Mary Easson: an ALP voice for Israel

Former MP Mary Easson's affinity for the Jewish community started early.

“My parents lived next door to Holocaust survivors,” she tells The Jewish Independent. “The family members who perished, the tattoos - those are my first recollections. 

“Then, a school friend gave me Leon Uris’ novel Exodus, which had a profound impact on me. And a Year 11 friend wanted a pen-pal in Israel. She wrote to the Jerusalem Post, which sent her half-a-dozen names. She passed one to me, and Shalom Zimmerman and I corresponded for two years, exchanging information about our worlds and aspirations.

“I thought of these things recently while wondering why I feel so strongly about the community and Israel, what it was that led me to the path I’ve taken.

“Another key moment occurred when I was 18 and in a car with friends. One of them made a derogatory remark about Catholics. I had a strong Catholic background and it was the first time I’d come across such innate bigotry. I got out and slammed the door.

“A Jewish barrister also got out. He caught up with me to say we were both minorities and he understood the prejudice I’d just experienced. And we should stick together. I saw a natural alliance there.

“And then a Jewish friend and I made a deal – she would argue for a conscience vote in the Labor Party on abortion and I would argue for Israel. All these factors have come together in terms of the path I’ve taken.”