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2021 Changemaker Award Winners
Youth
Contribution to the State of Israel
Yuli Segev
Yuli is an outstanding young woman who has contributed a lot to the State of Israel already, despite her young age. Yuli has volunteered for the BforU organisation, Wizo, been a Diller Teen, a Tzofim leader and ambassador and much, much more. Most recently, Yuli has joined the Bialik College Mazkirut, the College’s senior student leadership team. Yuli has contributed so much within the context of being a student at Bialik College and without, that in 2020 she was awarded the Long Tan Youth ADF Leadership Award in recognition of her efforts. Perhaps most outstanding, however, has been the contribution Yuli had made outside of existing frameworks. In 2020 when COVID and conflict with Hamas hit Israeli civilians simultaneously, Yuli was distraught. She felt entirely helpless seeing people in Israel suffer without any tangible way to help. Never being one to sit idly by when people are suffering, Yuli founded her own charitable organisation which collected funds in Australia to help pay off the supermarket debts accrued by some of Israel’s most vulnerable families. That Yuli was able to successfully carry this out, as a teenager and school student in Australia, is simply remarkable. As such, I feel most strongly that Yuli is very much a changemaker and deserving of being recognised as such.
JNF Award for Contribution to the Jewish Community in the Youth Category
Ben Lonstein
Ben will always take on more, making sure that everyone around him is feeling included and happy. He is a true mensch. Although there isn’t enough space to describe all of Ben’s volunteer initiatives and experiences as well as his achievements, I hope the following can provide a small glimpse into why Ben is so deserving of this award. Friendship Circle – regular volunteer for the past 5 years in fortnightly Sunday programs, as well as camps whilst coordinating and leading dozens of other sporting and leisure activities throughout the past year – pitched to donors and helped to win a grant for FC, whilst continually advocating and promoting the organisation within Moriah and to his peers JEMS – heavily involved in Mike’s M&Ms program – preparing food for the needy, sorting clothing for charity and more. He also has been involved in SOS (sending out smiles) MDA – instrumental in organising and driving the MDA Challenge at Moriah College, raising funds for Magen David Adom in Israel. Feedback from the MDA NSW office was very complimentary and noted how inspirational Ben was, particularly to the younger students. Other volunteer activities – Street Buffet, World’s Greatest Shave, Moriah Movember, JNF Green Sunday, Our Big Kitch Moriah Communal Activity – Volunteer tefillah leader for the younger students for the past 2 years – Aboriginal Community Chesed Volunteer program – Learning Support Centre – regularly supporting students with a disability at Moriah, whilst developing key programs of inclusivity for the whole school Recent Broader Community Volunteering – Representative of Moriah at an interfaith day – UIA My Own Israel Competition – Mikolot Grand Final Speaking Competition (competing in the grand final later next month) Recent significant achievements – Elected to the Moriah School Leadership team in 2021/22 – Hillel House Captain – Numerous Honours awards for Community Service – Awarded the Moriah 2019 Oscar Borecki Memorial “Partisan Prize” for Determination, Initiative and Loyalty – Awarded the “2020 Moriah Tzedek Chevrati Prize, which recognises a student who demonstrates concern for a variety of issues including social, political, environmental, or religious and attempts to draw attention to such issues to create awareness and an opportunity to resolve these issues collaboratively. The recipient of this award also promotes the same values espoused by the College.”
Eden Gelfand
Eden is an outstanding young woman who has made an indelible impact on the Jewish community and beyond. Eden takes every opportunity afforded to her to volunteer in the community including (but not limited to), being a Diller Teen, a C-Care volunteer, a basketball coach for Maccabi for many years, participating in the Bible Quiz and the Mikolot Public Speaking Competition. Eden frequently represents Bialik College (where she is a Year 11 student), whether that be internally by leading assemblies such as on Yom Hashoah and Yom Ha’atsmaut or externally when working with a range of communal organizations. Eden is recognised as a leader amongst the student body, yet one who does so with humility and with genuine care and good will for all. Indeed, Eden has recently joined the Mazkirut, Bialik College’s senior student leadership team. What is so incredible about Eden is that she not only volunteers an enormous amount of her time through pre-existing mediums, but that she also creates new ones when she sees a need. Throughout the ongoing lockdowns in Victoria, Eden, of her own volition, has been running online cooking classes for other children in need of meaningful and productive activities to occupy their time. Eden is simply a born changemaker and most worthy of being recognised for the incredible volume of work she does for the community and how sincerely humbly she does it all.
Contribution to Australian Society
Benjy Orwin
3 ½ years ago, Benjy was walking home from a Shabbat dinner. He was 8 years old. It was a cold night and he had on a warm jacket, beanie and gloves. He turned and said to his family, “Look what I am wearing and I am still freezing. What do people do who don’t have warm clothes and especially those living on the streets?” They told him that indeed, this Winter was very tough for people in tough situations and that he should be very appreciative. Without blinking an eye, Benjy responded that he wanted to do something to help the poor. He thought that collecting Socks would be a good idea. Within 5 minutes he decided to call his charity ‘Socks 4 Support’ and wanted to collect 5000 pairs of socks before the end of the year. The following Monday he asked to speak at the school assembly to ask everyone to collect socks for him. He also spoke at his Shule and went around to local supermarkets to ask if he could have collection boxes there. Benjy made his own logo, he started writing emails to people and put a huge amount of effort into his campaign. At the end of 2018, he had collected 5024 pairs of socks. An incredible act of determination and effort. He distributed these socks to many organisations. He has helped many affected in the storm ravaged areas in the Dandenongs. Benjy sent boxes of socks to the commission towers when forced into lockdown due to Covid. Benjy has sent socks to a youth hostel in England and has donated thousands of socks to a Greek community really doing it tough during Covid times. Socks have gone to support those selling the Big Issue and many families who have approached organisations specifically requesting socks and underwear. Benjy has now collected over 23 000 pairs of socks that have helped to keep men, woman and children warm all over Australia. He is passionate and dedicated to his cause and spends hours researching how to grow his donations and researching who else can benefit from his charity.
Edward Schamschula
Edward has volunteered for the Rural Fire Service (RFS) for approximately 2 years now. He has dedicated much of his time to many support roles during large incidents such as bushfires and motor vehicle accidents. Recently, he joined two operational brigades that respond to a range of incidents such as structure fires, bushfires, motor vehicle accidents, storm damage, community first response ( providing medical care if an ambulance is delayed), and many other incidents. He cares deeply about assisting the community. Edward is often seen leaving school in his RFS uniform and juggles the pressure of schoolwork and volunteering with maturity and commitment.
