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Zionist Federation of Australia Plenary Conference Report 16 August 2015 Page | 1


CONTENTS

AGENDA .................................................................................................................................................. 4

EXECUTIVE LIST ....................................................................................................................................... 5

MESSAGE FROM THE PRIME MINISTER OF ISRAEL BENJAMIN NETANYAHU ....................................... 7

MESSAGE FROM THE PRIME MINISTER OF AUSTRALIA THE HON TONY ABBOTT ............................... 8

MESSAGE FROM THE LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION THE HON BILL SHORTEN ..................................... 9

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF THE EXECUTIVE, WORLD ZIONIST ORGANISATION ................ 10

MESSAGE FROM ZFA PRESIDENT, DR DANNY LAMM ......................................................................... 11

REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, GINETTE SEARLE ................................................................... 14

JEWISH AGENCY REPORT ..................................................................................................................... 31

ZIONIST COUNCIL OF NEW SOUTH WALES REPORT ............................................................................ 34

ZIONIST COUNCIL OF QUEENSLAND REPORT ...................................................................................... 36

ZIONIST COUNCIL OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA REPORT .............................................................................. 41

ZIONIST COUNCIL OF VICTORIA REPORT ............................................................................................. 43

ZIONIST COUNCIL OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA REPORT ......................................................................... 48

THE AUSTRALIAN ZIONIST YOUTH COUNCIL REPORT ........................................................................ 52

AUSTRALASIAN UNION OF JEWISH STUDENTS REPORT ..................................................................... 55


AGENDA Zionist Federation of Australia Plenary Conference 2015

Sunday 16 August 2015

146 Darlinghurst Rd, Sydney

9.30am Registration and refreshments

10.00am Welcome

Reports, Resolutions and Constitutional Amendments

President’s report

Treasurer’s report

Constitutional amendments

Resolutions

Presentations

AZYC presentation – Gabi Newman

AUJS presentation – Dean Sherr

11:00am Guest Speaker The Hon Malcolm Turnbull, MP in conversation with Shmuel Rosner

Presentations

Launch of new ZFA website

ZFA’s new Young Adult program – “Project Go”

12:15pm Lunch

Address by Israeli Ambassador, Shmuel Ben Shmuel

1:45pm Keynote Speaker Shmuel Rosner

ISRAEL AS A JEWISH AND DEMOCRATIC STATE

Presentation

Shlichim mishlachat presentation – Rinat Kedem Bart

Workshop Session with Shmuel Rosner

“Jewish Values and Israel’s Use of Force in Armed Conflict”

4:45pm Closing remarks

Hatikva

5:00pm End


EXECUTIVE LISTOFFICE BEARERS President Dr Danny Lamm

Honorary Treasurer Greg Blashki

Honorary Secretary and Zionist Council of Victoria President Sam Tatarka

Immediate Past President Philip Chester

Hasbara Chairperson Ian Samuel OAM

Education Chairperson Miriam Munz

Youth and Young Adults Chairperson Joel Burnie

Members without Portfolio Sam Salcman OAM Roger Selby Dr Ron Weiser AM Dr Niv Tadmore

Zionist Council New South Wales President Richard Balkin

State Zionist Council of Queensland President Jason Steinberg

State Zionist Council of South Australia President Alison Marcus

Zionist Council of Victoria Vice President Sharene Hambur

State Zionist Council of Western Australia President Jeffery Lin

PRESIDENTS AND REPRESENTATIVES OF AFFILIATE ORGANISATIONS Ameinu Johnny Baker

ARZA Barbara Ford Steve Denenberg

AUJS Dean Sherr

AZYC Gabi Newman Adiel Cohney

Friends of Likud Alex Goodman

Keren Hayesod – UIA Australia Harold Finger OAM

Keren Kayemeth – JNF Australia Peter Smaller

Maccabi Australia Barry Smorgon OAM

Mercaz-Mastori Australasia Eric Lundberg John Furstenberg

Mizrachi Ian Waller SC Sam Seigel

NCJWA Rysia Rozen OAM

UPJ Stephen Freeman Steve Denenberg

WIZO Australia Gilla Liberman

Youth Aliyah Australia Bernard Weiss

SHLICHIM - NSW Betar Ortal Dary

Bnei Akiva Yonatan Sinclair

Habonim Dror/Aliyah Ron Alter

Hineni/Central Synagogue Aaron Kalman

Netzer Yuval Nemirovsky (until June 2015)

Tzofim Sarai Polk

ZFA/WZO Ittai Aminoff

SHLICHIM - VICTORIA Federal Aliyah and Jewish Agency for Israel Representative Rinat Kedem Bart

AUJS Rachel Adams

Betar Avi Michaeli

Bnei Akiva Moriah Ben-David

Habonim Dror Efri Bart


Hashomer Hatzair Anat Paz

Netzer Nadav Shachmon

Russian Speaking Jewish Community Sasha Klyachkina

SHLICHIM – WA Habonim Dror/Aliyah/Community Leon Schneider

YOUTH MOVEMENT REPRESENTATIVES Betar Mattan Bejerano

Bnei Akiva Avi Bart

Habonim Dror Jarred Abrahams

Hashomer Hatzair Jemimah Hoffman

Hineni Lauren Gam

Netzer Shira Appelboom

OBSERVERS Arava Australia Partnership Ron Finkel Tamara Bruce Rachel Caplan

Australian Forum of Russian Jewry Alex Taube Vladimir Tsivlin

Life Member Nathan Jacobson OBE

Theodor Herzl Award Mark Leibler AC Shmuel Rosenkranz

Zionist Council of New South Wales Belinda Levy

State Zionist Council of Queensland Hadas Palevsky

State Zionist Council of South Australia Merrilyn Ades

Zionist Council of Victoria Jane Rapke

State Zionist Council of Western Australia Rena Hesselson

STAFF Executive Director Ginette Searle

Israel Office Director Yigal Sela

Accounts Manager Sigal (Gili) Gafin

Communications & Marketing Coordinator Hayley Hadassin

Israel Advocacy and Media Director Ted Lapkin

Aliyah Office – VIC Miri Abramovich

Aliyah Office – NSW Shoshana Vitek

Executive Assistant Shayndle Grinblat ZFA/WZO Shaliach Ittai Aminoff

Young Adults Coordinator – VIC Mina Cohen

Israel Programs Coordinator Sarit Braver

Israel Programs Assistants Elad Gafin – VIC Yoav Silverstein - NSW

Habayit Coordinator Hallely Kimchi

Arava Australia Partnership Coordinator Stacy Hayman

Arava Australia Partnership Assistant Elad Gafin RSJC Coordinator – NSW Anna Maylis


MESSAGE FROM THE PRIME MINISTER OF ISRAEL BENJAMIN NETANYAHU


MESSAGE FROM THE PRIME MINISTER OF AUSTRALIA THE HON TONY ABBOTT


MESSAGE FROM THE LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION THE HON BILL SHORTEN


MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF THE EXECUTIVE, WORLD ZIONIST

ORGANISATION

It is a pleasure to send this message from Jerusalem to the Zionist Federation of Australia on

the occasion of your 2015 Plenary Conference! Your remarkable success in actualizing

contemporary Zionism has made you the flagship of Zionist federations the world over!

In today's world of virulent anti-Semitism and weakened Jewish-Zionist identity, I cannot

overemphasize the importance of your commitment and the value of your achievements:

whether in providing dynamic Zionist education in the schools, promoting the speaking of

Hebrew or actively encouraging Aliyah. More olim, come from Australia than from many

other western countries, are, at this moment, helping to transform the dreams of thousands

of years into the realities of vigorous daily life in contemporary Israel! Your dedication and

successes must serve as examples to other communities, in recognition of the simple truth

that Israel's future is the shared responsibility of all Jews throughout the world.

I wish to include a special note of heartfelt appreciation and best wishes to your President,

Dr. Danny Lamm, whose incomparable leadership, resolute ideology and dedication has

impacted not only the ZFA but the Jewish Zionist world!

The powerful pro-Israel energy that your federation has generated in your community and

your concrete accomplishments have made you our most esteemed partner in the building

and strengthening of Israel and in fulfilling its destiny as a vibrant modern country and a "Light

unto the Nations."

May you go from strength to strength! May we continue to work together in fulfilling our

mutual and sacred mission. "May God bless you from Zion and may you benefit from the

goodness of Jerusalem -- all the days of your lives."

Avraham Duvdevani

Chairman, World Zionist Organization


MESSAGE FROM ZFA PRESIDENT, DR DANNY LAMM

I would like to welcome you to the 2015 Zionist Federation Plenary

Conference.

The year to date has been one of change, development, initiative, and unity

both in Australia and in Israel, whilst simultaneously having been a period of

tremendous challenge. The place of Israel in the global arena, and our

responses to these challenges, have been a prime object of concern for the Zionist

movement in Australia and worldwide.

Most recently the P-5 agreement with Iran represents a policy of weakness and

accommodation in the face of a dangerously evil regime that imperils not merely Israel, but

also the entire Middle East. The Zionist Federation of Australia has no hesitation about

publicly voicing its opposition to this dangerous agreement. To paraphrase one of Barack

Obama’s favourite debating lines: “the 1930s called and Neville Chamberlain wants his

appeasement policy back.” This agreement will undoubtedly bear consequences for Israel

and the ZFA will continue to monitor the issue and speak out in strong and clear terms on

behalf of the Australian Zionist community

Our Israel advocacy efforts respond to misinformation about Israel in the media and also

strategically present positive messages about Israel. Our recent response to Amnesty

International clearly conveyed our dismay towards the doctored video footage used to

support unsubstantiated war crimes allegations against Israel. We noted that after exposure

of the fraudulent footage, Amnesty discreetly removed the doctored video albeit without

any formal acknowledgement or apology. It was an inadequate measure and a crude piece

of fraudulent anti-Israel propaganda.

We have and will continue to lobby Australian governmental bodies.

We have and will continue to educate, facilitate understanding and engage both the Jewish

community and the broader Australian community.

We have and will continue to challenge the BDS movement and growing global anti-

Semitism.

The ZFA is committed to increasing our exposure to politicians and other community

leaders, as well as increasing our media “footprint”. To that end, Past President and current

ZCNSW Board Member Dr Ron Weiser AM has agreed to chair a new Public Affairs

Committee of the ZFA, which includes representation from each state. There’s never been a


more important time for the ZFA to ramp up its activities in this area. The Australian and

international landscape has undergone change and it’s our responsibility to ensure that the

bipartisan Australian political support of the State of Israel is maintained.

The world, which is increasingly antagonistic to the State of Israel, needs to have a counter

balance to provide perspective and we aim to achieve that. We support Israel politically,

economically and emotionally. It is imperative for the people in Israel to know that we

support the Jewish State, especially when Israel faces existential threats. We need Israel for

its input, Jewish education, contribution to our Jewish identification. We need Israel for the

survival of the Jewish people.

As is attested to in the Jerusalem Program, to which all Zionist organisations ascribe, the

centrality of Israel in Jewish life is paramount for the very survival of Diaspora Jewish

communities. Reciprocally, Israel needs the support of strong democratic nations and

societies such Australia. The ZFA’s role in this mutual connection is fundamental.

As the umbrella body for Zionism in Australia we actively encourage a broad range of ideas

and viewpoints. We have the responsibility to guide, encourage and support Zionist councils

in the states especially those in the smaller states, enhancing our relationships with them

and the various Jewish communities. . To this end we need to support active discourse on

subjects that challenge our way of thinking, that take us out of our comfort zones and

empower us to engage within the Jewish Community and outside of it.

The ZFA has made several outstanding achievements in various programs and activities,

which contribute to Zionism and Israel. Now we need to generate more. We encourage

members of our affiliate organisations to add their weight, perspectives and attention to

our ever-increasing role. In the past year, the ZFA’s priorities have expanded to include

several key new initiatives.

The Habayit – Home of Hebrew and Israeli Culture project, which commenced with WZO

funds in 2013, has become a key connector for engagement with the Israeli community, as

well as providing a wide range of programs focusing on Hebrew and Israeli culture. It has

strengthened the development of the Israeli Scouts movement, which from its opening date

in Melbourne in March 2014, now welcomes more than 150 participants to activities every

week. On the strength of that development, a shlicha for Tzofim has been appointed in

Sydney, and we are in the process of finalising the arrangements for a shlicha to come to

Melbourne in the coming months.

We continue to develop our relationship with the Russian Speaking Jewish Community both

in Sydney and Melbourne. Our first RSJC shlicha is about to complete a stunningly successful

term, which has resulted not only in the expansion of programs and connections, but has

served as leverage for philanthropic support for a comparable ZFA project in Sydney,

supported by a local professional, and to the inaugural Limmud FSU which took place in

Melbourne in March and is hoped to be an annual event hereafter, alternating between

Melbourne and Sydney


The ZFA is pleased to continue working closely with the Jewish Agency for Israel in bringing

shlichim to Australia. Flying in the face of global trends, we maintain a team of professional

educational emissaries, working with Zionist youth movements, the student movement,

specific community segments and on Aliya, bringing their authentic experience, high levels

of skills and training and a special connection to Israel.

In 2014 we hosted the largest ever ZFA Jewish Educators’ Conference in Melbourne. With

500 formal and informal Jewish educators from across Australia and New Zealand, including

youth movement bogrim, the ZFA presented an outstanding event with many high calibre

international and local guests. Work is underway for the 2016 Biennial Jewish Educators’

Conference, which we anticipate will be even more successful. In April 2014, the ZFA

assumed the auspice responsibility for the Arava Australia partnership project, a Jewish

Agency for Israel P2Gether partnership. The ZFA’s national focus and the integration of the

project with other relevant work areas has been a fruitful and successful value-add to this

important and innovative work.

