50 mm diameter) produced to record the visit of His Excellency Mr. Chaim Hertzog to Australia in 1986. It features a Menorah below the Southern Cross and an inscription commemorating the State Visit.

Obverse Description

STATE VISIT / TO AUSTRALIA / PRESIDENT OF THE / STATE OF ISRAEL / CHAIM HERZOG / NOVEMBER 1986 / HESH' VAN 5747 / E.C.A.J., Z.F.A. / MICHAEL MESZAROS

Reverse Description

Menorah beneath the Southern Cross

Edge Description

Plain

Significance

For over half a century, sculptors Andor (1900-1973) and Michael (1945- ) Meszaros have created medals that reflect the high points of life in Australia. From major awards and portraits of eminent Australians to artwork celebrating popular culture and the natural world, these objects illuminate our culture and history. Grounded in a centuries-old European art tradition, the medals create connections across disciplines and link such diverse subjects as scientific advances, religious themes, sport, the performing arts and motherhood. Through their public and private commissions and their personal artworks, the Meszaros sculptors have defined the modern Australian medal.

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