Young Adult
Joshua Levi Young Professional Award
Cassandra Barrett
Cassie began her career at Jewish Care fresh from university, and over the past 8 years has risen to the role of Program Manager of Healthy Communities. Her portfolio focuses on community education and capacity building, particularly in relation to mental health, family violence and youth wellbeing. In a role that is entirely devoted to supporting the needs of the Jewish community, Cassie has thrown herself into this to go above and beyond. Cassie’s outstanding skills in community engagement are evidenced by the strong relationships she has built with organisations from right across our community, from the most secular to the Adass. In every setting she is commended for her warm and engaging approach, commitment to cultural safety, and deep respect for the diversity of our community. Cassie is a sought-after educator. She delivers regular Youth Mental Health First Aid and other mental health training to a range of organisations, including AZYC and CSG; is engaged as a Critical Friend supporting Jewish schools to implement Respectful Relationships; works in partnership with Unchain My Heart to engage kallah teachers and mikvah attendants in violence prevention education; has delivered training to the RCV; and leads 12 communal organisations at the annual Walk Against Family Violence. Her Raising Healthy Families series supports over 1000 parents, carers and teachers with information sessions and group programs. Cassie has spearheaded a number of highly-regarded campaigns to support a healthy and inclusive Jewish community, including Reach Out, Speak Out (mental health), Love Should Be Sweet (family violence) and Her Words, Our Future (gender equity). Her campaigns have been nominated for multiple awards, including a finalist in the VicHealth Awards and winner of multiple Horizon Media awards. She is an accomplished writer, regularly contributing to Jewish Care media and Jewish Women of Words. Her efforts have secured multiple government grants to support the needs of the community, enabling the delivery of vital work in the areas of mental health, violence prevention and food security. Cassie’s significant contribution has been recognised not only through her career progression but in her receipt of multiple awards at our Staff and Volunteer Excellence Awards, including Innovation of the Year, Team of the Year and the Endeavour Scholarship, and via presentations at a number of Australia-wide conferences. Outside of Jewish Care, Cassie is a passionate supporter of the community.
JNF Award for Contribution to the Jewish Community
Alissa Foster
Alissa is without question one of the most passionate younger members of the Australian Jewish community. This year she served as the AUJS Conferences Coordinator. Having noticed that Jewish university students were lacking a space to learn about and debate issues relating to Israel and antisemitism, she organised — from scratch — the ‘Accelerate’ program (the plan for the in-person retreat, which was sensational, was unfortunately cancelled due to covid and moved online). Nevertheless, the online sessions gave young Jewish students the chance to hear from, and ask questions of, leading Jewish thinkers, such as the Jerusalem Post’s Gil Hoffman. She was recently elected to be AUJS’ 2022 Vice President; I have no doubt that in this capacity, she will continue her passionate advocacy for Jewish peoplehood, Jewish education, and the fight against antisemitism. She also volunteers at Youth HEAR, an organisation dedicated to bridging the gap between Australian youth and the memory of the Holocaust, and is currently a Youth Engagement Officer for the NSW Board of Jewish Education Youth, where she helps develop and run activities and programs to engage high school age students, build their connections with other Jewish students and the community, and help them explore what being Jewish means for them. Previously, she was a madricha for Bnei Akiva, where she also held various leadership positions. She was also a Susan Wakil fellow. What separates Alissa from others around our age is that she doesn’t just sit by and observe; when she sees a gap in the community, she strives to fill that gap, and she does all she can to further enhance and expand upon the resources available to Jewish youth.
Raelle Freinkel
Raelle Freinkel is a one of a kind 21 year old. She is wise beyond her years, creative, mature, logical, dynamic and committed to our community in a way that not many 21 year olds are. Her voluntary and professional contributions highlight her commitment and passion enabling her to create change in our community. She exudes Jewish values and leadership. Raelle is a great representation of the more than 50% of young people, who don’t go to Jewish Day Schools, but yet are involved in, and committed to, our community. Through High School at Rose Bay Secondary College, Raelle became part of the “pilot” Y2i cohort (2014) participating in the BJE Year 10 Israel Program. She went on to be the BJE Israel program ambassador for Y2i speaking with eloquence and sincerity at launch and donor events, elaborating on the impact this trip had on her Jewish and Zionist identity. Lets also not forget she was the Rose Bay Secondary College’s Vice Captain in 2016 and scored an ATAR well into the 90’s. Throughout High School Raelle was also an active member of Hineni participating in meetings and camps and as a junior madricha, which led to her joining the Hineni Shnat program. On her return from Shnat, she stepped up her commitment to Hineni taking on the role of Head of Winter Camps, Head of Hadracha (leadership) and madrich development, and finally Head of Hineni Shnat. She helped to shape Hineni into the thriving youth movement it is today. After 3 years her official roles at Hineni ended although she continued to volunteer at summer and winter camps. After Hineni she then also took the role of NSW AZYC Chairperson, no easy feat in COVID times. Most importantly, she is an integral part of Youth 2 Israel (Y2i), an endowment fund of JCA. Raelle joined Y2i in 2018 as the Y2i Program Coordinator. At Y2i she exhibits a sensibility and wisdom beyond her years. She has been involved in the development of Y2i as a key communal organisation directly impacting the strength and viability of our community. She has been responsible for Israel program development, nurturing ongoing effective communal relationships with our partners, and providing a youth perspective into the direction and strategy of Y2i.
Contribution to the State of Israel
Speedy Shatari
Speedy has dedicated most of their young adult life to bettering and contributing to the Sydney Jewish community. They are currently working as the first ever Social Justice Officer at the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, the representative roof body of the Sydney Jewish community. They are extremely passionate about their work and will refuse to call it work because of how much they love it! Speedy is about to launch a pioneering mentoring program within the Board of Deputies for community members who are Jewish and part of the LGBTQIA+ community. Most of their professional work and personal desire is striving to create a more diverse and inclusive Jewish community, one where everyone can feel safe to be their authentic selves. It is incredible to see Speedy advocate for and engage with individuals who may have been disillusioned from the community for being who they are. Within their role, Speedy also works closely with external stakeholders to help mitigate antisemitism. Speedy has recently organised a LGBTQIA+ Interfaith Virtual Event where speakers of different faiths came together to speak about their experiences within their communities. They also recently helped coordinate the monthly NSW Jewish Board of Deputies Plenum, which focused on mental health and how we can help those within our community who may be struggling. Their role also involves partnering with First Nations People, educating the community about environmental concerns, advocating for our Jewish seniors and child protection. Further to this, Speedy has also helped to organise LGBTQIA+ inclusivity training sessions for communal organisations and youth movement madrichim. It’s amazing to see the work Speedy is doing within this social justice sphere and the impact they have had on the Jewish community so far! Previously, Speedy also worked at as the High School Engagement Officer at the NSW Board of Jewish Education and accompanied 80 Year 10 students to Israel. They loved connecting with the students and felt privileged to be able to be a part of their Jewish identity and journey. They are passionate about bringing young jewish adults together and will continue to do so…such as helping to spearhead JNFuture’s initative Gen Chai! I think we are all very excited to see where Speedy will go and what they will do next.