In yet another direct partnership arrangement, we are excited to be partnering with the

world renowned Diller Teen Fellowship Program from September 2015 in an inaugural

program in Australia. This program will enable specific connection and collaboration

between teenage leaders in Melbourne and their counterparts in the Golan region in Israel.

Fostering our future leaders is an ongoing priority and one which goes beyond working with

youth and young adults. A priority going forward is to recruit an expanded lay leadership

team, encouraging new and younger people to join the ZFA as volunteers whilst retaining

the experience and knowledge base of the current leaders, who continue to serve with

distinction and commitment.

Israel is central to the communal activities that I have been involved in since my

adolescence and indeed to my life. Israel is home to the majority of my close family. It is one

of the most important components of my faith. It is the home of my ancestors and the

home of my future. It is my Jewish home. It is our Jewish home.

We can be proud of the professional team we have employed under the ZFA who are all

delivering way above and beyond and expect an outstanding year ahead. Kol Hakavod and

Toda Raba.

Dr Danny Lamm

President


REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, GINETTE SEARLE

THE MISSION OF THE ZFA

The Zionist Federation of Australia is the peak body of all Zionist organisations in

Australia and is responsible for developing, supporting and enriching a meaningful

relationship between the Australian Jewish community and Israel and between

the broader Australian community and Israel.

The ZFA represents the Jewish Agency for Israel, the World Zionist Organisation, Masa Israel Journey

and Taglit-Birthright Israel in Australia and, as such, is responsible for the management of a range of

programs including short and long term Israel programs, programs for young adults, school

educational programs, Aliya services and the recruitment and support of shlichim.

The ZFA also presents the Biennial Jewish Educators’ Conference, the National Bible Quiz, seminars,

visits to Australia by Israeli politicians, academics and opinion makers, undertakes advocacy, political

campaigns and representations on behalf of our community to the Federal Government, with the

media, the general Australian community and of course within our own Jewish community.

2014 – 2015 REPORT

This report summarises the many and varied activities, responsibilities and programs undertaken by

the ZFA since the Biennial Conference of 30 March 2014.

The Biennial Conference, at which we welcomed the participation of the Chairman of the Executive

of the Jewish Agency for Israel, Mr Natan Sharansky, saw a transition of leadership. At the

conference, Philip Chester stepped down after an eight year term of exceptional leadership,

including sound management and expansion of existing programs, development of new initiatives

and increasing the positive profile of our organisation. The Conference also saw the election of Dr

Danny Lamm into the role of President, and the period which has followed has seen continued

growth, increased scope and consolidation of several programs.

ALIYA

Aliya is a fundamental priority of the ZFA and the Israel Aliya Office is an integral part of our

organisation. Our Aliya shlichim, Rinat Kedem Bart (Federal, Melbourne), Ron Alter (Sydney) and

Leon Schneider (Perth), together with Aliya administrators Shoshana Vitek (Sydney) and Miri

Abramovich (Melbourne), work as a cohesive and effective team to provide customised, specialist

support and encouragement to intending olim.

We are constantly striving to improve the service to olim and provide accessible, up to date

information. To this end, the Aliya team has recently produced a comprehensive information kit for

olim, which can be tailored to suit the needs of each individual and which is provided to them in

both electronic and hard copy form. The kit includes relevant information on a range of issues and


procedures, and will assist the olim in both their preparation for Aliya and in their early days of

absorption.

In June 2015, the Aliya team conducted their first ever seminar, which included useful sessions with

the consular officer of the Israeli Embassy.

In the 2014 calendar year, 173 Australians made Aliya through the Israel Aliya Centre of the ZFA. To

date in 2015, there have been 87 olim from Australia.

The support of olim doesn’t end when the olim leave Australia, of course. The ZFA Israel Office

welcomes each new oleh with a warm email and connection to the office as well as providing regular

updates to olim, which include items regarding employment, recreation and other services which

may be of interest.

Since April 2013, the ZFA has contracted Telfed in Israel to provide absorption and support services

for Australian olim in their first year. We have been delighted with the services provided, which go

well beyond the formal requirements in the agreement. Telfed meets the olim at the airport and

provides advice and support in areas such as olim rights, social services and education, as well as

connecting new olim with compatible “veterans” in their new communities. Telfed now also enables

Australian olim to avail themselves of highly subsidised rental accommodation which is owned by

Telfed and provides additional “value adds” such as special events for lone soldiers before chagim.

ARAVA AUSTRALIA PARTNERSHIP

In April 2014, the ZFA assumed the responsibility for the Arava Australia Partnership (AAP). The

additional value we bring to this project is partly through our national focus and connections and

also, of course, by the integration with other ZFA work units and the team which is available to

support the coordinator in her work.

I am delighted to report on the outstanding success and increased levels of activity in this area. I

particularly wish to record appreciation to the dedicated volunteers who work tremendously hard

on each and every project and to the professional coordinator, Stacy Hayman, who was appointed in

2014 to manage this area of activity.

Highlights during the 2014 – 2015 period included:

SIKUM SEMINAR – Moshav Tzofar in the Arava was host to 130 AZYC Shnatties for part of their

closing seminar in October 2014. This was the first time the closing seminar has been located in the

Arava and it was a great success, for the participants and the partnership.

IBC IN THE ARAVA – Almost 150 IBC gap year participants visited the Arava in early 2015. In an

enjoyable visit, participants also gained a good understanding of the AAP and how Arava

International Center for Agricultural Training is helping change the lives of people in developing

countries.

30 IBC gap year participants chose to spend five days in March 2015 volunteering in the fields. For many it was one of the highlights of their five months in Israel.

HABONIM DROR WINTER CAMPS IN SYDNEY - Two madrichim from the Arava were selected and

funded by the Partnership and sent to lead at Habonim Dror winter camp in Sydney in July 2015.

From all accounts, this was a brilliant encounter and brought an authentic Israel spirit to the camps.


UPCOMING EVENTS

ACACIA YEAR 10 DELEGATION MELBOURNE - Twelve year 10 students from the Arava will be

billeted by families of Bialik College for 10 days in July/August 2015 and will, as usual,

participate in a series of meetings, programs and experiences designed to foster the “people

to people” relationships which are so key to the AAP.

AGRI-SCIENCE DELEGATION - Six high level scientists/educators and agriculturists led by

Israeli AAP Coordinator Orit Elkayam will take part in our inaugural Agri Science delegation in

August – September 2015 in Melbourne and Sydney. Delegates will be home hosted in

Melbourne and will present at various events including a JNF gold patrons lunch, an AICC

boardroom lunch and an assembly for 150 Mount Scopus students. We are still planning

other community events to share our scientists’ secrets on how to grow more with less.

HINENI SHNATTIES - will be in the Arava from 5/10-25/11 and will work and volunteer in the

region.

CULINARY DELEGATION - The year will end with a culinary delegation/Taste of the Arava to

Perth and Sydney to expand our Partnership nationally. Six delegates will be chosen from

the many talented chefs and cooks in the Arava to share their skills with the Perth and

Sydney communities late November/December 2015.

TEACHER EXCHANGE - Three Australian teachers will be selected to participate in a Teacher

Exchange program to the Arava in December 2015 – January 2016.

BIALIK CHAVAYAH - Approximately twelve year 10 Bialik College students from the Chavayah

group will choose to spend from Monday 21- Thursday 24 December in the Arava. They will

be home hosted by families.

ACADEMY BJE - are planning to bring 50 participants from their Year 10 Israel program to the

Arava in December 2015.

THE KING DAVID SCHOOL - We were approached by The King David School to host 25 of their

students on the Yesh program in the Arava for four days in December 2015.

AUJS - Up to 80 participants in the AUJS Onward- Academy program will volunteer in the

Arava from January 3rd – January 8th 2016.

ISRAEL HIGHWAY - Are planning to hold their “opening seminar” in January 2016 in the

Arava

P2G@20 - Will be an amazing Mega event in Israel from 4 – 7 April 2016 to celebrate the

global Partnership’s 20th birthday.

EDUCATION

The ZFA is committed to Zionist and Israel education. We work together with the Jewish Day Schools

and other educational providers on both formal and informal education.

Our Education Chairperson, Dr Miriam Munz, has extensive experience in educational leadership at

the school and tertiary academic levels and her valuable input and contribution to our various

educational initiatives is highly regarded.

ZFA JEWISH EDUCATORS’ CONFERENCE 2014

The ninth ZFA Biennial Jewish Educators’ Conference was held in August 2014 at Mt Scopus

Memorial College, Melbourne. With over 500 attendees from across Australia and New Zealand,


including 150 AZYC informal educators and a fabulous range of international expert speakers

including Professor Avigdor Shinan, David Bernstein, Ricky Bernstein, Eli Kohn, Sarah Mali, Liat Cohen

Raviv and Michael Gillis, the conference was hailed as an outstanding success.

ZFA JEWISH EDUCATORS’ CONFERENCE 2016

Plans are well underway for the 2016 Jewish Educators’ Conference – the 10th since inception, which

will take place on 21 – 22 August, 2016.

NATIONAL BIBLE QUIZ

The National Bible Quiz was conducted by the ZFA on 7 December, 2014 and comprised a written

test followed by a nail-biting public quiz, expertly moderated by Rabbi Ian Goodhardt. The winner

was Chani Charak from Kesser Torah College in Sydney and the runner up, Le-le Kaltman from Beth

Rivkah Ladies’ College in Melbourne, both of whom represented Australia at the world quiz on Yom

Ha’atzmaut 2015.

Our heartfelt appreciation goes to Shira Bloch, who prepared both the state and national quizzes

and whose advice and dedication to the Bible Quiz is invaluable.

ZIONIST SEMINARS

The Zionist Seminars program is one of the leading projects of the ZFA and JAFI in Australia, bringing

talented and enthusiastic young shlichim to work intensively with students in Jewish day schools and

the supplementary Jewish education system.

In 2014, the King David School’s team came out for Chodesh Iyar in April, followed by the remaining

teams coming out in July – August.

2015 sees the King David School returning to the more traditional model of the July – August teams.

At the time of writing, teams are preparing to depart from Israel.

2016 will mark thirty years of the Zionist Seminar project in Australia, a milestone we are planning to

celebrate both in Australia and in Israel.

DILLER TEEN FELLOWSHIP

We are about to embark on our pilot year of running the Diller Teen Fellowship in Australia. The

project, which fosters leadership development and activism among a cohort of year 9 – year 11

students, will see the development of a relationship between Melbourne and the Golan Region, with

which our cohort will partner.

A project coordinator has been recruited, who is expected to commence in the role in early

September. The participants will be recruited shortly after, and programming is set to commence

before the end of 2015. Highlights of the 15 month program will be the visit of the Israeli cohort to

Australia in April 2016 and the participation of all Diller Teen Fellows, including the Australian

cohort, in the International three week program in Israel in July 2016, culminating in the

International Diller Teen convention.

ISRAEL ADVOCACY AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Israel advocacy in the ZFA is undertaken within our communities and of course, with media and

general leadership.


The situation in Israel has required not only our constant updating of the community, through our

regular Israel Advocacy alerts, but also responses to critical issues through a series of campaigns,

rallies and media response. From solidarity rallies when the three teenagers were kidnapped and

killed in June 2014, to campaigns and rallies during Operation Protective Edge and information

updates during the 2015 Israeli elections, work on the advocacy front has been intense.

In May 2015, we appointed Ted Lapkin to coordinate Israel Advocacy and in particular to focus on

our public affairs and political engagement activities. Ted has succeeded in publishing several articles

in mainstream media and is preparing high quality original materials which are circulated through

our communities and via social media.

In June 2015, the ZFA established a Public Affairs Committee, ably led by Dr Ron Weiser AM and

which includes representatives from each state.

COMMUNICATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS

The ZFA continues to enhance our social media presence. In today’s world, we find that people are

looking to Facebook, Youtube and other social media for their news and opinion updates. We have a

number of Facebook pages in the ZFA, targeted to various demographics. Our main Facebook page

(facebook.com/ZionistFederationAustralia) carries our original Israel advocacy pieces, statements by

the ZFA as well as items of interest relating to Israel ranging from politics, society and lighter issues.

We have a page dedicated to ZFA Israel Programs (facebook.com/zfaisraelprograms), one for the

Arava Australia Partnership (facebook.com/australiaarava) as well as pages for our young adult

demographics (facebook.com/hagshama; facebook.com/sydneyhagshama). We encourage

engagement so please “like” our pages and join the online discussions.

We are currently in the process of improving our website interface, both in terms of design and

navigation. The new look ZFA website will be launched shortly, as will a refreshed format for our

fortnightly email newsletters.

The ZFA regularly publishes articles in Jewish media – print and online. These can be found in archive

on our website or in the “in the news” album on the ZFA Facebook page.

ISRAEL PROGRAMS

The ZFA Israel Programs department, led by coordinator Sarit Braver, is responsible for the

promotion and administration of Masa Israel Journey and Taglit-Birthright Israel programs in

Australia.

TAGLIT-BIRTHRIGHT ISRAEL

In 2014, the ZFA sent eight ‘buses’ of 40 participants on Taglit-Birthright Israel programs, through

ZFA Hagshama (2 groups), AUJS (3 groups), Chavaya/Chabad on Campus (2 groups) and ZFA

Kangarusski (1 group). Unfortunately, funding was not available to support a Kangarusski bus for the

July 2015 season, hence the total numbers of participants will be 280 in 2015. We gratefully

acknowledge the support of Gandel Philanthropy whose generous contribution supports participants

on three Birthright buses per year.

