Ambassador turns down top offer
June 30, 2009 by J-Wire
Australia will remain home for Israel’s ambassador Yuval Rotem who is reported to have declined an opportunity to become Benjamin Netanyahu’s Chief of Staff. Read more
Holocaust property to aid survivors
June 30, 2009 by J-Wire
Australia will sign a declaration today returning property confiscated during the Holocaust to its rightful owners or their heirs. Read more
800 commemorate the 15th yahrzeit for the Lubavitcher Rebbe
June 28, 2009 by J-Wire Staff
More than 800 members of the Orthodox Community commemorated the 15th anniversary of the passing of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. Read more
Maccabi NSW news – The countdown begins
June 28, 2009 by Odile Faludi - Maccabi NSW
Announcing NSW Maccabiah Team 2009 Read more
Images from Gillard’s Israel visit
June 27, 2009 by J-Wire Staff
Featuring images from Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s visit to Israel…. Read more
Aussie doctor president-elect of the British Medical Association
June 27, 2009 by Henry Benjamin
Sir Michael Marmot has been declared President-Elect of the prestigious British Medical Association. Read more
Photographer barred from Jewish sites
June 27, 2009 by Henry Benjamin
A photographer chronicling synagogues and Jewish cemeteries throughout the world has been barred from including Australia in his project. Read more
Mumbai Shabbat for Michael Danby
June 26, 2009 by Henry Benjamin
Michael Danby will attend a Shabbat service in Mumbai, India this evening…at the newly rebuilt Chabad Synagogue. Read more
Michael Misrachi at ROI in Israel
June 26, 2009 by Henry Benjamin
600 applicants from 29 countries sought one of the coveted 120 places at the ROI Young Innovators Conference in Israel. Michael Misrachi from Sydney was a successful applicant. Read more
Maccabi hero faces fight for life
June 25, 2009 by Odile Faludi - Maccabi NSW
THE man who turned the Sydney Kings into an Australian sporting icon during the 1990s and a much loved Maccabi personality is now hoping to provide more inspiration as he endures the fight of his life. Michael Wrublewski OAM has recently been diagnosed with pancreatic and liver cancer. Read more
International Yiddish Theatre Festival in Canada
June 25, 2009 by Henry Benjamin
Yiddish theatres from around the globe have held an international festival in Canada…Australia was represented by Melbourne’s Alex Dafner.
Aussie film launches San Francisco Jewish Film Festival
June 24, 2009 by J-Wire
Hey Hey It’s Esther Blueburger,” a “wacky/serious coming of age comedy” directed by Australia’s Cathy Randall, opens the 29th San Francisco Jewish Film Festival on July 23.
Nice to meet you!
June 24, 2009 by J-Wire Staff
Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard meets Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Read more
ABC says sorry
June 24, 2009 by Henry Benjamin
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation has apologised for misreporting in April that Israel’s Supreme Court had ruled that the West Bank wall is illegal and should be pulled down. Read more
Deputy PM visits Yad Vashem
June 23, 2009 by J-Wire
Julia Gillard, Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister, visited Yad Vashem in Jerusalem earlier today [Tue]. Read more
Premier farewells NSW team
June 23, 2009 by Odile Faludi - Maccabi NSW
With the Opening Ceremony of the 18th Maccabiah Games just around the corner things are certainly hotting up.
Julia Gillard’s Jerusalem address
June 23, 2009 by J-Wire
Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard has addressed the inaugural Australia Israel Leadership Forum…J-Wire publishes the full text of her speech…. Read more
Life in prison not easy for Jewish inmates
June 22, 2009 by Community Editor
Sydney’s JewishCare presents a play and discussion highlighting the conditions facing prisoners. Read more
Memorial service for Richard Pratt
June 22, 2009 by Henry Benjamin
The life of the late cardboard king Richard Pratt was highlighted at his Victorian State Memorial Service held at the Victorian Arts Centre yesterday. Read more
Kathy Schweitzer – do they know who murdered her?
June 21, 2009 by Henry Benjamin
NSW detectives will shortly name a person “of interest” in their bid to solve the murder of Kathy Schweitzer. Read more
Award Night
June 21, 2009 by J-Wire
Maccabi Victoria Celebrates Annual Awards Evening Read more
NSW Maccabi News June 20
June 20, 2009 by Odile Faludi
BEHIND EVERY GREAT MACCABI VOLUNTEER THERE IS A GREAT PARTNER
Picture L-R Craig, baby Ashley, Emma, baby Chloe, Sandra, Darren, Zoe, Elliot, Lauren and Barry
Picture by Nadine Saacks
BARRY SMORGON, CHAIRMAN, MACCABI AUSTRALIA
Barry Smorgon participated in his first Senior Carnival in Athletics as a 14 year old. He competed for Maccabi Athletics from 1962 till 1970, winning many awards as Jewish Champion, and went on to the Maccabiah Games in Israel in 1969 as a member of the Athletics Team. Barry also played Australian Rules Football for AJAX Football Club from 1970 to 1978, playing 100 games. He served on the Committee of both clubs as Vice President, as well as on the Maccabi Victoria Executive. Barry was Patron of MAIG’s in Sydney 2006 and will again be Patron in 2010. He joined the Executive of Maccabi Australia in 2006, and created the Board of Governors in 2007, serving as Founding Chairman, as well as chairman of MAI. He is a member of the Justification Committee for the Maccabiah Games 2009. Barry’s voluntary work does not stop there. Barry was Campaign Chairman for the JCA Appeal for over 10 years in Sydney. Barry’s wife, Sandra also shares Barry’s beliefs about Community and the essential need to “give back”. Barry continues to be heavily involved with JCA & AIJAC.