Contribution to Australian Society
Gabrielle Stricker-Phelps
Gabi is the current AUJS Political Affairs Officer where she passionately advocates for combating anti-Semitism. She is a general director of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies and serves on the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies Public Affairs Committee. In the past, Gabi held the role of the outreach officer for Youth HEAR (Holocaust Education And Remembrance), was a consultant to the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies and the NSW AUJS Political Affairs Director. Earlier this year she was interviewed on Sky News Australia discussing the rise of antisemitism on campus, requesting that that universities reaffirm their stance against antisemitism to ensure that every student is safe on campus. Gabi is currently a fellow on the University of Sydney Senate and was formally a student representative member of the 91st Student Representative Council of the University of Sydney, a campus representative for the Sydney University Law Society and a mentor for the University of Sydney Women in Business and Economics Society. Gabi is also currently on the Youth Advisory Council of RAISE, a foundation that provides school-based mentoring programs for young people across Australia. Gabi is a passionate advocate for causes that she believes in and as a year 11 Ascham Student gave a Ted Talk exploring the issue of gender equality and feminism, the disparity between Indigenous Australians and non-indigenous Australians discussing legislation in Australia surrounding marriage in support of marriage equality. As an Ascham student she also received the Dame Marie Bashir Peace Award from the National Council of Women of NSW, for a project she spearheaded called ‘I See You’, that aimed to make every girl at her school feel acknowledged. Gabi is a young leader who is worthy of an award for all that she does within the Jewish Community and for Australian Society.
Edward Lichtig
As a youth advocate, Eddy is Diplomacy Director for the ASEAN Australia Strategic Youth Partnership, immersing youth in engaging programs and dialogue, crafting policy reports with key players in the ASEAN-Australia region on Climate Change, Gender Intersectionality and Emerging Economies. Eddy also developed DFAT policies for International Student Mobility during/post COVID19. Eddy is a 180Degrees pro bono Consultant to Ronald McDonald House Charities and Save The Children International, preparing recommendations for cash emergencies for offices in Fiji, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea. As Victorian Political Affairs Director for Australasian Union of Jewish Students (AUJS), Eddy averts significant antisemitic incidents on campus, and was selected as a top leader of AUJS’ Leadership Development Program, leading state and Federal Parliament Political Training Seminars. At Mizrachi Organisation, Eddy created an ”Immersive Learning Program”, increasing social media, achieving record participation rates. As Federal President- Bnei Akiva Australia, Eddy represents 700 youth members on community boards eg AZYC, ZFA, organising interstate educational seminars (165 participants) during COVID-19. As a Mentor Eddy upskills primary/secondary students in Biblical and cantillation Studies, and participates in a Mentorship Program for Australia-Israel-Chamber-of-Commerce. He was selected by Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Australia-Indonesia Youth Exchange Program. He formulated Energy Policies and multicultural Project Plans for the City of Jerusalem. Eddy volunteers with C-Care, and campaigns with political organisations to upskill young students in Climate Change activism and politics. As Public Affairs Coordinator-Elect for AUJS Union, Eddy debated in Monash University’s International Affairs Society with students in Afghanistan– specifically young women, part of Afghanistan Progressive Thinking Think-tank. In August 2021, when Afghanistan’s capital Kabul fell, he felt a responsibility to help save these same fellow Afghani activists, knowing that many of them would be condemned to a Taliban ‘kill list’. With his broad network of political connections and a strong passion for humanitarian work, Eddy led the mission to help young female activists escape Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. Each needed a 449 humanitarian visa, incredibly hard to obtain. Eddy called on his parliamentary contacts, who granted him access to a live channel where he was fed intel from DFAT, with instructions on how to move the women from the back to the front of the thousands-strong queue in Kabul Airport. Splitting up the group to give them a better chance, Eddy fed information via phone calls and texts to those with better English in each group, instructing them how to move through checkpoints to the congested, dangerous Kabul airport. He told them when to/not to respond to the Taliban; Where to go, where they should stop. This also meant coordinating with allied troops on the ground in Kabul, saving many lives because of this operation. Professor Jacquie True, Director Monash Gender, Peace and Security Centre said “Eddy is an impressive operator.
B’nai B’rith Award for Leadership
Gabrielle Agosin
Gabi is the AUJS President who also sits on the AUJS Board of Directors. She is a passionate and inspiring team leader who oversees the strategy and common vision for the organisation across Australia and New Zealand working closely with multiple campuses. Gabi was involved in coordinating the AUJS Political Training Seminar in Canberra where students met key political leaders at Parliament House. Her role as President includes marketing, events, fundraising, public and political affairs including advocacy for Israel and combatting anti-Semitism. Gabi joined AUJS UTS in 2017 as the Events and Social Media Co-Ordinator and today is responsible for over 150 student volunteers. She is a dedicated team player and leader worthy of recognition for the lives of those she touches and supports through her many roles as AUJS President.
Shayna Slotar
Shayna has shown dedication and leadership in the Sydney Jewish community in the past several years that we have known her. She has participated and led numerous leadership groups, voluntarily created social networking opportunities and events for young adults to meet each other and develop stronger friendships and a greater sense of belonging in this community. There have been many times that members of our community have been employed due to Shayna’s assistance and guidance through her knowledge and network of various industries. For us personally Shayna without hesitation will volunteer her time and resources to assist us in what we need, not because of what she might receive for it but because of her commitment and dedication to communal growth. A true leader leads by action and example, Shayna does both of these!
2020 Changemaker Award Winners
Youth
JNF Award for Contribution to the Jewish Community in the Youth Category
Chloe Miller
Chloe is an effable young woman who passionately engages on Jewish Life and Leadership.
Below is a list of who engagement in a variety of projects and programs:
• Habonim Dror: Volunteers multiple times a week to provide informal Jewish education and promote Jewish culture and values. Leads years 3-6 running programs every Sunday afternoon as well as camps during holidays. These programs are about a range of topics such as Israel and Israeli culture, Jewish festivals, Jewish values and Shabbat.
• Kristallnacht: Helped facilitate Emanuel’s involvement in the International March of the Living campaign Let There Be Light to fight anti-Semitism and other forms of prejudice and hatred. Ran a program for year 9 students about Kristallnacht, its significance and how we can continue to fight anti-Semitism.
• Head Madrichah: Serves as Head Madrichah of Emanuel School, fostering Jewish values and culture through planning and running events for Jewish chagim, introducing initiatives with Jewish aims and spreading Jewish values in all aspects of school life. Some examples are: Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashanah programs and weekly Shabbat celebrations for the whole high school.
• Yahrzeits: Took part in planning and facilitating the Hannah Szenes yahrzeit for the entire high school to educate about intentional living (kavana), reflecting the Legacy of Szenes. Helped organise and run a yahrzeit for Yitzchak Rabin, with the aims of educating about Rabin’s mindset of peace. • Fundraisers: Took part in running and donating to the UIA Giving Day fundraiser at Emanuel School to support the charity Amigour in Israel.
• Montefiore: Throughout high school, volunteered at the Montefiore performing concerts for the residents, running games and activities and keeping company with the residents, talking with and getting to know them. • Our Big Kitchen: Participated in the Our Big Kitchen challah and hamantashen bakes. Volunteered with JEMS in visiting residents in aged care homes and hand out the hamantashens as well as care packages during Purim.
