By ZFA Webmaster | Published 26 February 2014

Natan Sharansky to visit Australia

Communal Events: Sydney – 27th March. Melbourne – 1st April

 Natan Sharansky, Chairman of the Executive of the Jewish Agency will be a guest of the ZFA in Sydney and Melbourne together with the ZCNSW, ZCV and UIA. He will arrive in Sydney on the 26th March and events will be held over three days including a large communal event on Thursday evening 27th March at The Central Synagogue. The communal event in Melbourne will be held on Tuesday 1st April at the Beth Weizmann Community Centre. Sharansky will be the special guest and keynote speaker at the ZFA’s Biennial Conference on Sunday 30 March in Melbourne. He will also undertake a series of events with various groups in the community, including students, young adults, and members of the Israeli and Russian Jewish communities.

Sharansky has this to say about his upcoming visit: “The Australian Jewish community, with its emphasis on Jewish education and its strong connection to Israel, is in many ways a model for the Jewish world. I look forward to visiting my friends down under and experiencing the vibrancy of Australian Jewry.”

Sharansky was born in the Soviet Union to a Jewish family in 1948. He was a chess prodigy who graduated with a degree in Applied Mathematics from Moscow. Sharanksy was one of the foremost dissidents and spokesman for Soviet Jewry. Arrested in 1977 he spent years in the notorious prison camp in the Siberian gulag. He arrived in Israel in 1986 and was greeted by then Prime Minister Shimon Peres.  He is one of the most famous Soviet refusniks, an Israeli politician, author and human rights activist.

Philip Chester, ZFA President remarked: “The ZFA is honoured to bring Natan Sharansky to Australia in his capacity as Chairman of the Jewish Agency. He is no stranger to Australia having visited here in 2008, Sharansky has always had a huge impact on those who hear him speak. I have admired him from when he was an iconic dissident and a key player in the ‘let my people go’ campaign and to see his professional and personal evolution makes him a personal role model. His presence at the ZFA Biennial and events in both Sydney and Melbourne promise to engage with community and he will certainly resonate across the generations. We look forward to him sharing his story with the community. His incredible biography, activism and involvement as Chairman of the Jewish Agency is inspiring and we welcome him, his voice and his narrative.”

More event details to be released shortly

Posted in Affiliate News, Events, News, Uncategorized, Upcoming Events, ZFA Biennial, ZFA News | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off
By ZFA Webmaster | Published 29 January 2014

“Lehitraot” as Aussie gap year participants leave for Israel

Youth movement participants organised by the AZYC from Bnei Akiva, Betar, Habonim Dror, Hashomer Hatzair,

Hineni and Netzer in flight

It was an emotional afternoon on the Australia Day public holiday 27th January

Shlichim, Madrichim, family and friends came to send-off the participants from Bnei Akiva, Betar, Habonim Dror, Hashomer Hatzair, Hineni and Netzer, with over 600 people at Sydney and Melbourne International Airports present to farewell the Shnatties (Australasian Zionist Youth Council program participants) as they departed for their respective programs.

Shlichim, Madrichim, family and friends came to send-off the participants from Bnei Akiva, Betar, Habonim Dror, Hashomer Hatzair, Hineni and Netzer coordinated by the AZYC.

They were farewelled amid chanting, singing, cheering, flag waving and emotional renditions of Advance Australia Fair and Hatikva.

In Melbourne, ZFA President Philip Chester addressed the group, reiterating the ZFA’s commitment to Zionist youth movements and wishing them a wonderful, fulfilling year and looking forward to seeing them assume positions of leadership in the community on their return. He said: – “The ZFA is involved because we believe in Israel and as many people experiencing this special place as possible and we believe in you, because when you come back to Australia you’re going to be leaders not only in your movements but also in the community itself. You’re going to learn a lot, and you’re going to have fun. You’re going to come back with a lot of knowledge, experience, spirit and ruach – all of the things to make our community a better place.”

The Shnat participants from all the youth movements will kick off their year with an intensive 5 day “Opening Seminar”, presented by the Australian Zionist Youth Council in conjunction with the ZFA.