In business, Barry serves as Executive Chairman of the Jalco Group, employing over 600 people, and Sandbar Investments, a private investment company. He is a Director of DBR Corporation as well as several other private companies.
Odile Faludi candidly speaks to Sandra Smorgon and it was no surprise to find out the following:
Sandra is a woman in love. She respects not only Barry but respects the organisation he works so hard for being Maccabi. For Sandra, Maccabi has always been part of their life as long as she can remember. This week they celebrate 37 years as husband and wife. Sandra has many fond memories of watching Barry play football for AJAX in the freezing cold in Melbourne as a love struck girlfriend. She always knew Maccabi would be part of their life together and says openly, “I am incredibly proud of Barry and respectful of his voluntary work and accomplishments”.
Sandra believes in the philosophy of Maccabi and agrees that there is no better way to bring a community together but through the common love of sport. Barry’s sense of community has always attracted Sandra to him and she believes makes him an even greater role model to their children and now grandchildren.
Barry’s love of Maccabi is a commitment and does take a lot of his time but Sandra is convinced it is time well spent. Their three children, Darren, Emma and Lauren have always thought their Dad’s involvement was important and deserved their respect and admiration as well. Darren played Football for many years for Maccabi and Emma did Athletics as well as Netball together with Lauren. All three children attended Junior Carnivals and Maccabi was very much part of their childhood and throughout their teens. The Smorgons are very proud to admit that all three children have a very strong sense of community and this was definitely instilled by their wonderful upbringing.
We can only conclude that behind every Great Maccabi Volunteer there is a Great Partner. There’s no doubt about it … the community is very lucky to have Barry but Barry is very lucky to have Sandra!
ORDINARY PEOPLE WHO RISE ABOVE A TRAGEDY
As we all know the Maccabiah Bridge Collapse was the catastrophic failure of a pedestrian bridge over the Yarkon River in Tel Aviv, Israel on July 14, 1997. This resulted in the loss of Yetty Bennett, Warren Zines, Elizabeth Sawicki and Greg Small.
Suzanne and Rebecca Small share some intimate moments with Odile Faludi. With only weeks to Maccabiah World Games 2009 you can imagine their minds and hearts are spinning.
Picture L-R Rebecca, Suzanne & Josh Small
Suzanne’s thoughts in her words …
The year 2009 is a year of moving forward for the Small Family. In 1997, my husband, Greg and I went to participate in the Maccabiah Games, there was a tragic bridge collapse in which my husband died.
I survived, but now in 2009, 12 years later the Small Family is travelling back to the Maccabiah Games and it holds new highs for our family.
My son Joshua was 7 and my daughter, Rebecca, was only 5 in 1997. At these Games myself and Rebecca will be standing proudly at the Opening Ceremony, up in the stands watching my son, Joshua, now 19 marching in with the Aussie team, he made it after much training and hard work.
I am thrilled for my son and very proud of him. Josh is a Champ in his own right and trained long and hard to get selected for the team. As he wears the Aussie colours of Maccabi in Israel, he will wear them in honour of his Dad. Josh has a dream, maybe from a different angle and a different age, but the dream is the same as his Dad’s was. It is now my son’s time to shine. You try bowling 15 games straight with a 7 kilo ball, bowl after bowl.
Our family will catch up with many Maccabi members from all over the world, the experience will be amazing. I have not been able to do sport since 1997 due to injuries, but we are still very involved with Maccabi, we have Maccabi friends, who have become Maccabi family. The tradition follows on … what an incredible year Josh at Maccabiah, the start of a dream and Rebecca completing High School the end of a chapter.
By Rebecca Small written in 2004 aged 12
Simply My Dad
I loved the way you held my hand, when I was afraid or scared.
I loved the way we played with sand, it showed how much you cared.
I loved it when you tucked me in at night, you always said “I love you”, you took your time to make it right, sweet dreams they’re always about you.
I love the fact that when we’re apart it feels like we’re together.
I love the way you’re in my heart, always and forever.
I hate the fact we’re always apart, but know you’re always in my heart.
RUNNING YOUR CLUB … IT’S YOUR BUSINESS!