Liat Granot
Liat has served in a variety of capacities in volunteering and partnering for the celebration and advancement of Jewish Life in Emanuel and in the larger Sydney community and beyond.
Liat could not recall the specific charities from year 9, but from year 10 they were:
• ‘Knit for Life’ in partnership with ‘Solar Buddy’ à aided 300 children in the Zimbabwean ‘Knit for Life’ community to receive their first-ever solar lamp thanks to the SRC’s partnership with Solar Buddy.
• ‘Gennarosity Abroad’ à raised money for their new facility to help orphaned babies in Kenya
• The Indigenous Literacy Foundation à which funds many projects for Indigenous children including purchasing books and stationery supplies and supporting community literacy projects
• The ‘Morning Star Foundation’ à help in the rebuilding of their school building as it had been destroyed by a hurricane.
• SES à raised almost a thousand dollars for bushfire relief
Liat also serves as the Outreach co-ordinator and Project Co-Director of My Jewish Privilege, is an Instagram page that shares stories of alleged ‘Jewish privilege’, emphasising the need to fight anti-Semitism both in person and online. It shares people’s personal experiences with antisemitism and educates its followers on issues surrounding Israel and Judaism.
Contribution to Australian Society
Lara Fosbery
Lara is an elected school Madricha (prefect) and the driving force of the Emanuel Sustainability Committee, propelling wider school engagement through educating students using a range of platforms. 1. Facilitating and editing a weekly article for Ma Nishma, the school newsletter. 2. Running an Instagram page where she creates weekly posts providing information on global environmental issues and offers practical steps each person can take to help the planet. 3. Creating short, innovate videos engaging high school and moving student behaviour in a more sustainable direction. Lara organised the participation of all of high school in a Covid-safe protest against government funding for fossil fuels (as opposed to renewables) in the Covid recovery budget. The protest, designed by the School Strike 4 Climate organisation, aimed to unite Australians for this common cause by encouraging safe, social-distanced protesting, and asking participants to publish photos of their protests online. Many Emanuel School students’ photographs were displayed on the Global Climate Strike website, alongside thousands of other Australians, demonstrating Emanuel School’s investment in and commitment to having a voice in important environmental issues. Lara co-authored and edited an article covering the event, which was published in the Australian Jewish News and on J-Wire (https://www.jwire.com.au/a-virtual-protest-against-funding-fossil-fuels/). Lara’s initiative to switch Emanuel to renewables was based on research and interviews with leaders in the renewables industry (Sydney Opera House, Business Renewables Centre). She created a presentation and delivered it to members of the Emanuel executive team. The presentation was extremely well received and the executive team are seriously considering the proposal. Lara believes that change can occur through education, engagement and the belief that the cause is greater than one’s personal agenda. She is a change-maker because she is equipping students with both information and practical solutions to build individual agency and responsibility to help solve this urgent existential issue. Through encouraging an environmental mindset in her peers, she is advocating for a sustainable future for Emanuel School and Australian society. Lara is an accomplished debater, who has represented Emanuel School for many years and been awarded Best Debater in the Grand Final of the HICES (Heads of Independent Co-Educational Schools) Debating Competition. She has been selected as a finalist in the 2020 UN Youth ‘Voice’ Public Speaking Competition, and will present at NSW Parliament House in December. She is a keen netball player and a professional netball umpire for adults and children. She has just started Year 12, and is planning to study Law with a focus on Human Rights in order to create meaningful systemic change.
Adam Leizer
Apart from the incredible volunteering he does through Kids Giving Back he regularly helps for events at COA as well as playing the trumpet for ANZAC & Remembrance Day services for COA, JOEYS Scouts, and Music for Mateship.
Adam has also volunteered for; OBK, packing boxes for bushfire relief at Bondi surf club, sorting and packing for Thread Together, and has helped weekly at Moriah with the Training or Intermediate bands and mentoring the younger kids. In the past year alone Adam has joined over 25 Kids Giving Back programs both volunteering, mentoring younger kids and even assisting in the facilitation of these programs.
Just some of the things he has contributed to have been:
• Cooking and distributing thousands of meals to the homeless and those in need • Assisted in our Warm4Winter campaign, promoting, raising money and distributing woollen beanies and glove to the homeless community
• Visiting and entertaining the elderly in aged care facilities • An enthusiastic member of the zoom bingo program for the elderly during Covid
• Provided care packages for the vulnerable both before and during Covid
• Part of the Inaugural Kids Giving Back Youth Changemakers program He has not only participated and contributed so much he has also been an ambassador and promoted to his peers the benefits of giving back to the community.
Adam is a true role model and deserves this award for not just what he has done and will continue to do but also for his ability to promote to other young people the benefits and beauty of volunteering.
Contribution to the State of Israel
Jonathan Francis
Yoni is one of the Tzofim youngest Madrichim and is leading groups for the past two years. As a Madrich, Yoni is very committed. He cares not only about the fum of the activities but also the wellbeing of the kids and the values behind it. His activities are focus on Israel culture and history, friendship, scouting skills, tolerance and more. He is a true leader and wit his dedication shows self example to his friends. Yoni often chose to take on him self more responsibilities in the Tzofim like organising the community events, and now he is the Rosh of summer camp. He is always keep his smile on his face, put a lot of effort in speaking and learning Hebrew in order to teach the younger scouts and you can trust him. Yoni also was elected to represent the Tzofim during an outreach to the Jewish and Israeli community in Adelaide where he spent the weekend with JAZY. Yoni cares about the Israeli community, and being so involved with the Tzofim since he was young, simulates how much he cares.
Young Adult
JNF Award for Contribution to the Jewish Community
Dane Stern
Dane Stern has displayed leadership qualities from the time he was a Prefect at Moriah College and graduated there with the HSC Premier’s Award for All-Round Excellence. He then continued his studies at UNSW and graduated in Law and Commerce, majoring in Actuarial Studies. He currently works as a Data Science Associate at Bain & Co.
His volunteer experience include his current positions as Director of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, Chair of its Shoah Remembrance Committee, and member of its Community Relations Committee which builds relations with other ethnic, faith and non-government organisations.
Since 2015, Dane has been an advisory board member for Limmud Sydney in organising community education events. He was one of 2 Limmud-Oz representatives at the international Limmud Conference near London. He has also been the co-chair of the Limmud Fest learning retreat.
Dane was also given the task of co-organising the inaugural annual event: ”Recognition of the Plight of Jewish Refugees from Arab Lands and Iran”. This was a great success, and is commemorated every year on November 30th, to highlight their ancient, historical narrative. Dane continues with great passion to work on this committee.
In recent years he has also been on the board of ZDVO Beit Halochem Australia through JCA’s Observership Program and was an executive member of the NSW Council of Christians and Jews. Named in honour of the past President of the Board of Deputies, Jeremy Spinak, Dane was also an observer on an intensive program designed to train emerging communal young adult leaders, is a youth adviser to the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, and is a member of ECAJ’s Jewish Advocacy & Leadership Corps to empower young leaders.
