Ian Lacey AM, co-founder of Religions for Peace NSW Branch, and member of the National Executive of Religions for Peace Australia, passed away in the company of his family on evening of 30 November. Professor Des Cahill writes of the accomplishments and service to the nation by Ian Lacey.
Ian Lacey A.M. passed peacefully away in North Sydney on November 30th, 2023 surrounded by Josie, his life partner, and their loving family. His health had been declining for some time. He was always a very friendly and gregarious person, ever eager to help, ethical and wise and deeply proud and very knowledgeable of his Jewish heritage. In 2007 he was awarded an A.M. for his services to the community and to the Jewish community.
Ian was a longtime founding member of Religions for Peace NSW and for close to 20 years was the honorary legal adviser of Religions for Peace Australia. His contribution cannot be separated from that of Josie for they were married for 61 years. They had together in their loving partnership relentlessly fought against injustice and anti-Semitism. Their skill sets complemented each other and they achieved great things as a team, not least the historic anti-racial vilification laws in New South Wales. Earlier in 1992. Josie had been awarded an O.A.M. for her community service, particularly with the Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA).
Ian was a lawyer by profession, not least an expert in international and Israeli law, giving lectures on behalf of the Australian Institute of International Affairs. As well as being a longstanding member of the NSW Board of Jewish Deputies, he was a member of its Executive and served on various sub-committees. He also served on the Executive Council of Australian Jewry. As well he was a very regular contributor to the education website of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, Israel and Judaism Studies, his last contribution being published exactly twelve months ago. He authored booklets on the Arab-Israel Conflict and Understanding Judaism.
Vale, Ian Lacey! You have lived a very good and honourable life. He is survived by Josie and their three daughters, Ruth, Judith and Rebecca, two lawyers and a doctor – the Jewish parents’ trifecta!
Professor Des Cahill, RMIT University,
Honorary President, Religions for Peace Australia
Moderator, Religions for Peace Asia