The shnat programs focus on education, leadership training, Jewish learning, community service, touring, hiking and more. The programs give the participants skills to be educated, competent and passionate leaders in the Jewish and wider community.

Colin Picker, Eli Picker, Lois Cohen, Zachary Picker

For many this is a tradition with their parents having gone decades before. Habonim Shnattie: – Zachary Picker, 19, Randwick says “Both my parents went on Shnat when they were my age and I thought it would be a really fun and exciting experience. They (his parents) would be upset if I didn’t go. I’m most excited about the food and the smells of Israel.”

Guy Sussman 18, Maroubra said: – “Both my parents went on Shnat. It feels like my whole up bringing has been leading to this and it’s crazy that it’s actually happening!”

Lily Edelstein and Mikaela Higgins (Lily’s Madricha) 

For some like Netzer Shnattie Lily Edelstein, 18, Haberfield it is about the experience

Lily says “I’m really excited and really nervous, well not that nervous just overwhelmed. It’s huge having everyone here and knowing that you’re not going to see them for a year… I’m hoping that I’m going to meet a lot of new people and I used to speak Hebrew so I’d like to pick that up again.”

This departure marks the start of Australian gap year programs heading to Israel. 120 participants on youth movement shnat programs, 56 on AUJS Aviv and 67 on Israel By Choice will be starting their programs in the coming week.  353 people heading to Israel this year on long term Israel programs in 2014, supported by grants and scholarships from the Masa program. A record number of 21-30 year olds are participating in a wide range of programs, including study abroad, career internships and special interest programs.

 

Posted in Affiliate News, Aussies in Israel, Israel Programs, News, Uncategorized, ZFA News | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off
By gdebinski | Published 14 January 2014

ZFA President, Philip Chester, makes a statement on the death of former Prime Minister of Israel, Ariel

Sharon z”l.

 

The Zionist Federation of Australia mourns the passing of Ariel Sharon one of the last remaining founding fathers of the state of Israel, a man who made a major contribution to the state of Israel as a soldier, politician and Prime Minister.

Born in 1928 the former Prime Minister’s history in Israel began prior to the establishment of the state. Joining the Haganah at the age of 14 his past was intertwined with the founding of Israel’s independence.

Former PM, Ariel Sharon, was an exceptional soldier who dedicated his life to protecting Israel and its citizens. He founded and led the “101″ special commando unit which carried out retaliatory operation against terrorist groups as well as serving as a commander in the 1948 War of Independence and the 1967 Six Day War. During the 1973 Yom Kippur War Sharon led the crossing of the Suez Canal which brought about victory in the war and subsequent peace with Egypt. Continue reading »

Posted in News, Official Statements, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off
By ZFA Webmaster | Published 4 November 2013

Seminar prepares gap year participants for return to Australia

99 youth movement gap year participants meet in Israel for ZFA/AZYC Sikkum Seminar

November 4, 2013

Now in its sixth year, the Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA) and Australasian Zionist Youth Council (AZYC) Seminar brought together 99 gap year participants from the six Australian Zionist youth movements for a closing seminar.

The three day program provides a platform for the participants to review their year in Israel and to discuss their return home, their commitments to their movements and the wider Jewish community.

99 chanichim from Betar, Bnei Akiva, Habonim Dror, Hashomer Ha’tzair, Hineni and Netzer were transported from their programs all over the country to stay at  Moshabe Hasade in the Negev. They have been participating in programs at Kibbutz Lotan, Sde Boker, Be’er Sheva, Kibbutz Givat Oz, Jerusalem, Modi’in, Rishon Letzion and Acco.

Head of Education at the AZYC, Sarah Raymon, said: “This year’s Sikkum Seminar focused comprehensively on life after Shnat. Chanichim were given a chance to explore the future of their Jewish and Zionist expression in the context of their communities back home. After this seminar it is clear to see that the six youth movements have indeed fostered successful and active members of the Australian Jewish community.”

The participants engaged in discussions on a range of topics including the Australian Jewish diaspora community, Zionist expression, Jewish identify in Australia, volunteering and youth taking responsibility.

