(Jewish Link Staff and combined sources) Isi Leibler, Jewish activist and leader on the international stage, passed away this week in Israel at the age of 86.

Leibler was a central player in the global Jewish arena for over six decades. Establishing himself as a preeminent Australian Jewish leader, he was pivotal in driving the issue of Soviet Jewry onto the international agenda and played a crucial role in the establishment of diplomatic relations between Israel and China, and India. His goals were always to further the Jewish agenda, support Israel and fight anti-Semitism.

Liebler came to Australia as a refugee, growing up in the shadow of the Holocaust. Eventually, he made Israel his home and became one of the most respected and influential voices in the Jewish world.