The impact of Taglit-Birthright Israel has been extensively researched and analysed. It is indisputable

that Taglit participants are more likely to marry another Jewish person, thereby contributing in a

major way towards Jewish continuity. The anecdotal evidence from Taglit participant testimonials


also points to the personal growth and the phenomenal development in Jewish and Zionist identity

and the tremendous impact of the program.

ONWARD ISRAEL – ACADEMY

In 2014, we worked with the Jewish Agency for Israel to bring their Onward Israel program together

with AUJS Academy. This partnership brings a win/win to all parties – with an enhanced program

and the add ins provided by Onward Israel, as well as the significant financial support, participants

were able to enjoy an excellent six week program in 2014 for substantially cheaper than the 2013

program, which was for only 5 weeks. Unfortunately, the target numbers were not achieved, with

just over 40 participants involved.

JAFI has however, agreed to support AUJS Academy with Onward Israel partnership for 2015 and it is

expected that through an active marketing effort, target numbers for the program will be achieved.

MASA ISRAEL JOURNEY

Masa Israel Journey long term programs reached record numbers in 2014, with over 380 participants

joining gap year, academic, post-university career development, Jewish learning and experiential

programs of over five months duration.

The Israel Programs Department focuses heavily on promoting Masa Israel programs options for

eligible people, including working closely with program organisers, youth movements and schools.

SHUK – Israel Program Fair (Sydney and Melbourne)

The annual Israel Programs fair “the Shuk” was held in both Sydney and Melbourne in March 2015.

Program representatives from a wide range of programs presented stalls at each event. Alumni from

the various programs spoke about their programs and experiences. In June, the first ever Israel

Program Fair was held in Brisbane.

SCHOOL FAIRS

Israel Program Fairs were held in eight Jewish Day Schools across Australia (Perth, Sydney and

Melbourne). All the gap year programs had stalls and gave short presentations on their programs.

They all gained substantial interest and exposure from the fairs.

2015/16 ISRAEL PROGRAM BROCHURE

The Israel Programs Brochure was redesigned and updated including new and exciting programs. It

was inserted into the Jewish News in both Melbourne and Sydney and was distributed around the

community.

2015/2016 PLAN

Planned promotional activities for the coming year include:

On campus presentations at all the Universities which have large Jewish student populations

about the opportunities to study and intern in Israel.

We are looking at creating a ‘Humans of Masa book’ with personal stories from alumni of

Masa programs.


An event for young adults in conjunction with AUJS. It will be a cocktail event with a panel

of Jewish entrepreneurs/ innovators and Masa alumni who have gained professional

experience in Israel.

“HABAYIT” HEBREW LANGUAGE AND CULTURE CENTRE

The ZFA was originally funded by the WZO to create a Hebrew Language and Culture Centre as a pilot project in Melbourne, along with two other locations worldwide. Our Habiyit centre was developed and is supported by the ZCV. Among the many and varied Hebrew and Israeli cultural programs delivered at Habayit are:

Hebrew over lunch club – conversational Hebrew classes at various levels, held in Habayit’s rooms each week;

Keytana Babayit – holiday programs for primary school children, conducted in Hebrew;

Hebrew Now - evening Hebrew classes for adults;

Sha’at sippur – weekly Hebrew story time for pre-schoolers, conducted jointly with the Lamm Jewish Library of Australia;

Siphrut-tea – Habayit/ LJLA book club;

Special events with speakers;

VCE “marathon” Hebrew classes;

Hanuka Babayit – Annual Israeli Festival at the Beth Weizmann Community Centre – which attracted over 500 people in 2013 and over 700 in 2014.

“This is Israel” seminar series – in collaboration with the ZCV and the Israel Aliya Centre;

Shokolad Menta Mastik – Habayit’s participation at the Yom Ha’atzmaut family festival. Future plans include:

Habayit on the radio – enjoyable, short Hebrew lesson segments which will be broadcast from J-Air radio;

Open air cinema, in collaboration with the Classic Cinema;

Sing along sessions – learning Hebrew through music;

Special presentations with visiting author, Orna Landau – including a session for children and for adults.

ISRAELI SCOUTS

In March 2014, the Israeli Scouts (Tzofim) held their first meeting in Melbourne and the tribe has

grown in leaps and bounds in its first year. Currently, over 150 young people participate on a weekly

basis, with all programming conducted in Hebrew.

Apart from the demonstrable success in building a thriving youth movement in such a short time,

the Tzofim have also been successful in becoming part of the AZYC and the Australian Scouts

organisation.

The first shlicha for the Tzofim movement arrived in Sydney in June 2015 and is currently

undertaking the essential research and groundwork prior to the formal establishment of a tribe in

Sydney.

A shlicha for Tzofim Melbourne has now been appointed and is due to arrive in the coming months.


RUSSIAN SPEAKING JEWISH COMMUNITY INITIATIVES

As at the Plenary Conference, the first shlicha for the Russian Speaking Jewish Community (RSJC),

Sasha Klyachkina will have completed her third year in Australia and be en-route back to Israel.

Her term of shlichut has been transformational for the Russian Speaking Jewish Community (RSJC)

and has been a stunning success. On the strength of her arrival, the first two Kangarusski Taglit

Birthright-Israel buses were supported and two groups of young adults from the RSJC participated in

the free ten day trips. These young people became the nucleus of the Kangaruss’Key to Leadership

program, developing the leadership capacity for the RSJC.

Similarly, the development of activity and capacity resulted in the agreement to present the first

ever Limmud FSU in Melbourne in March 2015. Over 250 people attended the two day residential

conference, at which a stunning variety of speakers and artists, both local and international,

presented.

In September 2014, with the generous support of Harry Triguboff, AO, the Sydney RSJC Project

commenced to complement the national work. Anna Maylis was subsequently appointed to the

coordinator position and working with the shlicha, she has developed and delivered a broad range of

activities for the RSJC while developing the sense of community and connection with Israel and the

general Jewish/ Zionist community.

Other highlights in the past year have included:

Kultura Night in Sydney – March 2015, at which over 150 people enjoyed a wonderful

cultural celebration of Shabbat;

Holiday day camps in Melbourne in April and June 2015, supported by the Genesis

Philanthropy Group;

Community Seder – celebration of Pesach for 12 families;

Lag Ba’omer Kartoshka night – Sydney – over 60 participants enjoyed this family oriented

event.

Mothers’ Day Brunch – Sydney - a multi-generational event, celebrating mothers and food!

Ongoing social and cultural events for the Kangarusski Birthright alumni, which have been

self-directed and organised.

Notably, in recent weeks Kangarusski members in Melbourne have established their own

organisation.

We have selected a new RSJC shaliach for Melbourne, who we are expecting to arrive in the second

half of 2015.

The support of the Russian Speaking Jewry unit of the Jewish Agency for Israel is deeply appreciated.

In particular we acknowledge the support and assistance of Natalie Shnaiderman and Roman

Polonsky, both of whom visited Australia in March 2015, coinciding with Limmud FSU.

We acknowledge the support of the Triguboff Foundation, who support the Sydney RSJC project, and

the Pratt Foundation, whose support of the shlicha for the RSJC in its first three years has been

invaluable.


SHLICHIM

The ZFA partners with the Jewish Agency for Israel to maintain and develop the shlichut “map” in

Australia. Working with the Jewish Agency, world movements and local partners, the ZFA is involved

in the selection of shlichim, is their Australian employer, arranges and sponsors their visas as well as

providing financial management services pertaining to their employment.

A particular pleasure in my role is working with the head of the delegation of shlichim/

representative of JAFI in Australia. In December 2014, Neta Even Tzur concluded an outstanding

term of service in this role, replaced by Rinat Kedem Bart. Our partnership is productive and

mutually supportive.

The current delegation of shlichim in Australia comprises:

Rinat Kedem Bart Head of delegation and representative of the Jewish Agency for Israel, Aliya (Federal)

Melbourne

Rachel Adams AUJS Melbourne Avi Michaeli Betar Melbourne Ortal Dary Betar, Brisbane community Sydney Moriah Ben David Bnei Akiva Melbourne Yonatan Sinclair Bnei Akiva Sydney Leon Schneider Habonim Dror/ Community Perth Efri Bart Habonim Dror Melbourne Ron Alter Habonim Dror/ Aliya Sydney Anat Paz Hashomer Hatzair Melbourne Aaron Kalman Hineni / Central Synagogue Sydney Yuval Nemirovsky (until June 2015)

Netzer Sydney

Nadav Shachmon Netzer/ PJV Melbourne Sasha Klyachkina RSJC Melbourne Sarai Sahar Polk Tzofim Sydney Ittai Aminoff Young Adults – WZO/ ZFA Sydney

With a number of shlichim having recently completed or soon to complete their terms, and with new

positions having been established, we are currently in the process of recruiting and preparing for

new shlichim in the following positions:

Hineni / Central Synagogue – Sydney

RSJC – Melbourne

Netzer Sydney

Netzer/ PJV – Melbourne

Tzofim Melbourne*

AUJS – Emanuel School – Sydney*

Bnei Akiva - Sydney

(* indicates new position)


YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS

YOUNG ADULT PROGRAMMING / HAGSHAMA

The WZO partners with the ZFA to support a shaliach for young adults, who is located in Sydney. Ittai

Aminoff manages this important area of activity nationally.

Unfortunately, the funding support we had previously received from the WZO to support part of our

Hagshama coordinators’ positions and operations ceased in December 2014. With staffing attrition

in Sydney, we are now continuing to employ a coordinator in Melbourne.

Key events, such as Yom Ha’atzmaut celebrations and other social and cultural events, were

conducted in both Melbourne and Sydney in 2014 - 2015.

ZFA Hagshama/ Young Adults runs two Taglit-Birthright Israel groups per year. In July 2015, both our

shaliach and young adult coordinator served as madrichim for our groups, which we believe will

result in increased success in follow up activity and ongoing Israel engagement of the participants.

Initial feedback from the program has been exceptionally positive, with participants sending letters

and testimonials expressing how the program has impacted on their lives, enhanced their Jewish

identity and strengthened their connection to Israel.

With the funding challenges, we reviewed the operations of this area carefully. It was felt that even

with outstanding coordinators presenting creative and innovative events, attendance tended to be

sporadic and there was little sense among attendees of a sense of a Hagshama “community”. Our

review led to a new paradigm for young adult programming, which is centred on empowerment,

leadership development and enabling young adults to be supported in creating their own events.

Project Go, which is about to be launched, will provide:

Leadership training;

Mentoring;

Support in content development;

Support in logistics and marketing of events and

Funding “micro grants”

to young adults who create and deliver events which meet designated criteria relating to connection

to Israel, audience and project objectives. We will be rolling out the project in the coming weeks and

look forward to reporting on outcomes soon.

AZYC

The AZYC is the roof body of the seven Zionist youth movements. The ZFA actively supports the

AZYC, including assisting with the planning, preparation and implementation of the annual Shnat

opening and closing seminars. We also provide essential administrative and support, particularly in

the financial area, to the AZYC.

Over the past few years, the AZYC has continued to refine the Safeguarding Children guidelines. All

movement leaders must undertake the relevant training and be familiar with the policies and

procedures. The ZFA works with the AZYC in this area, in particular providing support and advice in

any situation where incidents occur.


The AZYC is led by incredibly committed and talented young people and I congratulate Elli Dean on

her successful year in the role in 2014 and Gabi Newman and Adiel Cohney who are leading the AZYC

in 2015.

AUJS

The ZFA maintains a close connection with AUJS and provides strategic advice on a number of issues,

as well as significant financial and logistical support.

The ZFA continues to provide financial support for the AUJS shaliach in Melbourne.

The ZFA and AUJS work closely together on AUJS’s short term Israel programs, Taglit-Birthright Israel

(3 groups per annum) and Onward- Academy (6 week program).

AUJS is enjoying a successful year of campus Israel and Jewish activity, which we applaud.

I congratulate Dean Sherr, 2015 President, for his leadership in the role to date and look forward to

a successful year both on campus and in relation to AUJS Israel programs.

SPECIAL EVENTS, MILESTONES AND VISITS

2014 BIENNIAL CONFERENCE

The Biennial Conference of the ZFA took place in Melbourne on Sunday 30 March, 2014, with over

200 people in total attending. Our special guest speaker was Natan Sharansky, Chairman of the

Executive of the Jewish Agency for Israel. It was indeed a pleasure for us to welcome him to Australia

and to hear him speak on a range of topics.

Notably, the Biennial Conference saw the retirement after eight busy and successful years of ZFA

President, Philip Chester. Philip has made an outstanding contribution to our movement, not only in

his term as president but over several decades prior. The conference was fittingly an occasion of

many heartfelt tributes to Philip.

The Conference also saw the election of Dr Danny Lamm into the position of President. Danny came

to the role with decades of community leadership experience behind him, including most recently as

President of the ECAJ and immediately prior to that, as President of the ZCV.

JERUSALEM PRIZE, 2014

The Jerusalem Prize in 2014 (Melbourne) was awarded to Philip Chester, in recognition of his service

to the Australian Zionist movement as President of the ZFA and in various leadership positions and

activist roles over four decades. The prize was awarded at the Annual Assembly of the Zionist

Council of Victoria in a joint presentation by the ZCV, ZFA and the Department of Diaspora Activities

of the WZO.