A highlight of the seminar was a ceremony marking the anniversary of the charge of the Australian Light Horse Brigade in Be’er Sheva in 1917, which was organised by the Be’er Sheva Municipality and the Pratt Foundation at the Park of the Australian Soldier.

Reuben Bolaffi, Head of AZYC, spoke at the ceremony: “By doing our bit to create a better world around us, we strive to do the brave ANZACs proud. Our volunteering efforts in both Australia and Israel aim to benefit both societies individually, as well as together. It is our belief that activism, particularly through informal education, can close social and economic gaps in society, heal intra-societal rifts, and also bring our two distant nations together.”

The participants were joined by Israeli peers to volunteer in local impoverished neighbourhoods, led by “Katef le katef”, which translates to “Shoulder to Shoulder”.

Chantal Borik from Habonim Dror said: “Being in an environment with people whom we started the year and now finishing with them, it is exciting to know we have all developed so much in our year abroad.  I can’t wait to return back to Australia and work with my friends in other movements within the Zionist movement in Australia.”

Reuben Bolaffi, Head of AZYC said: “The closing seminar has been a very important and successful tool in analysing the exciting challenges that the participants will embark upon on their return to Australia. The community can be very proud of the next generation of young leaders that will return to Australia.  These inspiring young leaders are unlike any of their generation and are enthusiastic, passionate and genuinely want to make our community better.”

“The AZYC closing seminar was a wonderful way to put our year into perspective, and whilst the end of Shnat seems daunting right now, it is exciting to know that we are returning to thriving Jewish communities back home. The seminar sparked much thought about our future contributions to the community and about how we, as future leaders of our movements, can work towards common goals despite our differing ideologies”. Said Roni Froumine from Bnei Akiva.

A new tradition was initiated as all of the youth were presented with two small lapel badges of the AZYC and the ZFA, signifying the completion of their year in Israel.

Yigal Sela, ZFA Israel Office Director said: “For the ZFA, the Seminar is a wonderful opportunity for the shnatties to reflect on their year and the impact it had on them personally and will continue to have on their communities on their return. It’s the juncture of a fun-filled, educational year in Israel and a productive, ongoing contribution to the Australian Zionist movement. These energetic young people will lead and shape the community on their return and we commend them for their commitment.”

For more information please contact: Lana Lachyani, Communications and Events Coordinator, Zionist Federation of Australia T: (+613) 9272 5618 E: lana@zfa.com.au W: http://www.zfa.com.au/

Posted in Affiliate News, Aussies in Israel, Israel Programs, News, Uncategorized, ZFA News | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off
By ZFA Webmaster | Published 25 October 2013

Hebrew Conference for Primary School Teachers

Sydney conference will include workshops, keynote speaker and even singing!

October 25, 2013

On October 28, a Hebrew Conference for Primary Teachers from across Australia is taking place at Moriah College’s Hamakom in Sydney.

The schedule will include sessions on integrating drama and IT into the Hebrew classroom and Hebrew and Jewish singing for the classroom. Hebrew language workshops will explore cultures of thinking and effective teaching, differentiation, assessment of key learning areas and grammar.

Debbie Conn, Director of Hebrew at Moriah College said: “I am very excited to have been involved in the inaugural Primary Hebrew Conference. It has been a collaborative process between the Heads of Hebrew at Moriah, Emanuel, Mt Sinai and Masada and we have gained a great deal from meeting and planning regularly over the past few months. I am hoping that this Conference will be the first of many to come and that it will address the needs of our teachers.”

The Zionist Federation of Australia is supporting the conference and was able to secure Dr Dvir Abramovich to deliver the keynote address on “The fundamental importance of Hebrew and Hebrew culture for the Jewish community”. Dr Abramovich, the Israel Kipen Senior Lecturer in Hebrew studies, is Director of the Centre for Jewish History and Culture at The University of Melbourne.

Dr Abramovich said: “Hebrew will always be crucial and central to Jewish education and I am proud to speak at this gathering which reaffirms the importance of Hebrew in our schools. I have no doubt that this ground-breaking initiative will be an incredibly enriching educational experience for all participants and will further empower teachers to instil a love for Hebrew learning in their students and lead to innovative curriculums.”

Teachers are encouraged to bring along samples of successful, exciting Hebrew lessons to discuss during the interactive workshops.

