Jewish Changemaker Awards

Cr Tony Kay, Cr Leon Goltsman, Cr Jeff Zulman, Isabelle Shapiro, Ron Hoenig MP, Bruce Notley-Smith MP

It was a real honour to represent Opposition Leader John Robertson at the Jewish Changemakers Awards Ceremony in Bondi this afternoon.  

B'nai B'rith, Hilel and JNF Australia have partnered to recognise young Jewish men and women who give so much of themselves to many worthy causes, not just in Australia, but around the world.  Each recipient has made a difference to the lives of so many others .

As Rachel Fitman the Hillel Director  pointed out; "The threads of passion, creativity and innovation woven throughout the stories of our nominees, captures the essence of the spirit that drives our community. Our nominees have each dared to depart from the status quo, to create ripples of change and serve as ambassadors for the change they wish to see in the world."

Standing in the room with these amazing young men and women and hearing their stories and learning about the impact they have had on individuals and communities was a real honour.  That so many young people are willing to lend a hand to make a difference gives all in the community faith in the future and in our younger generation.  

Just to give you an idea of the type of achievement and work being done by the younger generation, one guest speaker Genna Radnan, only 22 years of age, on leaving the Emmanuel School went to live in a rural community in Kenya to work as a volunteer. Genna was so moved by the level of poverty she utilised all her skills to implement and assist in enhancing the quality of life for the local people by developing projects that targeted health and education. Establishing Gennarosity Abroad she continues to raise funds for projects located in rural communities along the Rift Valley region of Kenya

So many nominees from around Australia. So much achievement, it was a honour to be amongst some of the most wonderful young people.