VISITS

In the past year, we were delighted to welcome many VIP visitors to Australia, in visits coordinated

and/ or hosted by the ZFA. The year was also notable for a number of key visits of high ranking Israeli

MKs who were scheduled to visit, and whose programs were planned in great detail, yet who were

ultimately unable to come to Australia for various reasons, including the outbreak of Operation

Protective Edge.


We were pleased to welcome the following visitors from Israel:

Natan Sharansky – March 2014. In addition to Natan’s presence and address at the ZFA

Biennial Conference, he presented at communal forums in Melbourne and Sydney, including

a session for the Russian Speaking community.

Ada Spitzer – Vice President, Taglit Birthright Israel – May 2014.

Haim Cohen – World Zionist Organisation – May 2014.

Yehuda Setton – JAFI.

Educators’ Conference guest speakers – also spoke at communal events – Professor Avigdor

Shinan, Sarah Mali, David and Ricki Bernstein and others.

Dr David Breakstone - WZO

Professor Len Saxe – Brandeis University – November 2014.

Chaim Chesler, Roman Kogan – Limmud FSU – March 2015.

Liat Cohen Raviv – Diller Teen Fellows – May 2015.

ZFA ISRAEL OFFICE

Yigal Sela, the ZFA Israel Office Director, represents the organisation in Israel. In addition to

working closely with our partners in the Jewish Agency for Israel, Masa Israel Journey, Taglit

Birthright-Israel, the World Zionist Organisation and many other agencies and organisations, the

Israel office of the ZFA is intrinsically involved with organising value add programs for our group

Israel programs.

For example, the ZFA works with the AZYC to prepare both the opening and closing seminars,

including the annual ceremony at the Park of the Australian Soldier to commemorate the

anniversary of the Battle of the Lighthorse Brigade.

In June 2014, the inaugural Rafsodia program was presented for all Australian group gap year

participants. This initiative of Yigal’s saw the participants work in teams to build rafts which

would hold 25 people and then sail them across the Kinneret. The program occurred again in

2015 and was, once again, a highlight for participants and a wonderful way to build leadership,

teamwork and an understanding of group dynamics.

2015, being the ANZAC centenary, saw a very special ceremony being held at Mt Scopus Military

Cemetery, which was attended by several hundred people, including over 150 Australian gap

year participants. The Australian Embassy, which presented the ceremony, is to be

congratulated on a most fitting and beautiful event, which was attended and addressed by

Israel’s President, Reuven Rivlin.

In 2014, the ZFA commenced a strong partnership with the Masa Education Department to

deliver a seminar on Israel Activism and Engagement to our gap year participants. The three day

seminar, which was attended by almost all groups in 2014, was carefully reviewed and

somewhat amended for 2015. In April 2015, over 240 Australians on gap year programs

participated in a one day introductory seminar at Ramat Rachel conference centre. Several days

later, 70 selected participants went further to attend a three day seminar along with participants

from other countries. The Australian participants were by far the largest delegation at the

seminar. They greatly enjoyed the seminar and their keen participation and insights was

appreciated by other attendees and organisers alike. The program was developed jointly by the


Masa Education department, with input from Yigal and myself, and I was privileged, along with

Ittai Aminoff, to have the opportunity to attend the seminars and present sessions.

ROOF BODY OF THE ZIONIST MOVEMENT

As the roof body of the Australian Zionist movement, the ZFA gathers for periodic Executive

Meetings. We are proud to represent the Zionist movement across its political and religious

spectrum.

At this Plenary Conference, a motion will be moved to accept the Australian Forum of Russian

speaking Jews as affiliates of the ZFA and we will be pleased to have the AFRJ welcomed formally

into the Zionist movement.

WORLD ZIONIST CONGRESS 2015

In October 2015, the 37th World Zionist Congress will take place in Jerusalem. This has required

substantial effort from the ZFA to assemble the slate of Australian delegates to the Congress.

The ZFA constituted an Australian Area Election Committee, including representatives of the various

factions, to determine the process of selecting the Australian delegations. In early 2015, we received

notification that we had been granted an additional mandate, based on our population growth and

volume of Zionist activity, taking our allocation to 13 seats. After a somewhat challenging and

protracted series of negotiations, the AEC has now agreed with 100% consensus on a delegation

which includes:

ARZA – 4 delegates

Mizrachi – 4 delegates

Ameinu – 1 delegate

Australian Forum of Russian Jewry – 1 delegate

Friends of Likud – 1 delegate

Mercaz Masorti – 1 delegate

Meretz – 1 delegate

I pay tribute to Danny for his leadership, determination and perseverance in ensuring a broad-based,

mutually agreed slate in what at times was a difficult negotiation process.

We are extremely grateful to Sam Salcman OAM, who is ably chairing the Australian Area Election

Committee, a complex role requiring sensitivity, knowledge and diplomacy. Roger Selby is serving as

Deputy Chair and is providing substantial support in terms of sound advice and sheer hard work. We

also thank Philip Chester who, in his professional capacity and pro bono, has provided legal support

during this process. We are satisfied that the outcome is a strong, effective and broadly

representative slate at the Congress on behalf of Australia. reflecting the diverse but united nature

of the Zionist community.

STATE ZIONIST COUNCILS

The ZFA operates through and in partnership with the Zionist Councils in each state. Our movement

relies on each council to represent the Zionist movement in its particular state and carry out a full

program of Zionist activities throughout the year.

We aim to continue and expand our professional and communal collaborations in the coming year. I

take this opportunity to acknowledge the lay and professional leadership of each of the Councils:


Victoria – President: Sam Tatarka, Executive Director: Jane Rapke

NSW – President: Richard Balkin, Executive Director: Belinda Levy

Western Australia – President: Jeff Lin, Executive Secretary: Rena Hesselson

Queensland – President: Jason Steinberg, Office Manager: Hadas Pavelsky

South Australia – President: Alison Marcus, Office Manager: Merrilyn Ades

We are also delighted to be strengthening our relationship with the ACT Jewish community, as well

as working cooperatively with the Zionist Federation of New Zealand.

ISRAEL VISITS

ZFA lay leadership and staff were well represented in Israel over the past year, attending

conferences, meetings and special training sessions.

ZFA President, Dr Danny Lamm is a member of the JAFI Board of Governors, serving as the Aliya

Chairman. He attends JAFI and WZO Executive meetings and conferences on his regular visits to

Israel as well as meeting with key JAFI and WZO representatives who deal with ZFA issues.

I was, as noted earlier, lucky enough to be a guest of Masa at the Israel Engagement Seminars in

April – May 2015 and also visited Israel in June 2015, attending a series of meetings and

engagements together with Danny. With a full schedule of meetings, interviews and attendance at

the Rafsodia, the visits were both eventful and productive.

Sarit Braver, ZFA Israel Programs Coordinator, visited Israel to undertake intensive Masa Israel

Journey meetings and training. By visiting many programs, as well as getting to know key Israel-

based Masa staff, Sarit gained valuable insights which will assist her tremendously in carrying out

her important role.

Hayley Hadassin, our Communications and Events Coordinator in Sydney successfully applied for and

attended the Nachum Goldmann Fellowship program in June 2015, supported by the ZFA. This high

level international program for 25 – 40 year olds provides an excellent professional development

opportunity for anyone in the Jewish community sector, professional or volunteer.

Gili Gafin, ZFA Accounts Manager, was brought to Israel by JAFI in 2014 to meet and work with her

JAFI counterparts, particularly in relation to the financial management of the shlichim delegation.

Shayndle Grinblat, ZFA Executive Assistant, was a madricha on AUJS’ Taglit-Birthright Israel program

in December 2014, while ZFA Melbourne Young Adult Coordinator, Mina Cohen and ZFA/ WZO

shaliach Ittai Aminoff led Hagshama’s Taglit-Birthright Israel groups in July 2015.

ZFA STAFF

The ZFA is managed by a team of committed and passionate professionals, each of whom is not only

dedicated to their own area of responsibility, but who work as a cohesive team. I thank each of the

staff listed below, be they full time, permanent staff or part time casual staff – without you, we

would simply not be able to operate the range of activities that we do at the levels we are achieving.


Miri Abramovich Aliya Administrator Melbourne Ittai Aminoff Young Adults / WZO Shaliach Sydney Sarit Braver Israel Programs Coordinator Melbourne Mina Cohen Young Adults Coordinator Melbourne Gili Gafin Accounts Manager Melbourne Elad Gafin Arava Australia Partnership

Assistant Melbourne

Shayndle Grinblat Executive Assistant Melbourne Hayley Hadassin Communications and

Marketing Coordinator Sydney

Stacy Hayman Arava Australia Partnership Coordinator

Melbourne

Hallely Kimchi Habayit Coordinator Melbourne Ted Lapkin Israel Advocacy and Media

Director Melbourne

Anna Maylis RSJC Coordinator Sydney Yigal Sela Israel Office Director Jerusalem Yoav Silverstein Israel Programs Assistant Sydney Shoshana Vitek Aliya Administrator Sydney *position under recruitment Diller Teen Fellowship

Coordinator Melbourne

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND APPRECIATION

ZFA OFFICE BEARERS

I pay tribute to the leaders of our organisation, in particular those who have taken on positions as

Office Bearers of the ZFA.

Danny Lamm leads by example, devoting countless hours in the execution of his role. His passion

and commitment to the Zionist movement has been borne out over many decades, and his

experience and knowledge is priceless.

Greg Blashki – Honorary Treasurer – contributes to the organisation in myriad ways, well beyond his

financial portfolio. He brings an objective approach to many dilemmas and issues and is an

indispensible member of the leadership team.

Sam Tatarka serves as both the Honorary Secretary and Vice President (ex officio, as President of the

ZCV). We value his insights, his strategic approaches and his commitment on the state and federal

levels of our organisation.

We are privileged that two former presidents of the ZFA continue to contribute their time,

experience and ideas to the ZFA. Immediate Past President, Philip Chester remains on the office

bearers group and maintains key advisory roles in many areas. His wise counsel and continued

support is tremendously valued.

Ron Weiser, AM has been instrumental in the development of the RSJC Sydney program, maintains a

key involvement in our activities in NSW and has recently taken on the role of Chairman of the new

Public Affairs Committee.

Sam Salcman, OAM has taken the role in 2015 of managing the complex processes around organising

the Australian representation to the World Zionist Congress, including serving as chairman of the


Australian Area Election Committee. He has undertaken this demanding role with meticulous

attention to detail and his trademark dedication to task.

Miriam Munz serves as the Education Chairperson of the ZFA. Under her expert direction, the 2014

Educators’ Conference was a great success and she is already working towards the 2016 conference.

We are grateful to have her depth of experience and knowledge as a Jewish educator among our

ranks.

Ian Samuel OAM continues to serve with dedication as Chairman of Information, a role he has

maintained for several years. We thank him for his tireless efforts, which include intense

involvement in campaigns, rallies and responses to critical issues in Israel within our community.

Niv Tadmore joined the ZFA as an office bearer in 2014. He has taken a particular interest in the

projects dealing with the Israeli community, as well as providing valuable contributions in other

areas.

Joel Burnie serves as Youth and Young Adults chairperson, an area which is critical for the future

development of our community and which he has undertaken with enthusiasm.

I also thank the representatives of each of the state Zionist Councils, who sit on the Office Bearers

group and ensure that their states are part of the deliberations:

Richard Balkin – President, ZC NSW and ex officio Senior Vice President, ZFA

Jeff Lin – President, SZC Western Australia

Jason Steinberg, President, SZC Queensland

Alison Marcus, President, SZC South Australia

Sharene Hambur, Vice President, ZCV

ISRAELI EMBASSY IN AUSTRALIA

The ZFA has a close relationship with the Israeli Embassy in Canberra and its staff, including

Ambassador Shmuel Ben Shmuel, Consul Anat Ben Shitrit and Spokesperson and Cultural Attache

Dorit Herscovici.

AUSTRALIAN EMBASSY IN ISRAEL

We are privileged to have an outstanding Australian representative in Israel, and we thank

Ambassador Dave Sharma who is always available to meet with Australian leaders and community

representatives, including our gap year participants.

KEREN HAYESOD

We thank Keren Hayesod for their consistent and significant support for the activities of the ZFA.

SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS

Although we receive financial support from several organisations and institutions, I wish to

acknowledge in particular the Pratt Foundation and its Director, Sam Lipski for the very substantial

support they provide to us.

We are grateful to Mr Harry Triguboff AO and the Triguboff Foundation for their support of the RSJC

project in Sydney.


Mr John Gandel AO and Pauline Gandel, of Gandel Philanthropy have recommitted to support three

buses per annum for Taglit-Birthright Israel – support which results in the transformative effect on

the participants.

We thank Mr Greg Rosshandler, whose newly committed contribution is assisting the ZFA in our

important work in the Israel advocacy and media fields.

OUR PARTNERS IN ISRAEL

I acknowledge the ongoing support of the following personnel in Israel:

Avraham Duvdevani, Gusti Yehoshua Braverman, Dubi Barel and Ori Leizer of the World

Zionist Organisation.