Dylan Kotkis
Dylan graduated from Carmel High School in 2018. He was elected head boy of the year and in his capacity as head boy, he attended functions and events, where he advocated for the Jewish youth in Perth. Dylan went on to attend Curtin University, where he is currently studying a double degree in International Relations and Commerce. During his final year of schooling, he joined the AUJS committee and in 2020, was elected as the president of AUJS WA. Dylan has again been re-elected as president of AUJS WA for 2021, where he plans on continuing to raise the profile of the young Jewish community in Perth, as well as to unite the Jewish students across all universities and establishments. As leader of his committee, he has arranged and hosted many successful events and has also attended leadership workshops interstate. Dylan is an active member of CSG in Perth where he volunteers as a protector at Carmel School and other Jewish establishments. Dylan is a dynamic speaker, where he secured second place in the national Mikolot speaking competition in 2016. He is also a musician and singer and has voluntarily performed at many functions around Perth, including JNF events and UIA functions. He is also the keyboard player and singer for the band he co-founded- ‘Schtik”. Dylan is passionate about giving back to the community. He is generous with his time and happily supports his Chabad Shule, assisting with conducting the services when needed. He has also volunteered at JNF green Sunday events and more recently, at the UIA 100 years charidy event. He volunteered at the 2020 Carmel School Zionist seminar camp where he helped lead the year 12 students, planning and running programs. Dylan was also a youth leader at the 2020, Perth Junior Carnival and will volunteer as the medic at the upcoming Bnei summer camp. Dylan is passionate about cars and has cofounded The Weekend Drive Group. This is a private group where he organises events to unite car enthusiasts around Perth. He regularly volunteers at Classic Cars and Coffee events to help raise funds for Prostate Cancer. Dylan is a friendly, dynamic, and passionate young member of the Perth Jewish community. He strives to raise the profile and presence of young Jewish members of the community and his ultimate goal is to bring about positive change for the students in Perth. He is an excellent advocate for the Jewish youth in the wider community.
Contribution to the State of Israel
Yoel Benn
Yoel is a highly motivated and innovative leader in the field of experiential education and Jewish life. He brings intellect and energy to all that he does and is deeply committed to fostering a passion for social action, Judaism and Israel in young people, as well as developing their leadership skills and dispositions. He leads by personal example and, in this way, inspires others to do more and do it better. Yoel has amply demonstrated his passion for Israel through involvement in Jewish and Zionist organisations, educating about Israel, presenting dynamic and challenging Israel programming and developing this connection in young people: – School captain at Carmel School – peak student leader for his year – Leader (madrich) and Chairperson and Head of Education for Habonim Dror Perth, different positions all requiring leadership skills, considerable responsibility and extensive time commitment (2012-2014) – Founder and co-chair of Limmud Oz Perth (2014-2015) – Participant Launch Pad 2019 – Coordinator of Jewish Experiential Education (Senior) and Jewish Studies teacher at The King David School (2017-present) where he leads the team and coordinates a wide range of weekly and yearly programs. In terms of Israel education, Yoel does the following: – runs experiential programs that educate about Israel in engaging and challenging ways for students from Year 6-12 – is responsible for the schools Israel camps in Years 9 & 10, including recruiting local and Israeli madrichim – coordinating Yom Haatzmaut – inviting guest speakers to address the school on Israel themes – leading Year 10 Israel trips and involvement in planning Yoel embodies the Jewish values of justice, tikkun olam, and individual and communal responsibility.
Contribution to Australian Society
Simone Starikov
Simone is incredibly passionate about volunteering. Other than volunteering a lot of her spare time to working in multiple Jewish Community based organisations, she constantly offers her time to other causes and those in need or in crisis. Earlier in 2020, during one of the most devastating bushfire seasons that Australia had seen, Simone co-founded the ‘Brunch Bush Bash’ – a fundraising event for the NSW Rural Fire Service. Simone, together with industry colleagues and volunteers, put this event together in under 3 weeks. The event saw 150 guests and $25,000 raised in one afternoon.
Through her broader network and as part of her wider community footprint, Simone has been approached by a number of organisations to plan, manage and execute their annual gala events to promote awareness and drive fundraising initiatives.
These organisations include:
– Y-Generation Against Poverty (YGAP)
– Polished Man; Ending violence against children
– Raise Foundation; youth wellbeing and mentoring programs
-Do Good Labs; driving mental health awareness through epic snacks
Most recently, Simone been appointed as a Director of Youth HEAR (Holocaust Education and Remembrance), an organisation dedicated to mitigating hate in society by connecting young Australians (both Jewish and non-Jewish) with the memory of the Holocaust. Simone deserves this award as she makes time to connect and support her Jewish community as well as the community in which she lives. Whether it be NSW or Australia, she is always striving to make an impact and a difference in this world.
B’nai B’rith Award for Leadership
Jarod Rhine-Davis
Jarod is the director of the group Jewmos, whose mission statement is, ‘To repair relationships between the queer and Jewish communities through empathetic and spiritual content”. Through this initiative, Jarod has been hosting Zoom Pride Shabbats to offer an authentic and relevant Shabbat experience framed though a Jewish queer context, and has been preserving the history of LGBT Jews through the Pride in the Livingroom project.
While originally shy about his experience, over the past year Jarod has: travelled to Argentina for a Jewish queer youth leadership trip, spoken at various Synagogues (Emmanuel, Temple Beth Israel, Leo Baeck Centre, Aliyah), taken part in the 2020 Limmud Oz festival and the International Jewish & Gay Leadership Conference, been featured in the ‘In Conversation with Rabbi Rabin’ series, had LGBT-themed articles published in Jewish newspapers The Maccabean and The Australian Jewish News, had a piece published in the World Congress of GLBT Jews newsletter, and been featured in an SBS Insight episode Coming out with Faith (watched by millions of people).
Jarod is a voice for closeted-LGBT Jews and closeted-Jewish LGBT people, encouraging a healthy dialogue informed by shared struggles and triumphs. A key influencer, leader, and facilitator, Jarod has inspired queer people around the world to openly share their experiences. He has received messages about how his work has helped people fall back in love with Judaism and saved their lives. Jarod’s vision is for those who have felt abandoned and isolated, who have struggled to hold onto their Jewish identity, to find their way back home.
2019 Changemaker Award Winners
Youth
JNF Award for Contribution to the Jewish Community in the Youth Category
Miriam Itzkowitz
Miriam has done many engagements in the Jewish community and for the Australian society. They include volunteering for Friendship Circle, participated in Creativity Inc, fundraising for the Newtown Asylum Seeking Centre, and teaching English to East Timor children through the Emanuel project. She has also been involved in Autism Advocacy through speaking engagements at school, shul and fundraising over several years for the cause. Miriam has volunteered for JNF Green Sunday telethon, MDA Red Sunday Pesach telethon, the JCA phone campaign, as well as selling Legacy badges, participated in the Smith Family Student 2 Student programme, teaching children to read and visited refugees in Villawood. She currently volunteers as a Madrichah in Betar, which she has been since year 6, she is also a chorister and frequent Torah reader at the North Shore Temple Emanuel. Miriam volunteers at Emanuel Synagogue in Kaf Kids. She participates in her school programme “You can sit with me”, encouraging students to create an inclusive environment for each other. She further volunteers at B’nai B’rith Bargain Bazaar.