For more information please contact: Lana Lachyani, Communications and Events Coordinator, Zionist Federation of Australia T: (+613) 9272 5618 E: lana@zfa.com.au W: http://www.zfa.com.au/

Posted in Affiliate News, Events, News, Uncategorized, ZFA News | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments Off
By ZFA Webmaster | Published 24 October 2013

National Israeli Culture Competition Winner Announced!

Over 200 entries from across Australia

October 24, 2013

The National Israeli Culture Photography Competition invited participants to submit photos related to Israeli Culture. The popular competition received over 200 entries from across Australia.

The initiative, run by Hagshama Sydney, the young adult department of the Zionist Federation of Australia, inspired young adults from across Australia to examine their own Jewish, Zionist and Australian identities.

“I believe it is our role to provide compelling, attractive events and programs for young people that appeal not only to their social and cultural sensibilities, but also provide a framework for discussing those trends” said Hagshama Director, Dana Amir.

The competition received entries from Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth and its Facebook page went viral. Twenty of the photos were displayed at the 2013 ZFA Plenary Conference and at the Farewell to Ambassador Yuval Rotem in Sydney.

The winner was announced on Thursday, October 24. The lucky winner, Elliot Freeman was awarded an iPad mini for his photograph “Capoeira on Tel Aviv Beach”.

“I am thrilled to have been chosen and I sincerely thank everyone involved.” Said Elliot. “I took this photo during my last week of a six-month stay in Israel on AUJS AVIV after I finished school. I was walking at Tel Aviv beach on a Friday afternoon and encountered this amazing scene. For me, it represents the lively, eclectic character of Israeli life.” He added.

The competition judges were Photographer Nadine Saacks and Renzo B. Larriviere, Head Designer at Nadine Saacks Photography.

Saacks praised the winning photograph: “This image encapsulates the criteria of Jewish Youth and Community. The silhouettes in the background are well defined and you can clearly see each person and what they are doing.”

The judges also awarded an honourable mention to “Cold and desolate lookout at Yad Vashem” by Jason Silverstone.

“This competition has been a stunning success” said ZFA Executive Director Ginette Searle. “Using visual images and online media, it has provided a contemporary platform for people to express their relationships with Israel and share them with others. Dana Amir has captured the spirit of the generation in this project.”

The ten finalists are Danna Fain, Oren Elran, David Sokol, Phoebe Port, Elliot Freeman, Jason Silverstone, Tanya Strusberg, Sue Kupferman and 2 photos by Claudia Shmueli. View the winning photos online.

The project was sponsored By ARZA, Emanuel Synagogue, Habayit Home of Hebrew and Israeli Culture, Hagshama, The Australian Jewish News, Masa, UPJ, ZFA & ZCNSW.

For more information please contact: Lana Lachyani, Communications and Events Coordinator, Zionist Federation of Australia

T: (+613) 9272 5618 E: lana@zfa.com.au W: http://www.zfa.com.au/

Posted in Affiliate News, Aussies in Israel, Hagshama, News, Uncategorized, ZFA News | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments Off
By ZFA Webmaster | Published 17 October 2013

National Israeli Culture Photography Competition FINALISTS!

Why do we love Israel so much? So, the answer to this question is all over Facebook…

National Israeli Culture Photography Competition ended on Monday, 30th September 2013, with over 200 entries… The competition has proved an educational, inspirational and meaningful experience for all those involved.

The competition required participants to email photography to do with Israeli Culture, later posted on Facebook for friends and followers to see and adapt to… The National Israeli Culture Photography Competition received over 200 entries in Australia! Among this community’s many meaningful social and educational roles, giving young adults an opportunity to examine their own Jewish, Zionist and Australian identities remains one of the most important and crucial tasks before this organisation. “I believe it is our role to assist in compelling, attractive events and programs for young professionals that appeal not only to their social and cultural sensibilities, but also provide a framework for discussing those trends” Says Hagshama Director – Dana Amir. Therefore, this new competition both draws in many young adults as well as prove an educational, inspirational and meaningful experience for all those involved. The competition required participants to email photography to do with Israeli Culture, later posted on Facebook for friends and followers to see and adapt to.