Natan Sharansky, Alan Hoffman, Ayelet Shilo Tamir, Shay Felber - Jewish Agency for Israel

Liran Avisar, Ofer Guttman – Masa Israel Journey

Gidi Mark, Professor Ada Spitzer - Taglit Birthright- Israel

Natalie Shnaiderman and Roman Polonsky – Jewish Agency for Israel – RSJC Unit

Tzofia Dimant, Yehuda Setton, Eran Berkovich, Rotem Yehoshua – JAFI

Andrea Arbel, Orit Elkayam – JAFI P2G, Arava Australia Partnership

World heads of the Zionist youth movements

IN CONCLUSION

Working at the ZFA is a privilege and an honour and despite the many challenges the role presents, I

am grateful for the opportunity to be engaged professionally in an area in which I am personally

committed. As all prospective staff are advised, there’s no such thing as a 9-5 day, and you can’t do

any job in this organisation without being passionate about Israel and Zionism. I sincerely thank the

lay leaders, the staff, the affiliate organisations and the wonderful Australian Jewish community

who, by their passion, dedication and love for Israel, enable the ZFA to flourish and be

internationally recognised as one of the strongest Zionist communities in the world.

Ginette Searle

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

July 2015

IN MEMORIAM

Erwin Lamm, z”l

We remember and pay tribute to Mr Erwin Lamm, z”l.

A lifelong passionate Zionist leader and a member of the ZFA Executive for decades, he

leaves an inspirational legacy. His personal example of activism, ideological commitment

and determined efforts is one which generations to come will emulate and respect.


JEWISH AGENCY REPORT

THE ACTIVITIES OF THE JEWISH AGENCY IN AUSTRALIA

The Jewish Agency Mishlachat has 15 Shlichim in Australia today.

Rinat Kedem Bart Official Representative of Jewish Agency For Israel & Federal Aliyah Shlicha in Australia and New Zealand

Rachel Adams AUJS, Melbourne Federal

Ron Alter Habonim Dror & Aliyah, Sydney

Efri Bart Habonim Dror Shaliach, Melbourne

Moria Ben David Bnei Akiva Shlicha, Melbourne

Ortal Dary Betar, Sydney & Community Brisbane

Aaron Kalman Hineni/Central Synagogue, Sydney

Sasha Klyachkina Russian Speaking Jewish Community

Avi Michaeli Betar, Melbourne

Yuval Nemirovsky Netzer/Progressive Communities, Sydney

Anat Paz Hashomer Hatzair, Melbourne

Sarai Polk Tzofim, Sydney

Leon Schneider Community, Aliyah & Habonim Dror Shaliach, Perth

Nadav Shachmon Netzer/Progressive Communities Melbourne

Yonatan Sinclair Bnei Akiva, Sydney

This year the Mishlachat is expected to increase by 20%, with the opening of 2 Tzofim

Shlichuyot (Melbourne Shaliach is expected by the end of the year) and a new position for

AUJS Sydney and Emanuel School (also expected to start by the end of the year).

Even before this increase, the mishlachat in Australia is the largest per capita mishlachat in the Jewish world. We are proud and privileged to be a part of this, especially at a time where financial difficulties result in cut-downs of educational activities and Zionist education, elsewhere in the world, can sometime be under prioritized.

In addition, we are expanding our activities within the communities and the programs which

are running; Israeli Communities in Melbourne and Sydney, Brisbane's community, etc.


The JAFI Mishlachat works in full cooperation with other Israeli Shlichim, especially WZO

Shaliach Ittai Aminoff. In addition, we work closely with the New Zealand Shlichim especially

the community Shlicha, Roni Israeli. This year the Shlichim from New Zealand participated in

one of the Shlichim's seminars, and we intend to increase this cooperation.

We value team work and the professional and personal support that the Mishlachat offers.

Hence, we hold annually 3 conferences for Shlichim, 24 local staff meetings, and numerable

social events. Shlichim today see the mishlachat as their family in Australia, and as the most

valuable support and motivation source for them.

The shlichim’s work involves not only their specific youth movement or organization, but

also the support of various ZFA and State Zionist Council activities, education projects in

schools, activities for Jewish children who do not attend Jewish day schools, Israel advocacy,

a public speaker service and more. In every state we try to find ideas and projects with

which to promote and engage Jewish children, youth and adults with Zionism. We often

work in collaboration to reach the goals of our shlichut.

Examples of this during the passing year were "Sydney Votes Israel" a unique project of the

Shlichim working together to raise awareness for Israel's passing election in different

communities. The Melbourne Mishlachat has lead together several Mishlachat events

bringing Israel from a personal perspective to different organizations (Jewish Schools,

Synagogues, etc.).

The Mishlachat works very closely with the leadership of youth and young adults in our

community, both individually through the organizations the Shlichim work with, and as a

mishlachat through guiding and mentoring organizations like AZYC, ZYC’s and AUJS.

The Aliyah department has focused on professionalizing the services provided to new Olim

and on outreach to the community. At the end of last year, we issued a personalized kit for

the new Aussie Oleh with printed information. We have held different farewells for new

olim, as well as social events and info nights prior to their Aliyah, in youth movement's

camps as well as for the general Jewish Community. This year, we held for the first time a

professional conference for the staff in the Aliyah offices, combining lectures and meetings

with partnering organizations.

Wearing both hats of Jewish Agency's Representative and Federal Aliyah Shlicha, there has

been an emphasis on outreach to the community. During the last 6 months alone, I have

participated in over 20 lectures and panels with different organizations on topics related to

Israel and my personal experiences (i.e. Jewish day schools, Shuls, youth movements,

Limmud, etc.)

In addition to the Shlichim, the Jewish Agency operates the Zionist Seminar Programs

together with the ZFA, which is entering its 30th year. The Zionist seminars provide informal

education programs designed to strengthen and enrich students’ connection with Israel and

Jewish tradition. Our highly experienced staff brings their own compelling life experiences

as young Israelis and their working knowledge of informal education to provide in-school or


off campus seminars that create opportunities for the students to clarify their attitudes and

relationships to Israel as young Jews making decisions about their future.

This year we have 7 teams going out to the following schools: Leibler Yavneh College, Mt

Scopus Memorial College, Bialik College, Emanuel School, The King David School, a joint

team to Masada College, Academy BJE and Carmel College, Perth.

The Arava partnership is continuing to grow and develop. This year we concentrated on

strengthening the professional work and the cooperation with the ZFA, while bringing the

partnership to different communities in Australia. We have reached a peak number of

delegations and the Arava will be hosting numerous new delegations including Hineni Gap

year, Betar year 10 program, IBC, opening and closing Seminar of the AZYC and much more!

We are looking forward to continuing these important projects, in addition to developing

unique fitted projects for the Jewish Community in Australia.

I would like to thank the ZFA for the valuable partnership and ongoing support. We have no

doubt that continuing working in full cooperation will enable us all to bring the best services

and programs to the Australian Jewish Community.

I would also like to thank the amazing Mishalchat in Australia, and the Jewish Agency's staff

in Jerusalem for all their support, especially Shai Felber for his ongoing guidance.

Rinat Kedem Bart

Head of Delegation


ZIONIST COUNCIL OF NEW SOUTH WALES REPORT

OVERVIEW

It gives me great pleasure to report on the activities of the Zionist Council of NSW (ZCNSW). The ZCNSW and continues to achieve results which are out of all proportion to the limited resources at our disposal. I-SOCIETY

This Young Adult Division is the most recent initiative of the ZCNSW. I-Society is operating under the direction of our Director of Young Adult Activity, Rikki Parker. Rikki was formerly our Office Manager and has proven herself to be extremely competent and I have no doubt that she will lead this new division from strength to strength. IST

The ZCNSW was again been instrumental in ensuring that the IST programme at Moriah and Masada colleges received subsidies from JAFI last year. A record number of over 100 students from both schools participated in the programme. SCHOOLS

We continue to build our relationship with the day schools in Sydney as well as with the Board of Jewish Education (BJE). A special thank you is also due to Giora Friede, President of the Board of Moriah College, John Hamey, Principal and Rabbi Benji Levy, Dean of Jewish Life and learning, as well as Wendy Barel, Principal of Masada College, for their ongoing support of our programmes and for being so receptive to our input. I also want to pay tribute to Moriah College for their generosity in making their facilities available to us for our Yom Ha’atzmaut celebrations. NSW BOARD OF JEWISH EDUCATION

We continue to build the Council’s relationship with BJE and have engaged in a number of new initiatives with BJE which will, I am sure, continue to bear fruit in the future.


AIJAC

We have hosted a number of events together with our friends from AIJAC. I thank Colin Rubinstein, Jeremy Jones and Anthony Orkin for their ongoing support. SYNAGOGUES

We continue to work closely with a number of the synagogues in Sydney and I particularly want to thank Rabbi Levi Wolf and the Board of Management of Central Synagogue for their support and for so often co-hosting our events. NSW PARLIAMENTARY FRIENDS OF ISRAEL

I want to thank the Hon. Gabrielle Upton M.P., former Chairperson of the NSW Parliamentary Friends of Israel for all her wonderful work in leading the “Parliamentary Friends” since its reestablishment and wish her well in her new role as Attorney General for NSW. I extend our congratulations to the Hon. Bruce Notley-Smith MP and the Hon. Walt Secord MD on their recent election as Chairman and Vice-Chairman. I am sure that they will continue to lead the “Friends” from strength to strength. Together with the other members of the committee these outstanding parliamentarians are wonderful advocates for Israel and their efforts are much appreciated. EMBASSY OF ISRAEL

Our sincere thanks to Ambassador Shmuel Ben Shmuel and former Deputy Chief of Mission, Meir Itzchaki and the Embassy staff for their support. Their advice and knowledge is truly valued and we are grateful that they have so often made themselves available to attend our events.

Richard Balkin

President


ZIONIST COUNCIL OF QUEENSLAND REPORT

INTRODUCTION

The State Zionist Council of Queensland (SZCQ) is the coordinating roof body for Zionist organisations in Queensland. SZCQ’s mission is to lead and encourage Jewish and Zionist activity and expression within Queensland, to represent the Jewish community, to promote and communicate Israel’s interests within the broader Queensland community and to promote Queensland’s relationship with Israel. KEY ACTIVITIES

Zionist Family Fun Day (Sunday 7 December 2014) A successful games and picnic day was held at the Brisbane Jewish Community Centre, in conjunction with Betar and Sinai College. The SZC Qld Executive agreed to hold another Family Fun Day on Sunday 6 December 2015, with the continuing co-operation of Betar, Sinai College and maybe Maccabi. UIA Qld Appeal 2015 and a Farewell to Tony Leverton (Sunday 1 March 2015) All SZC Executives and affiliates attended the UIA 2015 Fundraising Appeal at which Brigitte Gabriel was the headline guest speaker. This was the biggest UIA function in Qld since 1967 and a huge function for the Qld community, 300 people attended! Brigitte Gabriel spoke over an hour and touched everyone’s hearts with her amazing story and her huge love for Israel. SZC outgoing president, Tony Leverton was in charge of the security and coordinating and took a huge part at this event. That was also Tony’s last function and unfortunately, Tony left the country few days after. As a farewell to Tony, Jason Steinberg made a special “thank you speech” and represented a gift on behalf of the SZC, a special Mezuzah to take overseas: “Ladies and gentlemen, tonight it is my honour to give a vote of thanks to Tony Leverton who in a few days’ time leaves Brisbane and moves to Holland to be with his daughter. Tony is one of those special people who comes into a small Jewish community like ours and takes on challenges with open arms, dedication and inclusiveness. Despite hailing from New Zealand, I can say that you’ve probably done enough in your 12 short years here to be considered a true Queensland. Throughout his time in Brisbane, Tony has worked above and beyond for our congregations, Maccabi, Sinai College, SZC and QJBD, including the CSG. All of this voluntarily, all of this selflessly and all of this with devotion.


At all times Tony has been the consummate community professional enthusiastic, with a drive to be inclusive, supportive and all the while promoting our community and Jewish values. According to Leo Rosten, the author of The Joys of Yiddish, a “mensch" is "someone to admire and emulate someone of noble character. He says the key to being 'a real mensch' is nothing less than character, rectitude, dignity, a sense of what is right, responsible and decorous. Well, I think Mr Rosten needs to amend his definition to simply say, for the meaning of a “real mensch”, see Tony Leverton. However, Tony, I think the move to Holland is a pretty drastic move to make sure you can’t be elected to another Queensland communal organisation. Tony, on behalf of all Queensland Jewry and particularly those who have worked so closely with you thank you for your commitment, friendship and efforts. We thank you for being a real mensch and like all great leaders you leave our community in a much stronger position than before you came. We hope you stay in touch, we hope you remain in good health and we wish you a safe journey on the next chapter of your life in a faraway, and much colder, land. And, in the coming months and even years, if you have the desire to get back involved there is always conferencing and skype! We have a small gift for you to thank you and to remind you of us. Ladies and gentlemen will you please join me by raising your glass and thanking Tony.” YOM HASHOAH (Sunday 12 April 2015)

In conjunction with the Queensland Jewish Board of Deputies, the Gold Coast community, SZCQ and QJBD organised a visit to South-East Queensland by Vic Alhadeff, Chief Executive Officer of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies. His grandparents, from Rhodes Island, were murdered in the Holocaust. Vic was the guest speaker at two Yom HaShoah commemorations –Brisbane and Gold Coast. There were excellent attendances at both functions, the events had candle-lighting, readings and music, with a good involvement of younger people, and attracted several politicians. YOM HAZIKARON (Tuesday 21 April 2015)

The Queensland observance of Yom HaZikaron was held in the Givat Tzion Synagogue, Greenslopes. It included candle-lighting, poems, prayers and reading parts by different community members. Around 60 people attended this event, with many Israelis present. With grateful thanks to Maya Chester-Haviv for her special organising skills as well as all those who participated to ensure this was a well-attended and dignified commemoration.