Contribution to the State of Israel
Roy Halberstadt
Roy has been part of HaTzofim since its establishment in Sydney 3 years ago. He is an integral part of the Hadracha team, having lead years 8-9 and this year being responsible for all the Hadracha programs. He mentors all the new young leaders and helps with the program, motivation and sourcing ofcontent. Roy is an example for all the scouts by helping others. He is reliable, trustworthy, optimistic and charismatic. Besides for HaTzofim, Roy is also captain of his soccer team and has a wonderful team spirit.
Leanne Juter
Leanne has been involved with HaTzofim for 3 years, helping to connect the Hebrew speaking community to Israel and the broader Jewish community in Australia. She is leading the yearly Hadracha course for years 8 – 9 along with coordinating the social media and advertising Tzavet. She is consistently involved with community events, taking part, initiating and helping others. Besides Tzofim, she is excellent in school, helps BJE as a teacher assistant for Hebrew and Jewish studies. She participated in the year 10 program of BJE where her passion for being an integral part of the Jewish community has grown, particularly within the Israeli – Jewish community. She is a role model for the new madrichim, is respectful, responsible and exemplifies the Israeli spirit and attitude. Leanne is a real leader, helping to create, grow and evolve new leadership in the Israeli community in Sydney.
Contribution to Australian Society
Ella Gil-Manoz
Ella took part in the Emanuel School Generosity Abroad Kenya trip, involving 3 weeks volunteering to build and repair a school, animal conservation, community and sustainable environment work. She raised $7000 required to cover her expenses. She co-presented her Kenyan experiences at Emanuel Synagogue Changemakers event and is a member of Generosity Abroad Youth. Ella has organised 2 fundraisers with a sustainable theme. Ella is passionate about environmental issues, taking initiatives, and attending last year’s student “Climate Rally” where she gave an impassioned speech to former MP Kerryn Phelps in the hope for climate action. She was also active for the JNF’s Green Sunday fundraiser. She has volunteered in reading groups at Chifley Public School, at “Threads Together” and at the Montefiore Home Randwick. She devotes much of her free time helping at Jewish Care events such as “What Chicken Soup Can’t Cure”, Purim and Pesach events. Ella also helps
Young Adult
JNF Award for Contribution to the Jewish Community
Haim Ayalon
Haim has been a committed member of the UIA Young Leadership Executive for over 3 years. His enthusiasm and dedication to helping those less fortunate in Israel is endless. He volunteers his time and energy with passion and genuine care. He is always the first to put his hand up and achieve the best he can. Haim embodies the very essence of community, he is passionate and willing to help everyone and anyone. No task is too big or difficult. He is happy when making others happy. Haim has a successful DJ Solutions business and is fundamental to events across JCA, UIA, Friendship Circle, JNF, MDA, Dover Heights Shul and the list goes on. He volunteers his time and supports several organisations with his technological equipment and know how in a heartbeat. His life revolves around bringing happiness to people/families at the most important moments of their lives. Behind the scenes he works tirelessly ensuring events run seamlessly. His contribution is countless, but most important it is endless.
Jordan Cohen
Jordan is actively involved as a volunteer in the Sydney Hatzola organisation. He attends regular training and is unconditionally available at all times as a first responder, saving lives. He will go out on call/s during the night at any hour regardless of his social, working and university commitments. He was an active member of CSG for two years but due his religious commitment, his involvement in Hatzola and an injury, he is no longer involved. He was head of NSW AZYC last year, involved in decision making, arranging youth holiday camps and activities. He was a youth leader for Bnei Akiva for two years after spending a year in Israel on the Limmud program. He volunteered as a youth leader at the South African Bnei Akiva year-end camp in 2016 paying his own way to get to the camp. He was a Madrich on the 2017 IST program run by Moriah. In addition he is a volunteer Bondi life saver. Jordan is currently completing a business degree and intends to apply for medicine.
Contribution to the State of Israel
Dion Esterman
At the end of VCE, Dion won the Rabbi Abranok Community Scholarship to Israel for his MTA Shnat program. After returning, he took on the role of Rosh Tarbut and Madrich at B’nai, followed by Gizbar and Rosh Machane, Madrich and Rosh Machane, Global Leaders Program at Monash University, followed by multiple Federal positions, including Merakez, Gizbar, Rosh Israel Programs and Rosh Machane. Dion also joined Maccabi Australia helping develop their gap year leadership program. Subsequently he became Madrich helping as an Assistant Manager of the junior delegation at the Maccabi Games that year. Dion took on the Presidency of the Beit Midrash Minyan in Mizrachi and served on the shul’s board. He was also the Youth Director of Caulfield Shul, leading, shaping and developing the youth programs and future strategy. After moving to Canberra, Dion became a Moishe House Without Walls host, and hosted dinners for young adults. When the ACT Zionist Council was established, Dion took on the presidency to help grow it and become a part of the wider ZFA community. Last year Dion made Aliyah.
Contribution to Australian Society
Gali Blacher
Gali and her co-founder Maddy Jones recognised the need to make the homeless feel accepted. They created an enterprise called The Good Box, designed to provide people living on the street with a gift box of essential basics. Maddy and Gali developed relationships with charities and organisations such as Jewish House, who distribute boxes to their guests. They came second at JCA’s Shark Tank, winning $15,000 which gave them the funding to officially launch an online store. They have been approached by many organisations wishing to use them for corporate team building days to educate their staff on the complex issue, as well as similar programs for schools. Gali is the definition of a mensch. Her energy, enthusiasm, and innovation identifying a need for a product like The Good Box, sourcing support from companies to donate their product, and brokering social services in the local community has been nothing shy of ground-breaking.
Ben Wilheim
Ben Wilheim created “Remember September” in 2015, following the death of his father Danny 4 and a half years ago from pancreatic cancer, just 9 months after diagnosis. Ben aims to raise awareness of and funds for research to find a cure for this dreaded disease. Not only did Ben lose his beloved father to this disease, but also his first cousin Danielle Sirmai (nee Feller) at the age of 33 (6 weeks after diagnosis). Ben’s efforts are being supported by members of the Emanuel School Community and the wider community. So far, he and his supporters have raised over $175,000. Unfortunately, due to the nature of this cancer, it is rarely diagnosed early, so treatment is limited and outcomes are poor but with Ben and his friends’ help and our support, we hope that one day there will be a cure for pancreatic cancer. The link to “Remember September” is: http://rememberseptember.gofundraise.com.au/
B’nai B’rith Award for Leadership
Sarah Greenbaum
Sarah was the previous Vice President of the ACT Jewish Community (ACTJC), Chair of the ACTJC Progressive Congregation and member of the Board of Progressive Jewish Education. While in these roles she planned and carried out a successful Limmud program, played a critical role in establishing a formal Progressive congregation committee, and formalised the congregation through registration with the Union of Progressive Judaism. She also negotiated a contract allowing for a visiting Rabbi to run services and programs to the Progressive congregation on a monthly basis, and inspired a social network that started with congregation pot-luck dinners, which has now evolved into deep friendships and community connections. Sarah achieved all of this whilst working for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trading.
