Peter Isaacson memorial

By Eileen Berry
 
With a musical meditation played by family members, Temple Beth Israel’s Rabbi Gersh Lazarow welcomed everyone to a remembrance service for legendary independent publisher and World War II bomber pilot Peter Isaacson on Wednesday 3 May.
 
 
Rabbi Lazarow said he was the fourth rabbi at Temple Beth since it opened - and the fourth to receive Peter’s advice on how the synagogue should be run. Laughter rippled around the synagogue. The tone had been set.
 
Peter Issacson’s leadership and sense of “family” was addressed with honour, humour and tears by all who spoke at the service.
 
Peter was one of the most highly-decorated Australians to serve with Bomber Command, winning the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Force Cross and the Distinguished Flying medal for his bravery and tenacity.
 
 
RAAF colleague Christopher Spence said as a pilot Peter demonstrated excellent leadership skills from an early age (22) and Peter’s incredible stunt - flying his Lancaster bomber under the Sydney Harbor Bridge in 1943, “because it was there” — showed how deft he was at flying.
 
Former “Southern Cross” editor Graeme “Jacko” Johnstone thanked Peter "for taking us on a great journey” with the creation of Peter Isaacson Publications (1947-1993). Many Melbourne journalists had a start at “PIP in Porter Street” over those decades. (Link to Jacko’s reflection)
 
Especially delightful was the rendition of “Turn, Turn, Turn” (The Seekers) by Peter’s grandchildren and their cousins. 
 
Among those who attended were Lady Anna Cowen, Minister for Environment and Energy and Liberal Member for Kooyong Josh Frydenberg, and Labor member for Melbourne Ports Michael Danby.

 

Son Tim Isaacson

 

 Son Tony Isaacson

 

 

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