YOM HA’ATZMAUT (Sunday 26 April 2015)

Members from the Communities of Brisbane, Gold Coast and even some from Northern NSW came together to celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel’s 67th birthday at the Jewish Communal Centre at Burbank. The day was marked with great Israeli food (Kosher Sabich and Falafel), colourful live Israeli music by Shai Shriki and ShakShuka, Israeli dancing, communal stalls, rides (a giant jumping castle with slides, laser tags, a trackless train) and ponies. Blue and white face painting and blue and white balloons were made for the kids. Special visitors this year were Gabi Newman and Adiel Cohney from AZYC (Australasian Zionist Youth Council) who brought young vibes along and represented the ZFA. The evening closed with a fireworks extravaganza. Around 300 people attended this event. Congratulations to State Zionist Council leadership, members and affiliates for making the Yom Ha’Atzmaut celebration so successful and Toda Raba to everyone involved! YOM YERUSHALYIM (Sunday 17 May 2015)

The anniversary of the reunification of Jerusalem was celebrated in Brisbane with an event at the Jewish Community Centre. Around 20 people attended. Sport and games activities entertained the children. Hoping for more organisations and support for next year. Arrangements for the Yoms – This year, again, the State Zionist Council worked closely with a number of Jewish community organisations to help create moving and memorable events for the April to June period, from Yom HaShoah to Yom Yerushalayim. I am especially grateful to the cooperation we received from – the Queensland Jewish Board of Deputies, Betar, Sinai College, the Jewish Community Centre, the Sunshine Coast Jewish Community Council and the Gold Coast congregations, as well as all those community organisations who participated with membership and stall involvement. These events have proved central to the life of the Queensland Jewish Community and it is important that we all continue to pay attention to ensuring that the wide variety of Jewish interests that they represent are catered for in a suitable and inclusive manner. COMMUNAL SHLICHA ACTIVITIES (ORTAL DARY):

As a joint SZCQ, QJBD and ZFA initiative, sufficient funding has been raised to enable a Shlicha in Queensland on average once a month. This is great news as it will mean that not only will Betar’s needs be better met, but that the Queensland Jewish Community will benefit from this presence with an increased number of social and educational programs that reach beyond Betar activities. SZCQ is pleased to promote the interests of its affiliate Betar whenever possible. In February 2015, Ginette Searle, Rinat Kedem Bart and Ortal Dary came to Brisbane to meet with Jason Steinberg and Tony Leverton to plan the Shlichut. Jason described some initial goals: AUJS – After a quiet period, AUJS now is in full power- having 22-27 participants in every meeting and is supported by the AUJS Shlicha and others. SZC invited them to the ZFA conference; Also AUJS invited Queensland members to their leadership training. AUJS has


joined for a Shabbat Dinner at BJPC to experience Kabalat Shabbat. They are now able to function on their own. Israel families across the spectrum - Aiming to build a larger database, to engage with this group, to engage them with the Jewish community and to attend to functions. For now, we keep the focus on building the community. First meeting was at Ronit Baras’s house, 14 people came, all very keen to take part. They wanted to focus on 'bringing Israel' to the community, kids, youth and young adults, social and business network. They discussed cultural and social gaps between the local Jewish and Israeli communities. By now they established a board of 20 members. The first function is coming soon- BYO picnic on June 28th and a board meeting on June 29th. The next four functions are all in planning process. Betarim - Brisbane and the Gold Coast, going well! Israel advocacy – SZC is supporting the QJBD’s Israel Advocacy program, which is up and running well now. Libby Burke and Rachel Murphy started the advocacy functions. The first function was on 27th of April and the second was on 11th June, with a special guest speaker, Dr Nir Boms. Future goals, June – December 2015: Israel programs- We would like to promote all Israel programs much more among the Qld community. An info night is planned to bring past participations from different programs to market it among the young people. 150 anniversary- We would like Ortal to be involved to help engage AUJS and Betar in the activities. Israeli communities – To promote the Jewish Community and Jewish organisation among the Israelis, to introduce the QJBD and SZC and hopefully to get them involved or to attend more functions. Maybe if they will have an organized board, they can become affiliated with us (potentially by Ronit Baras). Also we are hoping to approach the Gold Coast Israelis as well. All organisations and affiliates to the QLBD and SZC are welcome to suggest activities or to get Ortal involved in activities and programs and utilize her for communal benefits. APPRECIATION

On behalf of the SZCQ, I record my deep appreciation to ZFA President Dr Danny Lamm, Immediate Past President, Philip Chester, Director, Ginette Searle and the ZFA team for their advice and encouragement. Also, as outlined earlier in this report, Tony Leverton retired from his presidency of the SZC and moved to Holland. Tony was a powerhouse of communal activity and it has been difficult to fill the void left by his departure. In discussions with the ZFA, it was agreed that until a suitable president be identified for the SZC, Jason Steinberg would be the acting


president and Paul Gould would be the vice-president. This brings the SZC and QJBD a lot closer together and in a small community, this has been beneficial. We look forward to another great year as our community grows from strength to strength. Jason Steinberg, Acting President State Zionist Council Qld


ZIONIST COUNCIL OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA REPORT

The SZC SA has continued to support the community throughout the last year.

As in past years, activity has continued to focus on events related to the calendar. We have

continued to seek opportunities to bring speakers to Adelaide wherever possible.

Ittay Flescher was the Rabin Memorial Guest Lecturer for 2014. Ittay has made several well

received visits to Adelaide, and on this occasion he discussed the comparison of two film

treatments of captives in conflict zones from the US and Israel.

Yom Ha’shoah saw the arrival of Dr Avril Alba, who spoke to a large gathering about the

Hungarian Deportation on the 70th anniversary of those events. As always Avril was

enthusiastically greeted by many members of the community who have watched the

development of her career with enthusiasm and pride.

The Yom Ha’zikaron observance supported members of the Tarbut Society and others in

their remembrance of those lost in the struggle to preserve Israel.

Yom Ha’atzmaut again saw significant involvement of members of Tarbut, who put great

energy and enthusiasm into a night of falafel, singing and dancing, with entertainment

provided by visiting musicians from Melbourne.

We supported the communal Chanukah Picnic, and provided a prize as part of the Beit

Shalom Cheder prize giving.

The JPPI research provided the opportunity for a vigorous community discussion using the

template that was provided. It was interesting to note that some of the participants were

otherwise not often engaged in other activities, but this initiative engaged their interest.

JAZY is currently holding the annual Winter Camp, and has again benefited from the

involvement of Bogrim from a range of Zionist movements. We are currently working with

our local Bogrim, who are coming to the end of a prolonged dedicated commitment to JAZY,

about plans for the maintenance of our unique movement over the next few years. We have

a significant number of young children who are enthusiastic participants, but no young

people of an age who are prospects for Shnat for a year or two. We have two prospective

models under consideration, and these are being canvassed with the AZYC.


The SZC has also assisted in the nomination for the annual Youth Achievement Award.

Charlotte Gillespie won the award for 2014 recipient will be announced shortly. Dr Jack

Gubbay has sponsored this award to recognise the qualities he has seen displayed by former

members of JAZY, Netzer and Habonim Dror.

The Youth Worker Calendar has once again been expertly brought to print by Merrilyn Ades,

and while the numbers of advertisers and recipients are fewer than in previous years, this

single fund raising endeavour continues to be worthwhile financially, and as an aid to the

community.

This year the Council has undertaken an audit of our finances, and the auditor has made

some important recommendations concerning insurance coverage that are being

implemented. This is part of a process to continue to engage the widest possible interest in

the functions of the Council as we continue effort to provide for appropriate continuity for

our activities. To that end we are considering revisions to the Constitution to more

accurately reflect our circumstances.

Once again many thanks to the small number of dedicated individuals who keep wheels

turning: Merrilyn Ades (WIZO) who is also the Office Administrator, Eva Phillips who is or

has been Treasurer for not only SZC but a number of community groups, Sue Musry &

Annetay Henderson Sapir, (alternating JNF representatives) Yuval Yarom, Avida Yanovsky,

Dahlia & Zvi from the Tarbut Society and Charlotte Gillespie and Hanna Daych representing

JAZY.

Earlier this year Pamela Mendels OAM left Adelaide to return to her home town of Sydney

with her husband Dr Alan Mendels. Both Pam and Alan have made significant contributions

to the community. Alan was an active member of JNF for many years and Pam

demonstrated extraordinary dedication. For 35 years Pam singlehandedly prepared a

weekly thirty minute program on community radio: Jewish Half Hour.

No visiting speaker or visitor escaped her microphone, and with grace and diligence she

brought news, music and items of interest to her listeners. It was this commitment that

earned Pam her very much deserved formal recognition. We wish them both a happy and

healthy retirement.

Alison Marcus

President


ZIONIST COUNCIL OF VICTORIA REPORT

The past year and a half has been full of exciting and demanding challenges for the Jewish world and

for the Zionist Council of Victoria. Over the past year we have endeavoured to synthesise, harmonise

and represent the interests of our affiliates in a coherent voice for Israel. That task is not a simple

one given the spectrum of views held by our affiliates and the many voices with which they speak.

Nevertheless, the welfare of the State and the wellbeing of its citizens is the theme that unites us all

no matter where we sit on the political or religious spectrum.

Zionism Victoria

At its Executive meeting held on 17 March, the Zionist Council of Victoria (Australia) resolved to

rename itself as “Zionism Victoria” to better reflect our mission as a vigorous, engaging organisation

offering a range of programming and services that connect Victorians to Israel. The launch of the

new name is expected to take place later this year.

Solidarity

When Israel faces significant challenges, our community joins as one to demonstrate support and

advocate on Israel’s behalf. A year ago, we prayed together for the return of kidnapped Israeli teens

Naftali Frenkel, Eyal Yifrach and Gil-Ad Shaar, and upon learning of their tragic murder we gathered

at Beth Weizmann Community Centre for a moving tribute to their young lives. Soon thereafter, as

Hamas rockets threatened Israeli cities and Israeli reservists were called for active duty, over two

thousand people attended a community solidarity rally in Princes Park in Caulfield. We provided

support and comfort to Israeli soldiers through a community-wide letter writing campaign and

educated our community with sessions about Operation Protective Edge and the proliferation of

Anti-Zionism/Anti-Semitism. As the operation continued over 3000 supporters joined together for a

Stand With Israel - Rally for Peace on the steps of Parliament House in the Melbourne CBD. This

second rally was, again, a real community effort, and we are grateful that Israel’s supporters from

many faith communities joined us in decrying violence and the senseless death on both sides caused

by Hamas and in calling for peace for the people of Gaza and Israel.

Diversity

It is not only during times of crisis that we witness the strength of the diversity of our Zionist

community. In the past year and a half, the community has participated in two exciting Jewish

People Policy Institute workshops in which diaspora communities were given the opportunity to

deliberate and provide input on issues facing Israel and the Jewish world. Both workshops were

moderated by Community Relations Chair John Searle, and each had over 35 participants


representing a broad spectrum of age, religious and political affiliations, who deliberated a range of

serious questions in order to formulate a response for the JPPI on behalf of our community on the

topics of “Israel as a Jewish and democratic state” and “Jewish values and Israel’s use of force in

armed conflict”. It was a great pleasure to sit with this diverse group of dedicated Zionists as they

respectfully grappled with these important issues.

Education & Advocacy

Israel continues to achieve outstanding success in many areas and to thrive culturally, academically,

scientifically and economically. In March of 2014, we were proud to provide a demonstration of

ReWalk, the innovative exoskeleton that enables paraplegics to walk. ReWalk, along with a range of

other Israeli medical innovations, was highlighted at this year’s Israel Exhibition: MediFuture in

Queens Hall at Parliament House. Our 2014 exhibition of Israel's achievements, “Innovation for a

Better World,” similarly demonstrated Israel’s astounding creativity and success in spite of its

difficult and complex political and security situation.

Israel Advocacy continues to be a major focus, and our high quality alerts, research and analysis of

events in Israel via email is both widely distributed and widely commended for the clarity and insight

that it provides. With the elections in Israel, we kept people informed with our dedicated web page

and frequent posts. Our “After the Elections” panel discussion, co-sponsored by ZFA and the AJN,

provided outstanding post-election analysis.

We provided a myriad of opportunities for our community to meet and be entertained, educated

and inspired by a range of speakers and outstanding cultural and social programs. Some examples of

interesting and engaging programs offered over the period under review include:

A community conversation with Dr Mohammed Al-Hadid of the Jordanian Red Crescent Society and Uri Shacham of Magen David Adom. Dr Al-Hadid was the chair of the International Red Cross/Red Crescent Standing Committee who successfully lobbied for Magen David Adom’s inclusion in the international humanitarian organisation.

A community conversation with Natan Sharansky, Chairman of the Jewish Agency during which we discussed a plethora of topics ranging from his days as a prisoner of the FSU to his involvement in a solution for prayer at the Kotel to his views and connections with the Diaspora.

A public lecture by Knesset Deputy Speaker Mr Hilik Bar who discussed the imperative to assertively pursue a two-state solution, even in times of conflict, and the challenges faced in doing so.

An entertaining night of Jerusalem trivia in celebration of Yom Yerushalayim.

Yom Hazikaron & Yom Ha’atzmaut

The theme of this year's Yom Hazikaron and Yom Ha’atzmaut programs was “yad b’yad”, (hand in

hand) to demonstrate our solidarity with Israel in times of joy and in times of remembrance.

Yom Hazikaron was a solemn and meaningful event for the nearly 1000 attendees who gathered at

Robert Blackwood Hall at Monash University to commemorate Israel's fallen and victims of terror.