2018 Changemaker Award Winners
Youth
JNF Award for Contribution to the Jewish Community in the Youth Category
Gila Cherny
Gila has taken many actions to help others, making the world a better place. Gila volunteers for several Jewish organizations within the Perth Jewish Community and wider community. She helps pack thousands of food packages to send to Mexico. Her work for the Jewish community is most visible with the Menorah Charity Fund for the underprivileged, selling second hand goods to raise money, sorting them out to ensure that they are properly categorised, labelled and priced, babysitting for single mothers, running education programs for children – helping a Jewish boy with autism who is a very talented artist now spearheading a fantastic art exhibition and fund raises.
Contribution to the State of Israel
Talia Miller
Talia volunteers at her shul as part of the Teen Torah Tag Team. She was a Sunday School Madricha for four years and is now part of Netzer. She has volunteered for JCA, JNF Green Sunday and many JNF fundraisers. She has been part of the school Charity Committee and has volunteered with organisations such as Dignity and Lifeline to help sort and package clothes for the homeless. She is a Young Guide at the Museum of Contemporary Art and has helped package birthing packs for women in Africa. At school she is developing a program alongside Share the Dignity to collect and distribute sanitary items to the homeless. Currently Talia is planning a sleep out in conjunction with another school to raise awareness of the plight the homeless. This project is to be run through Vinnies and Humanity.org. It promotes Live Below the Poverty Line and Rations for Refugees. The group plans to form a partnership with an organisation in Israel to address social needs within Israeli society.
Contribution to Australian Society
Coby New
Coby collects second hand soccer boots and sports gear. He represents the charity group ‘Kit Bags for Kids’ that collects and distributes the boots and sporting gear to remote Indigenous communities and Asylum Seekers. A passionate soccer player Coby wanted to give back to the community. Since 2014 he has collected over 350 pairs of boots and soccer kits. In 2017 he received a Highly Commended honour from the Fred Hollows Humanitarian Foundation for the contribution he is making to Society. He wants everyone to feel the same!
Oliver Segerman
Oliver started volunteering at Sydney Friendship Circle when he was 13 and is now approaching 16. He is an inspiring young teenager who has changed the life of others with his kind and generous heart. His selfless nature and strong belief that we can make our society a kinder and more accepting place for everyone has brought positive results. He has been involved Sunday Circle, Summer and Winter Day Camps, and the Friends@ Home programs. Sunday Circle and day camps aim to teach young children with disability about themselves and skills required in life while involving them in Fun activities. In the process he develops strong friendships. Oliver has changed the life of an autistic child which means the world to the child and his family, lifting their spirit as soon as he walks through the door.
Young Adult
JNF Award for Contribution to the Jewish Community
Jordan Epstein
Jordan has been involved in the Jewish community since a very young age at the Central Synagogue as well wanting to give back through involvement in a variety of groups. At the end of high school, he attended the AUJS International Academy Program and is now in his 4th year at UNSW studying Aerospace Engineering and is an ongoing member of AUJS. He was an exchange student in Canada broadening his educational horizons, achieving A+ he worked for an Australian start-up Timeweave. During this time, he was involved with the Alpha Epsilon Pi Jewish Fraternity (situated in eight countries) in the capacity of Chairman for Jewish Life. He is passionate about actively inspiring the next generation of Australia’s STEM students. Jordan was selected to attend the AJC UNESCO Seminar in Paris last year. He is now the President of Alpha Epsilon Pi.
Talya Faigenbaum
Talya runs a pro bono legal service to help Jewish women obtain a Gett. She works with courts, the police, Rabbanim, lawyers and the Beth Din to create solutions to Gett refusal cases. Talya is currently the only female legal practitioner in Australia combining her legal and advocacy skills with the knowledge of Jewish law to dynamically assist Agunot. She received the 2015 Women in Law Pro Bono Lawyer of the Year Award. 2016 she featured in the ABC film “Divorce According to God” She also featured in an Age article “Breaking the Chains”.
Contribution to the State of Israel
Maria Rachel Gelvan
Maria is currently the AUJS Deakin in Melbourne and resident of Moishe House Kangarusski. As such she works with the multiply stakeholders to acknowledge the Jewish presence at the university organizing events for students. Maria also leads the project “Memory. Assistance. Generations” interviewing and collecting information on Holocaust victims for “Yad Vashem” and has collected more than 3000 names. The project published two books where they revealed the postal correspondence during the World War II from solders to their relatives. Maria has also volunteered for Magen David Adom, JDC, Hillel and Limmud FSU an international Jewish education organization that focuses on giving young Russian-Jewish adults the opportunity to revitalize and restore Jewish learning and to strengthen Jewish identity in their communities.
Sophie Kwiet
Sophia is the current National Campaign Co-ordinator for the Australasian Union of Jewish Students. Sophia, in 2018 has done her utmost to ensure that the Jewish Community portrays Israel in a positive light. She ran the campaign (19-26 April) titled “Reclaim the Z Word”. The campaign was structured in a way that let students and professionals talk about the importance of Zionism and what it means to them. At a very young age of 22, a very mature initiative.
Contribution to Australian Society
Matt Friedman
Matt Friedman is the founder of 2Birds1Bee, a company that promotes respectful relationships and sex education, through educational workshops for both primary and high school students, as well as parents and service providers. Matt is also a trained facilitator with Love Bites, a nationally accredited Respectful Relationships program aimed at year 10 students. Matt has been an invaluable asset to the JewishCare team, as he has assisted with facilitating this program in many of the Jewish and other local high schools in the eastern suburbs over the past 12 months. Matt has also been volunteering with UN Youth Australia. He’s currently serving on the National Executive as the Chief Human Resources Officer, and previously deputy. He convened two of their international activities; Young Diplomats Tour and Pacific Project, a month/fortnight long educational tour of Europe/Timor Leste respectively.
B’nai B’rith Award for Leadership
Lexi Kowal
Lexi has held and continues to hold many roles in the Jewish community leadership including AUJS National Vice Chairperson, NCJWA Board Subcommittee Member, AUJS Board Director and Zionism Victoria volunteer. From combating anti-Semitism, representing the 9000+ Jewish tertiary students on campuses around Australia, her commitment is unwavering. She put aside most her studies for a year in 13 order to be in the forefront of Israel advocacy. Now as a Board member on many community organizations, her strategic thinking and planning is of great importance. Furthermore, she sits on the Monash Student Association, a non-Jewish organisation as an office bearer, curtailing anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism.
