Famous Jew in History: Sir Zelman Cowen (1919–2011)
Born in Melbourne in 1919, Zelman Cowen grew up in a Jewish family that placed a strong emphasis on education, learning and community service.
A gifted student, he attended Scotch College before studying law at the University of Melbourne. He later won a prestigious Rhodes Scholarship to Oxford University, beginning a career that would take him from academia to public service.
After serving in intelligence during World War II, Cowen became one of Australia's leading legal scholars and university leaders.
The dismissal of the Whitlam Government in 1975 left Australia politically divided. When the time came to appoint a new Governor-General in 1977, Cowen's reputation for integrity and good judgement made him the ideal choice.
During his five years in office, he helped restore confidence in the position and became one of Australia's most admired Governor-Generals.
Cowen never forgot his Jewish roots. Throughout his life, he spoke proudly of the values of learning, service and community that shaped him.
When Zelman Cowen died in 2011, leaders from across Australian public life gathered to honour him. Their presence reflected the respect he had earned through a lifetime of scholarship, service and integrity.