The Facebook went viral, and photos were shared for the whole world to view, individuals shared their love to Israel. There were entries from Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth, even a few from the rest of the world, though we had to deny those entries. 20 photos were printed and displayed in the 2013 ZFA plenary, including a slideshow of all entries to all guests. They were also displayed in the Farewell to Ambassador Yuval Rotem in Sydney.

The main Goals:

  • The competition will grant participants an opportunity to relate their own lives and heritage as Australian Jews to the questions of identity, independence, recognition and autonomy for the Jewish/Israeli people.
  • The competition will provide a creative and artistic framework to express these thoughts and conclusions in a way that is not commonly used in more traditional institutions (school, youth movement, adult community activities).
  • The competition will inspire young adults to become involved in the Jewish community by giving them an attractive, worthwhile event/project to spark their interest and in which to invest their time.
  • The competition will culminate in an event that can be attended by participants, their friends and family and the general public and which will include and promote discussions on the topics raised by the competition and works submitted – mainly Israeli Culture.

The prize: an iPad mini.

Our judges: The judges who chose the top 10 finalists are Photographer Nadine Saacks and Head Designer at Nadine Saacks Photography – Renzo B. Larriviere.
Nadine Saacks majored in photography whilst completing her Fine Arts Degree. Now with over 20 years of experience in professional wedding & portrait photography.

Entries closed on the 30th September 2013, and on the 7th October 10 finalists were announced. The winner to be announced on Thursday, 24th October.

The finalists are: Danna Fain, Oren Elran, David Sokol, Phoebe Port, Elliot Freedman, Jason Silverstone, Tanya Strusberg, Sue Kupferman and 2 photos by Claudia Shmueli

View the 10 finalists!! Look out for this week’s Jewish News to see all 10 finalist photos.

Posted in Affiliate News, Events, Hagshama, News, Newsletters, Uncategorized, ZFA News | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off
By ZFA Webmaster | Published 17 October 2013

Sense of Place

Hagshama Sydney invites you to Art2Muse Gallery in Double Bay who is holding an art exhibition for the acclaimed artist Dana Dion at their gallery in Double Bay, Sydney. The exhibition runs 22 October – 4 November  2013 with an exciting and fun launch on 6pm – 8pm.

Thursday 24 October 2013
Dana’s exhibition is paintings of landscapes inspired by Israel and Australia. Dana’s paintings reflect and direct thoughts about Israel while also connecting the same to Australia. Dana Dion’s paintings consist of landscapes examining different places. The landscapes aim to define or locate a place where she belongs. “I chase the feelings of belonging and look for a reaction to the feeling. The landscapes do not depict a specific place, but rather a memory or recording of the many places I have lived in:  No borders, boundaries or identified area. As an outgoing person, I like my art to be outgoing, to elicit a response and deny the ordinary. Each painting is my way of creating the place I belong and opens a window for interaction and communication.”

Dana Dion was born in Israel, lived in Israel, Kenya, Tanzania, Vancouver Canada, Los Angeles and Atlanta USA, Oxford and London UK and Sydney Australia. After owning and operating three successful fitness businesses in Vancouver, Canada (1980 – 1992), initiating managing and designing the 1st Canadian Ironman Triathlon (1983) and raising three children, Dion settled in Sydney Australia in 2000. She emerged from behind the canvas in 2005, to display her artistic feel and ability for painting and drawing. “I approach my work spontaneously and energetically. It is always a new adventure in form, colour, line, ranging from abstract to figurative. I never know in advance the end result. In a way, I feel like a dancer improvising. I enjoy being on the edge, between being lost and having control of my work. This is the place where I feel grounded and sense of belonging.” She has since exhibited widely around Australia, and been awarded numerous prizes and awards. Hagshama looks forward to seeing you Thursday evening, 24th October 2013, at the launch.

Posted in Affiliate News, Events, Hagshama, News, Uncategorized, Upcoming Events, ZFA News | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off
By ZFA Webmaster | Published 7 October 2013

ZFA Israel Programs Hosts Sukkah Sounds Party

Young adults and Israel Programs alumni celebrated together

October 7, 2013

Wine, cheese and good sukkah vibes were abundant at the 2013 Sukkot Sounds Party. The festive function on September 24 welcomed Israel Programs alumni and young adults.