2017 Changemaker Award Winners
Youth
JNF Award for Contribution to the Jewish Community in the Youth Category
Ariella Glasser
Ariella looks after the children at her local synagogue and provides free babysitting for parents in her community. She has volunteered every year for the JNF (Jewish National Fund) and MDA (Magen David Adom) telethons to fundraise for international charities. She has also volunteered at the Montefiore to set up and pack up their fetes as well as sing to them and play guitar for them and volunteered her time in the holidays of 2016. Ariella has been involved in producing an interactive presentation showcasing how Masada promotes Jewish unity. She also oversees filming and editing of a community video that highlights the vibrant Jewish community of St Ives. She is a Prefect and was awarded the Gmillat Chassidim charity award, Paul Cullen Conscience Shield for Community Service Award, the Rabbi Rogut OAM trophy for displaying a thirst for Jewish Knowledge Award and the Derech l’Eretz prize at the end of 2016. Ariella was a peer support leader at her school in 2016 and has been elected to be on the young leadership board to discuss issues facing teenagers in the Jewish community as well as to generate ideas to better the community.
Adam Kerbel
Adam Kerbel’s mature and sensitive approach has led him to volunteer continuously in many sectors of the Jewish community including Carmel School, the Perth Hebrew Congregation, the Menora Charity Fund and Jewish National Fund (JNF). Due to existing relationships and cross-generational interaction within the community, Adam took it upon himself to approach Carmel School to suggest an outreach program with the Maurice Zeffert Home (a residential aged care facility and retirement village in Perth). Adam recognised the needs of the residents, specifically in the IT/Tech Support realm. The residents appreciate his help, support and empathy. Many have enjoyed his input and help in keeping 8 them connected and in touch with their families through technology that was otherwise overwhelming and out of reach for them. It has become apparent that his visits are looked forward to each week and that relationships go beyond just tech support.
Contribution to Australian Society
Gidon Goodman
Gidon has been attending the Sydney Children’s Hospital in Randwick every fortnight since he was three years old for treatment for Gaucher Disease. This resulted in his family having to pay expensive parking fees every fortnight. Over 10 years this amounted to $10,000.00. In 2016 the hospital parking rates increased and Gidon (then 13 years old) decided to act for fairer parking fees. He has created a “Change.Org” petition calling for a change to the parking fees. He simultaneously contacted politicians and the media to draw attention to this issue and to rally support within government for change. After eight months of campaigning and meeting with NSW Attorney General Gabriel Upton, the MP for Coogee Bruce Notley-Smith, the ex- Health Minister Julia Skinner, the current Health Minister Bram Hazaard and NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and collecting 70,000 signatures for his campaign, Gidon had something concrete to put forward. In March 2017 the NSW Government announced changes to hospital parking fees which will come to effect from 1 July this year. The change is estimated to cost the NSW Government $11,000,000.00.
Young Adult
JNF Award for Contribution to the Jewish Community
Alexandra Knopoff
Alexandra has made numerous significant contributions to the Adelaide Jewish community in particular and boarder national community. Since her Bat Mitzvah in 2010 Alexandra has been active and taken on the following roles: Mazkira and bogeret at Jewish Adelaide Zionist Youth (JAZY), Executive Member of State Zionist Council South Australia and Australian Zionist Youth Council, Cheder teacher at Bet Shalom synagogue, Purim spiel writer/director for Bet Shalom, Board Member at Bet Shalom. As Mazkira of JAZY Alex ensures the continuity of the only Jewish youth movement operating in South Australia. She organizes all youth movement events and communal events such as Yom Ha’atzmaut and Purim carnivals. She is a prominent figure in the Adelaide Jewish community and as such is invited to speak at many events the most recent being a multifaith panel at the Australian Catholic Youth Festival.
Noa Levin
In primary school Noa was elected Head girl in 2009 at Carmel school in Perth. She was unanimously elected again in year 12, both students and teachers recognised her leadership and communication skills. That year she pioneered a magazine for students by students. In 2014 she participated in the “March of the Living” and all through her school years was a member of Habonim Dror. Completing year 12 she joined a Shnat leadership program learning and experiencing the diverse life that is Israel. Now she has undertaken Habonim’s leading role as Mazkira for WA. She is part of the leadership that pioneered the change in structure to Habonim for its junior movement, making it more 13 appealing, resulting in treble the membership. She is also involved with UIA, JNF, SZC and WIZO. Noa contributed to having 3 leaders move to Perth to support Habonim. She was also instrumental in forging new relationship with Perth’s secular Israeli community and is responsible for future planning and fundraising efforts for Habonim WA.
Contribution to the State of Israel
Asher Myerson
Asher is dedicated to his roles in Habonim, Carmel School and within the Jewish Community in general. Asher was Habonim Head of winter camp in 2016, Yr 7/8 Madrich, 2017 Rosh Chinuch (Head of Education), Yr 3-6 Madrich. In 2016 he also co-ordinated the inter youth movement senior Yom Hashoah and is a Va’ad Yahadut member of Judaism Executive. In 2017 he became a Member of Zionist Executive, bringing Cafe Invrit to 18-22 year olds in Perth. Asher participates in the Carmel School programs coordinated by the school’s Head of Jewish Studies. He runs informal education sessions in High School, assisting Carmel’s Shaliach with the Bar Mitzvah program. Asher is the Program Co-ordinator of year 6-12 Zionist Seminars and an Interfaith Madrich in the “Building Bridges” program. He recently co-ordinated an Interfaith Jewish/Muslim/Sikh/Christian indoor soccer tournament and is currently a full time physics and philosophy student.
Contribution to Australian Society
Adam McCurdie
Adam McCurdie has spent 10-11 years dedicated to the Community Security Group (CSG), where he is a senior instructor. At university, he studied engineering in maths and was the top graduate at a global leading management consulting IT firm Accenture. He then went and did a Masters in Horticulture and Technology, where he co-founded and became a director or Ripple Capital, which is a social enterprise which helps refugees establish businesses in Australia. He simultaneously taught at the Sydney University business school. In 2015 Adam co-founded Humanitix – www.humanitix.com; a charity which operates a ticketing platform, and donates the profits of all booking and payment fees to a charity of the event 14 organisers choice. It is currently ticketing JCA’s fundraisers for May, and has also helped UIA & MDA with their fund-raisers. For the wider Australian community Humanitix is on target in 2017 to donate close to $100,000 to charities addressing core issues in health, environment, education and indigenous affairs.
B’nai B’rith Award for Leadership
Isabella Polgar
She is currently National Chairperson of AUJS and has taken a year off university to volunteer full time for the organisation. In addition to being AUJS chairperson she is an Executive of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, the Zionist Federation of Australia, the World Union of Jewish Students and the Executive Council of Australian Jewry. She also volunteers her time in the Labor Party of Australia as co-convenor of the Labor Israel Action Committee and has been a delegate of the World Jewish Congress, as well as been invited to be a delegate at the American Jewish Congress. Isabella has been a past participant of Taglit Birthright, AUJS Leadership Development Program and also volunteered for numerous Non Jewish organisations, St Johns Ambulance as well as the Royal North Hospital Emergency Department.