There was an emphasis on the pain of bereaved families whose lives are upended by the loss of their

loved ones.


Yom Ha’atzmaut was celebrated in grand style with a spirited concert at the Melbourne Recital

Centre. The family festival that followed the next night at Beth Weizmann drew a record crowd of

over 2000 who came to enjoy an impressive range of Israel-related activities. Flags of Israel adorned

Federation Square, young adults danced the night away at the Israel Birthday Bash, a program co-

sponsored by the Zionist Council in partnership with eight young adult organisations.

Our 2014 Yom Ha’atzmaut cocktail party for political and communal leaders, co-hosted by the JCCV,

was held in Queens Hall in Parliament House. Then Premier Dr Dennis Napthine and Leader of the

Opposition Daniel Andrews both delivered addresses that emphasised the special place that Israel

and the Jewish people have in the hearts and minds of Victoria's body politic, and Israel's

ambassador to Australia Shmuel ben Shmuel also addressed the 300 guests emphasising Israel's

common interests with Australia. In 2015, we returned to The Windsor and enjoyed the opportunity

to connect with a new government whose leaders, including Premier Daniel Andrews and Leader of

the Opposition Matthew Guy, expressed similar sentiments.

Relationships with the Victorian Government

Political leaders and the vast majority of the members of the Parliament of Victoria consistently

demonstrate their support for Israel and the Jewish people and are becoming increasingly aware of

the issues that concern us and impact on our safety and security. David Southwick MP (Liberal) and

Marsha Thompson MP (Labor), as co-convenors of the Victorian Parliamentary Friends of Israel, have

been very active in ensuring that their colleagues have access to informed opinion on issues of

concern as well as generally enhancing understanding of the Jewish community and the issues we

hold dear.

This year, our state politicians from both sides of the spectrum stood with us in solidarity while Israel

was under attack.

The Victorian Premier, Daniel Andrews, and the state government demonstrated their keen understanding of the key issues that plague our community. These unfortunately include a need to address our security concerns, particularly in light of the worrying trend of attacks against Jews and Jewish institutions in Europe and elsewhere in the World. The State government’s commitment of a $500,000 grant toward the cost of a much needed security upgrade at the Beth Weizmann Community Centre was most welcomed and an acknowledgment of the important and central role that the Beth Weizmann Community Centre plays in the field of social cohesion and multicultural activity in our community.

The Lamm Jewish Library of Australia (LJLA)

The LJLA continued to ramp up activities outside its core function as a library including hosting

Habayit, the Home for Hebrew and Israeli Culture; story time in Ivrit (with a companion program for

mothers and children in English); the Israeli Scouts (Tzofim); art exhibitions; the Jewish film club (in

conjunction with the Australian Friends of the Hebrew University); a daily Talmud shiur and playing

host to the Jewish bereaved parents’ organisation. The inaugural Melbourne Jewish Writers' Festival

was an overwhelming and outstanding success. During the two days of sessions, eager and engaged

audiences enjoyed interviews, panel discussions, book signings, poetry readings and more,

showcasing some of the best home-grown and overseas writers. The calibre of speakers, topics and


themes was exceptional, and the feedback from writers and festival-goers was uniformly

enthusiastic.

The Kosher Open Kitchen (KOOK) has become an essential component in the effort to fulfil the vision

of LJLA becoming a true communal hub. KOOK has offered a range of programs and services

including pre-Pesach koshering, cooking activities for youth movements, schools and communal

organisations and a cookbook launch and demonstration for the Melbourne Jewish Writers Festival.

KOOK’s newest initiative, the Inaugural Culinary Tour of Israel will take place in October. KOOK’s

activities are supported by a significant grant from the Estate of the late Jakob Frenkiel and are a

lasting tribute to this generous man who survived the Holocaust and rebuilt his life in Australia.

Remembrance

We note with sadness and warm memories the passing of long-time supporter Erwin Lamm last

year. His passing has left a void in the Jewish community that will be impossible to fill. I had the

privilege of knowing and working alongside Erwin for a number a years and was proud to be able to

call him a friend. A passionate Zionist leader and a member of both the Zionist Federation of

Australia and the Zionist Council of Victoria Executives for many years, Erwin leaves an inspirational

legacy of a love of Eretz Yisrael and Am Yisrael that is eternal. The Zionist Council of Victoria is

honoured to have been the recipient of Erwin's tireless energy and dedication, and his legacy will be

a lasting one.

Acknowledgements

We congratulate the Zionist Federation of Australia on another year of great achievements and

thank them heartily for their generous partnership and support. The Zionist community of Australia

is fortunate to benefit from the able leadership of Dr Danny Lamm and of the ZFA’s Executive

Director, Ginette Searle. We are grateful for the many patrons, sponsors and supporters who are

vital to our ability to do our work. In particular, we appreciate the major communal partnership we

share with Keren Hayesod/United Israel Appeal. These partnerships strengthen the entire

community and its connection to Israel.

The Zionist Council of Victoria operates with the contribution of its full executive and portfolio

holders each of whom is deserving of a vote of thanks. I am most especially indebted to the

members of the Zionist Council of Victoria Board who give unstintingly of their time, expertise and

wisdom. My deepest gratitude to Vice Presidents Jeff Morrision and Sharene Hambur; Immediate

Past President Dr Danny Lamm; Honorary Secretary and Public Relations Chair Liora Miller;

Treasurers Daniel Goodman (through October 2014) and Mory Kalkopf; and Information Chair Ian

Samuel OAM.

I would like to record the Zionist Council of Victoria’s appreciation for the work of the Community

Security Group whose efforts are apparent at every communal event. We also recognise and deeply

appreciate the commitment and dedication of Beth Weizmann’s security chair David Michelson.

The activities of the Zionist Council of Victoria would not be possible without the dedication and

competence of the professional staff. Jane Rapke continues to serve as Executive Director with

professionalism and dedication beyond the call of duty. We are served by an excellent team of


talented and incredibly dedicated people. The team comprises Sean Nochomovitz (Accountant), Jodi

Liebenberg (Executive Assistant), Sandra Sochen (Advertising Manager), and Eileen Freed (Special

Projects & Communications Manager) as well as the Building & Security Manager of Beth Weizmann

Community Centre, Mile Stojanovski and LJLA Director Leonie Fleiszig and her team. We recently

farewelled Shira Richtman, who brought great energy and creativity to the organisation and who will

be missed. We were delighted to welcome temporary staff members Daniella Silverstein and Atida

Lipshatz who assisted with several projects during the year.

This will be my final report to the Biennial Conference as it is my intention to stand down as

President of Zionism Victoria later this year following five years as the head of this wonderful

organisation. Transition is never easy but I am very confident that my vice president and successor

Sharene Hambur will do an outstanding job in coming years. I look forward to watching the

movement go from strength to strength as we meet and overcome external and internal challenges

and embrace the achievements and milestones of Israel and our community.

Sam Tatarka

PRESIDENT

Zionism Victoria


ZIONIST COUNCIL OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA REPORT

EVENTS 2014 – 2015

The State Zionist Council WA conducts regular meetings and is constantly assessing and

meeting the changing needs of the Perth Jewish Community. We have run a range of

activities in 2014/2015 as detailed below. Leon Schneider is the community shaliach and the

Habonim Dror shaliach. He excels in these roles and is enthusiastic in his engagement of the

community.

2014

CAFÉ IVRIT

These Sunday morning lessons are well attended. SZCWA/ Habonim Dror Shaliach Leon

Schneider and B’nei Akiva Shlicha Lea Greenfeld work together to teach Hebrew to

members of the community. Classes are held at the Jewish Community Centre.

ARIK EINSTEIN TRIBUTE – 15 February, 1 March

In response to the passing of Arik Einstein, the State Zionist Council, in conjunction with

members of the Israeli Community of Perth dedicated two nights to the life and music of

Israeli cultural icon Arik Einstein.

YOM HAZIKARON – 4 May

Shaliach Leon Schneider organised and ran this moving and emotional evening. The Deputy

Israeli Chief of Mission, Meir Yizhaki, addressed the crowd. Ori Dembo told a personal story

of his experiences of loss. The story of Ammunition Hill was recounted and a video was

shown telling the moving story.

YOM HA’ATZMAUT – 5 May

The SZC partnered with Maccabi and hosted the community Yom Ha’atzmaut Celebrations

at Carmel Primary School. Dinner and live music provided by local Israeli band “Sound of

Israel” gave an Israeli feel to the evening. This was followed by a short formal ceremony

including an address by Jeff Lin, President of the SZCWA and Alan Shear, President of

Maccabi. Deputy Israeli Chief of Mission, Meir Yizhaki, gave an address. Guests were also

treated to a flag march, video greetings from all the Perth Shnatties and a wonderful

performance by Ben Goldstein (X- Factor finalist) from Sydney. Mickey Shaked also

provided live music followed by community hora dancing.


BRING BACK OUR BOYS – 22 June

After the terrifying abduction of Naftali, Gilad and Eyal, emotions were running high in the

Perth Jewish Community as in other Jewish communities around the world. The Bring Back

our Boys event was held at Carmel PS at the Sylvia and Harry Hoffman Hall. Around 1000

people attended the event and were addressed by Bob Kucera, President of the Friends of

Israel WA and Matthew Blumberg from the Perth Community, psalms were recited.

Members of the community were then given the opportunity to sign letters to the families

and these were passed onto the families in Israel.

PEACE RALLY IN THE CITY – Sunday 20 July

Operation Protective Edge evoked emotional responses in the wider community.

Supporters of Israel gathered in the city to show the mostly unreported side of the story

that Israel and its supporters yearn for peace. The Peace rally filled the inner city with

Israeli and Australian flags and drew interest from the public and unexpected amounts of

support. Around 400 people attended the rally and others joined as interest grew from the

public.

VISIT BY DR DAVID BREAKSTONE - 13 August

Vice Chairman of the World Zionist Organisation, David Breakstone, visited the Perth

community. He spoke to the leaders of the various Jewish community organisations at a

dinner and then addressed the wider community later that evening.

ISRAELI FILM FESTIVAL - 28 August – 5 September

Held in conjunction with AICC and Luna Palace Cinemas, the Israeli film festival opened to a

record Opening Night crowd. Friend of Palestine WA organised a protest outside which

ensured a very successful film festival as patrons swelled the cinema.

ISRAELI CULTURAL EVENING - 30 August

An Israeli cultural evening was attended by over 160 people. Live Israeli music was

performed by the Sounds of Israel. Israeli food was for sale and was eagerly purchased by

the crowd.

SZC COMMUNAL CALENDAR

The State Zionist Council has established a communal calendar for events to be held by the

Zionist organisations in Perth. At the initiative of the shaliach, Leon Schneider, organisations

were invited to send representatives to a community meeting to add their events and to

learn how to use the calendar. All who attended were impressed by the idea and

enthusiastic about using the calendar.

YITZHAK RABIN EXHIBITION – 6, 7 November

A Yitzhak Rabin Exhibition was held at the Jewish Community Centre. The Zionist

organisations in the community organised groups to attend the exhibition and Carmel High


School students were taken through by Leon. The wider Jewish community also attended in

small groups.

CHANUKAH CELEBRATION – 21 December

The second Annual Community Chanukah celebration was a hit. All community

organisations are invited to contribute and most do. The event was a well-attended carnival

style family event. There was food and drinks for sale including fairy floss and sufganiyot.

Activities for children, teens and families included arts and crafts, pony rides, bouncy

castles, rock climbing, Zorb Soccer, live entertainment, and candle lighting. The event is run

jointly by SZCWA and Maccabi WA.

2015

COMMUNAL CALENDAR

Follow up meetings have been held with the Zionist Organisations to keep up the Zionist

calendar. The calendar is proving a useful tool in the community.

CAFÉ IVRIT

Café Ivrit continues to draw learners of Hebrew.

ISRAELI MOVIE NIGHTS

The SZCWA is planning to reintroduce Israeli Movie Nights this winter. These were

successful a few years ago but attendance dwindled. It is hoped that the community will

again be enthusiastic after a break.

YOM HAZIKARON – 21 April

Following much the same format as 2014, the 2015 Yom Hazikaron ceremony was held at

the Sylvia and Harry Hoffman Hall. A personal story was recounted by Shacham ben Barak

who lost a friend and an uncle. Candle lighting was carried out by representatives of the

youth movements and Carmel School. Prayers were recited and the story of the Lamed Hay

was told. This was followed by a video. Sounds of Israel provided the music.

YOM HA’ATZMAUT COMMUNITY CELEBRATION – 22 April

Yom Ha’atzmaut was once again held at the Carmel School grounds in partnership with

Maccabi. Entertainment was provided outside by Sounds of Israel and in the Sylvia and

Harry Hoffman hall by Mickey Shaked and a variety of local musicians and dancers. The

event focussed on being an Israeli food extravaganza, Café 61 provided, falafel, shwarma,

shakshuka and salads. Yoffee Toffee provided delicious bourekas, cupcakes and rogelach.

Greetings from the Perth Shnatties in Israel was shown by video. The event was followed by

spontaneous hora dancing.

UPCOMING EVENTS FOR 2015 Israeli film Festival – August/September Tekes Rabin


Round Table Discussions to be introduced to discuss topical events in Israel Culinary Delegation from the Arava – December.

Planning is underway to host the Culinary Delegation from the Arava. The SZC will be

hosting the delegates and coordinating events, dinners, cooking demonstrations and a trip

down to Margaret River.