ZFA Israel Programs, in collaboration with “Habayit” Home of Hebrew and Israeli Culture, organised the event, held at St Kilda Hebrew Congregation Sukkah.

The function provided a platform for many unaffiliated young adults to meet and connect in a meaningful way.

Guest Arik Pinhasov said: “It was an amazing opportunity to meet new people, enjoy great food and dance to great live music. I am just waiting for the next event!”

The sukkah was decorated with mosaic candles and exotic cushions to create a warm, Israeli atmosphere. A highlight of the evening was a live performance by The Yuval Ashkar Duo, who serenaded the crowd with oud and darbuka music.

This was the first ever Sukkot celebration for recent Kangarusski Birthright participant Jemima Meltser, “It was a beautiful evening spent in a wonderfully decorated sukkah, sharing stories, tasting delicious treats and of course listening to the sounds of Israeli music.”

“Thank you to the wonderful people who created this fantastic event and I hope that it grows even bigger next year!” added Meltser.

Rebecca Davis, ZFA Israel Programs Follow-Up Coordinator said: “The event was intimate and very successful. People arrived in groups of twos and threes but by the end of the night everyone danced, laughed and shared stories with new friends… We are very excited for our Chanukah party”.

For more information about ZFA Israel Programs, including upcoming events and programs, visit the Facebook page or contact Rebecca Davis rdavis@zfa.com.au

For more information please contact: Lana Lachyani, Communications and Events Coordinator, Zionist Federation of Australia T: (+613) 9272 5618 E: lana@zfa.com.au W: http://www.zfa.com.au/

Posted in Affiliate News, Aussies in Israel, Events, Israel Programs, News, Past Events, Uncategorized, ZFA News | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off
By ZFA Webmaster | Published 4 October 2013

ZFA Israel Programs runs Mind, Body, and Soul Series

An alternative form of reflection during the High Holy Days

October 3, 2013

Over the first three Tuesdays of September, young Jewish adults and Israel Programs alumni attended the exciting inaugural Mind, Body, Soul series.

Presented by ZFA Israel Programs as an alternative form of reflection during the high holy days, the series presented three different events for young adults.

The first session, ‘Mind’ presented a thought-provoking panel discussion on ‘Who is the Jew in You?’ The panel featured Gary Samowitz (CEO of Jewish Aid Australia), Bram Presser (Yidcore’s ex-Punk rocker), Manny Waks (CEO of Tzeddek) and Sasha Klyachkina (ZFA Shlicha for the Russian Speaking Community).

Each panellist shared their own personal Jewish journey and ever-evolving understanding of their Jewish identity. The sentiments were followed by an intimate conversation as audience members shared their own stories and unique backgrounds.

AUJS Birthright alumna Gabriella Oberman said: “The event was great because it presented mixed Jewish voices which appealed to a non-traditional and non-conservative crowd. It was good to have something beyond the mainstream.”

The second session ‘Body” was hugely popular with Avi Yemeni and his team at IDF Training Krav Maga teaching the basics of Krav Maga. The participants were also treated to a real-life experience with laser lights.

Rebecca Davis, Israel Programs Follow-Up Coordinator said: “It was great to see the same people who were so deeply pondering all aspects of the Jewishness in the last session, let loose and release some of their frustrations on the punching bag!”

The final component of the series, ‘Soul’ was a discussion about Kabbalah and Meditation, hosted by Rabbi Daniel Rabin. Held at the Lamm Jewish Library of Australia, young adults lounged on beanbags and enjoyed chocolates as they reflected upon the spiritual side of their Jewish identity.

AUJS Achshav alumna Louise Goldwater said, “It made me think about the different aspects of Judaism and realise that you can’t just be satisfied with the status quo, you should always be searching for something more.”

The series attracted over 60 attendees, and was followed by a very successful Sukkot Party on Tuesday 24 September.

Posted in Aussies in Israel, Events, Israel Programs, News, Uncategorized, ZFA News | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off