Biography
Josh Frydenberg — treasurer (former) with roots in the USSR
Josh Frydenberg served as Australia's Treasurer (2018–2022) and deputy leader of the Liberal Party — the highest office held by an Australian Jew. His mother's family survived the Holocaust in Hungary before emigrating to Australia.
Russian Connection
Tracing the roots — Hungary (E. Bloc)
Frydenberg's mother's family are Hungarian Jews whose community was within the Soviet sphere after WWII. His maternal grandparents survived Nazi persecution before emigrating to Australia. He has spoken movingly about how this family history of survival and displacement informs his values and his commitment to democratic institutions.
His mother was a stateless child from the post-war Soviet sphere immigration.
Family Tree
Subject
Josh Frydenberg🇦🇺 Australia
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Origin
Hungary (E. Bloc)🇷🇺 USSR
Historical context
Soviet Union (USSR) · 1922–1991
Hungary (E. Bloc). At the time, this region was one of the fifteen republics of the Soviet Union.
Map: Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA)
Key Achievements
A career defined by ambition
01
Federal Treasurer of Australia (2018–2022)
02
Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party of Australia
03
Member for Kooyong (2010–2022)
04
Oversaw Australia's economic response to the COVID-19 pandemic
05
One of the most senior Jewish politicians in Australian history
Sources