COMMUNITY CHANNUKAH CELEBRATION – Sunday 6 December

The SZC and Maccabi will once again host the annual Community Chanukah Celebration at

the Maccabi Grounds with all the Jewish Community Organisations participating. In addition

to all the activities and attractions we will have the Culinary Delegation from the Arava take

part and present cooking demonstrations.

Jeff Lin

President


THE AUSTRALIAN ZIONIST YOUTH COUNCIL REPORT

2015 so far, has been a remarkable year for the AZYC. The structure and education within

our movements are strengthening and modernising, and it has been a pleasure to work with

the seven Zionist youth movements currently in Australia, Bnei Akiva, Habonim Dror,

Hashomer Hatzair, Netzer, Hineni, Betar and Tzofim. The newest Tzofim, joined the AZYC at

the beginning of this year

The youth movements are currently in a critical period of time. The classic role of the youth

movements which has worked for over 70 years is becoming outdated. This has resulted in a

decrease in numbers and also an uncertainty placed upon the movements as their role in

our community is no longer as defined as it has been in the past. The AZYC recognises this,

however we still believe that Zionist and Jewish education is a relevant part of our

community. Learning about Jewish identity, Israel and leadership are just some of the

concepts which will never become outdated as long as youth are wanting to identify with

our community. If you combine this with the common knowledge that our youth

movements will ensure the continuity of our community, it is safe to say that we are still

needed here in Australia.

Over this past year, I am happy to report some accomplishments of the youth movements. It

was fantastic to see over 130 chanichim from all across the country participating in the

shnat program this year. Our five day seminar which began as soon as the chanichim arrived

in Israel, gave the chanichim a glimpse into the culture of Israel, and a taste for the year to

come. Furthermore it was impressive to see the chanichim from youth movements unifying,

and engaging in each other's ideologies and culture. What they also realised is, that despite

their differences, the similarities between them are much greater and more important. The

shnatties have also participated in other seminars this year, instilling in the chanichim the

importance of being one unified Australasian Zionist body. During Anzac Day, the

movements were privileged to meet the president of Israel "Ruby" Rivlin. Next, a ZFA/ Masa

seminar saw our chanichim engaging in Israel activism, the feedback from this seminar was

very positive. It saw chanichim learning with others who were not part of the shnat

program, opening their eyes to a very different perspective and offered them a unique

learning experience. The next seminar was Rafsodia, where the chanichim worked to build

rafts which they then sailed across the Kinneret. It was a blast for all! Throughout the

remainder of the year more seminars are scheduled to take place and we hope they are as

successful as the first half of the year has been.

Our next accomplishment is Think Tank which was previously known as "Bogsem." Bogsem

has been a weekend seminar which has been run for countless years, it focuses on bringing

the youth movements together to discuss Jewish and Zionist issues. This has proved in the

past to be somewhat irrelevant to many of the participants. After numerous workshop


sessions, we are pleased to announce that this year the change to Think Tank is including

some of the following concepts: a half day seminar on mental health and related illnesses

education, specific focus groups working on new initiatives to combat some of the youth

movements challenges, external educators coming in to work with madrichim on how best

to engage their respective age groups, a hadracha intensive, and many more initiatives

which will result with tangible skills the madrichim can take back to their respective

movements.

The main accomplishment of the AZYC is our weekly activities; it is no easy task for our 300

bogrim, who run weekly programs for over 2000 chanichim. I am always amazed to see the

passion and dedication in youth movements. From grade 3s who bring unbelievable ruach

(spirit) to their activities, to year 12s who attend programs in between their study, to 18

year olds who choose to spend their gap year in Israel studying and leading. Lastly the

madrichim who spend endless hours planning programs and camps. You will not find many

other countries in the world which have such active youth activities all year long, and our

movements should be commended for this. It is amazing to see how kids are embracing

their Jewish identities and shaping their own Zionist experiences. Camps also continue to be

the highlight of the year for movements. Winter machane is just around the corner, with

record numbers for some of our movements. Camps are a time for new chanichim to

experience the movement as its peak, and is the main catalyst for weekly movement

attendance. I therefore want to emphasize how important our summer and winter

machanot are for the continuation of our movements.

Lastly the AZYC has been working very hard to become accredited by the Australian

Childhood Foundation. We know our education is extremely important, but also, the safety

is of our chanichim is paramount to the success of our programs. Policies and guidelines

which were implemented in 2013 are being upheld and improved upon, The movements,

have gained a new set of skills, being aware and interested in not only the physical

wellbeing of their chanichim but also their mental wellbeing. The movements are showing

the upmost responsibility for this cause, and we hope the accreditation is not too far off in

the future.

The AZYC is moving forward in many ways, however we are faced with challenges, old and

new, which lead to a lack of progress. The toughest challenge is the amount of Jewish

students attending non-Jewish schools. The government school system does not allow our

madrichim entering their schools. We therefore find it difficult to engage government

school kids as it is often the madrich-chanich relationship which brings chanichim to the

movement especially when they are in high school. Therefore despite having the number of

kids out there, we are struggling to reach them.

Another challenge is competition from many different facets within the community. Many

alternative organisations are appearing, which offer very similar products to the youth

movements. This is resulting in many kids not wanting to attend youth movements as they

are already receiving something similar from another organization. This overcrowding is


leaving the movements with less support and resources than in previous years.

Another main challenge the AZYC faces, is funding and tangible support. Each youth

movement has their own support network, which is not surprising; this however leaves few

supporters of the AZYC. Even though the AZYC is the youth movements, it makes it very

difficult to run and create initiatives when we have very little support network to call our

own. Moreover, like any youth organisation, our turn over is virtually every year. This has

resulted in each AZYC executive needing to first learn the role, before we can even begin to

flourish, and that takes almost half the year. This has caused much angst within the

movements and is the main reason we are yet to receive the Australian Childhood

Foundation accreditation, despite working tirelessly for the last 3 years. It also prevents long

term planning and goals from being accomplished.

I am excited to announce an initiative that will be happening the end of August. The AZYC

will be hosting a forum called "Moving Where?" The aim is to discuss the future of the youth

movements with a range of people from the community. In this event we aim to combat

some of our challenges in the hope that we can remain proactive and modern, and

understand the community's wants and needs. We are hoping to find tangible support and

some new initiatives that will appeal to the community. We are also hoping that from this

event we can run a campaign to show Australia truly what makes the youth movements

unique and powerful.

When asked what makes the AZYC and youth movements so special, there are many ways

to answer. What gives me the most inspiration is watching the chanichim grow up to love

and care for their movement, to see the passion of the madrichim working hours on

programs and camp. No matter what hardships the movements face they continue with

passion and enthusiasm. I am in absolute awe of the madrichim I have seen this year, and

truly believe they do not get enough credit.

To conclude the AZYC report, I would like to thank all of the AZYC exec and every boger that

makes our movements tick. Your leadership inspires the Jewish community and without it,

the Australasian Jewish community would be incomplete. You volunteer so many hours of

your time and often without any recognition. Your programs and camps are incredible and

provide youth with empowerment and overall skills to be a better person. I hope to see you

all continue your amazing work over the next six months and beyond. I would also like to

thank the Zionist Federation of Australia who has spent many hours working with us and

provide us with unconditional support. Lastly I would like to thank my fellow tzevet

members, Adiel Cohney and Rinat Kedem Bart, who have been incredible in everything they

do, from support, to advice, and to new ideas!

I am proud to be a part of the AZYC and look forward to seeing what we all accomplish in

the future.

Gabi Newman Adi Cohney Rinat Kedem Bart

(Chairperson) (S’gan) (Shlicha)


AUSTRALASIAN UNION OF JEWISH STUDENTS REPORT

The Australasian Union of Jewish Students (AUJS) is the federal body for Jewish student

societies at universities, colleges and TAFEs, and is present on more than twenty-five

campuses and seven regions across Australia and New Zealand. Our mission is to provide

meaningful Jewish experiences through engagement, enrichment, development and action,

thereby strengthening community and enhancing Jewish life. AUJS provides its members

with a wide variety of events and activities both on and off campus. These include social,

cultural, educational, political and religious events as well as national conferences,

campaigns and our international programs.

NATIONAL EXECUTIVE

The AUJS 2015 National Executive was elected at the Annual General Meeting in September

2014:

Chairperson Dean Sherr (VIC)

Vice-Chairperson Elenore Levi (NSW)

Treasurer Michael Fisher (VIC)

Political Affairs Director Julian Kowal (VIC)

Conferences Convener Andrew Schnapp (VIC)

Campaigns Coordinator Ashleigh Werner (NSW)

The Regional Presidents who sit on the National Executive are follows:

New South Wales Avia Madar

Victoria Samantha Meyerson

Western Australia Natasha Ross

New Zealand Maya Netzer

Small Regions Chair (SA, QLD, ACT) Daniel Brazil (QLD)

Additionally, I acknowledge all campus and regional officers who dedicate their time to

bringing Jewish life to their campuses and advocate tirelessly for Israel.

AUJS Staff

Executive Director Liraz Poorian (NSW)

International Programs Director Hagar Shelly (NSW)

Shlicha Rachel Adams (VIC)


ISRAEL PROGRAMS

The ZFA continues to be a key partner in AUJS’ short-term Israel programs. AUJS Academy

Onward Israel, running in conjunction with the Onward Israel group for the first time, took

our longest-running Israel program into a new and exciting chapter in its distinguished

history, offering participants an extended six-week program at a reduced cost. This year’s

program was a great success and we are pleased to renew the Onward Israel-AUJS-ZFA

partnership for 2015-16.

AUJS will sends three Birthright buses to Israel each year. Our July 2014 program will send

40 participants to Israel, whilst our December 2014 – January 2015 program sent 80

participants. We look forward to continuing work with the ZFA to improve our short-term

programs in 2016 and into the future.

We are working hard and with the much-appreciated support of the ZFA to re-establish

AUJS Aviv as a premier long-term program for school leavers. We also continue to run the

AUJS Leadership Development Program (AUJS LDP), our premier leadership program for

AUJS union leaders, which recently travelled to Israel, the United States and Germany.

FOLLOW UP

Always one of the most challenging aspects, AUJS has seen rapidly improved results from

our efforts to engage Israel Program returnees on their return. In 2015 we have seen

incredible numbers of AUJS Academy, Aviv and Birthright participants attending our

conferences and events and being engaged on a high-level with our activities. As a product

of AUJS Academy myself, I can attest to the magnificent opportunities AUJS programs give

us. As our events, such as our Purim parties in NSW and VIC saw record attendance this year

(with nearly 400 in Melbourne and 300 in Sydney), much of this growth can be attributed to

strong attendance increases of IP returnees (as well as some great planning from dedicated

AUJS Aviv and Academy graduates who now occupy significant leadership positions in AUJS).

CONFERENCES

Conferences represent one of AUJS’s most effective efforts in connecting Jewish students

across Australia and New Zealand. AUJS will be running four national conferences in 2015:

AUJS Summer, our leadership training conference held in February each year; AUJS Winter,

our social conference; National Assembly and AGM to elect AUJS’s future leadership; and

AUJS’s Political Training Seminar – AUJS PTS – in Canberra. Additionally, AUJS runs two

executive planning retreats each year for the National Executive.

AUJS Summer

AUJS’s annual summer leadership conference for 2015, AUJS Summer, took place in

February in Victoria. It brought together 70 AUJS leaders to provide them with the skills

required for Jewish engagement on campus as well as for Israel advocacy and running

campaigns. AUJS Summer featured both AUJS and community-run sessions and workshops

in order to ensure high skill levels in advocacy and leadership on campus. It was also an


opportunity for students from across Australia and New Zealand to get to know each other

and start sharing and creating ideas for the year ahead.

CAMPAIGNS

2015 will be marked with campaigns on educating about the Holocaust, Yom Ha’atzmaut

celebrations, campaigns on peace and cooperation, and campaigns targeted at the wider

community to educate them on various aspects of Judaism. We ran our first Israel

campaign, an election-themed educational campaign “Israel Represent”, earlier this year, to

promote and educate about Israel’s thriving democracy. We are currently planning Peace

Week for early second semester, which will explore on-the-ground initiatives to promote

peace and mutual collaboration between Israelis and Palestinians as a positive and powerful

alternative to promote peace in Israel and Palestine, in stark contrast to the negative and

wrongful BDS campaign.

CONCLUSION

Much of AUJS’s work would not be possible without the support of our many community

partners and friends. I would like to express my sincere thanks to JCA NSW and to our many

donors and patrons in Victoria. Thank you to The Shalom Institute, UIA and ZFA for their

continued generous support as well.

Thank you to the Jewish and Zionist Councils and Boards of Deputies across Australia and

their leadership. We are grateful for the friendship of The Shalom Institute in NSW. Thank

you also to The ZFA, who are a key partner in AUJS’s Israel programs and the AUJS Shlichut,

and their support is invaluable.

Finally, on behalf of the AUJS community, I send my very warm thanks to Danny Lamm,

Ginette Searle, Greg Blashki, Gili Gafin, Sarit Braver, Yigal Sela as well as Philip Chester and

Joel Burnie and the entire ZFA team for their support. The ZFA is an invaluable partner and

support for AUJS’ growth and success, both in Israel Programs and in our wider activities on

and off campus.

Dean Sherr

Chairperson


We express our thanks to the following for their generous support of the ZFA and our

projects:

Pratt Foundation

Gandel Philanthropy

The Harry Triguboff Foundation

Peachtree Capital

Dr David Cook

Dr Danny Lamm

Milton Levine

Dr David Slonim

Dr Abe Zelwer

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