Is your Club finding it hard to find a pulse? … over the coming months Maccabi News is going to give you useful ideas on how to kickstart your Club and reminders that like any business you need to give it the occasional health check! Considering we are suffering a Global Financial Crisis it may be a good time to discuss tips on obtaining Sponsorships for your Club:
Your important checklist is:
- Offer a win/win proposal NOT a problem;
- Target companies with the “right fit”;
- Offer rights that the company can exploit;
- Stand out from the clutter – make sure your proposal is addressed and delivered to the person who has the power to say “yes”;
- Be professional – always present your proposal in a professional manner and understand what is required of a commercial relationship;
- Be persistent, not a pest – following up a sponsorship request is necessary, but don’t become a pest! It takes time for the potential sponsor to come to grips with what you are offering and for a relationship to grow and develop. Open transparent communication is important at all times.
We hope these tips are helpful and if you would like to have further discussion about sponsorships always feel free to contact the editor Odile at [email protected] for further assistance.
MISSED OUT ON MACCABIAH FEELING BLUE?
MAIGS has got you covered!
With only weeks away till Maccabiah 2009 commencing in Israel you may be feeling depressed that you have missed out in competing in your favourite sport. Not to worry as MAIGS, Maccabi Australia International Games is around the corner and it’s in Sydney. Dates are December 26, 2010 to January 2, 2011. Countries who have registered their interest to date are: Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Columbia, England, Europe, Israel, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Scotland, South Africa, USA and Venezuela.
MAIGS 2006 Opening Ceremony
L-R Elan Miller, Mike Galgut, Rozanne Green, Alex Berkowicz Back Row centre Gil Sher
Whatever your favourite sport is we have it covered. There are over 20 sports on offer.
This event is open to males and females in three categories: Youth born 1992/1993, Open and Masters.
Keep Saturday evening February 13th 2010 free for the Official launch of MAIGS. Heads of Delegations from some of the participating Countries will be here in Sydney and it should be a very interesting evening.
For all details contact Jeff Houseman on 0438-692-810 or register your interest at[email protected] or if you want to contact Jeff directly at [email protected]
Stay tuned NSW Maccabiah Team 2009 to be announced next week in a very special edition of Maccabi News – we are so proud of all participants! All participants have been invited to a formal farewell Reception being hosted by The Honourable Nathan Rees, MP on Monday 22nd June. Full report to follow next week.The 18th Maccabiah World Games will take place in Israel between July 13-23, 2009. Maccabi News will keep you up-to-date on all the highlights.
MACCABI JUNIOR SOCCER PROVIDES NEW INITIATIVE
Picture by Alan Charack
Alan Charack reports …
This year Maccabi Junior Soccer Club has launched its own Football Academy, for boys and girls looking to develop their skills that one step further. The Academy is the brain child of Club President Danny Hochberg and is headed up by Coaching Director Andy Prentice who also coaches the men’s first grade.
Every Monday approximately 40 boys aged from 9 to 12 years and every Wednesday approximately 40 girls aged from 11 to 16 years assemble at Barracluff Park in Bondi for specialised sessions with professional coaches in addition to their regular team training session. The focus is on developing the whole range of skills, from passing and dribbling to advanced ball control. The Academy operates under lights and has continued to run over recent weeks through rain and shine!
One of the aims of the Academy is to bring kids up to a standard where they can compete at an elite level. In particular many of the boys are looking to participate in the Maccabi-Hakoah Youth Development League teams which go from U13 to U18. The girls also have occasions to participate at an elite level at tournaments organised by Football NSW and others, such as Champion of Champions, North Harbour, State Cup and Kanga Cup.
Whilst this is the first year that the Academy has been offered it is hoped that the Academy will grow and develop over coming years attracting the most committed and talented kids, developing their skills, providing enjoyment and fanning their passion for the game.
A PASSIONATE DAD
Picture by Norman Orly
Harry Rosen Maccabi Under 14A’s
Norman Orly is a Maccabi parent who just loves to watch his son, Josh play in the Under 14A’s so he can just snap away these amazing action shots!
Maccabi Soccer has unleashed the photographer within him! It has become his “passion”.
HERE COMES THE GIRLS …
Courtesy of Henry Benjamin Maccabiah Media
The Women’s Football team spent a weekend together in Melbourne … their third training retreat to prepare for the 18th Maccabiah World Games.
They travelled from Sydney and Perth to join their team-mates in Melbourne under the tutelage of coaches Martin Cohen and Robi Roth.
The highlight of the retreat was a friendly game against local side Cairnlea who hold top spot in Victoria’s Northern Region State League.
It was a wonderful confidence boosting finish with 5-0 triumph for the Maccabiah Team.
POWERGOLF QUEENSLAND CLASSIC – COOLUM AUGUST 19-23
We need to confirm rooms with the Hyatt Regency Coolum at the end of this week and also relinquish air tickets. If you are still thinking of coming please contact Barry Zinn ASAP at [email protected]
GAMES TO WATCH THIS WEEKEND
Sunday 21 June Reserve grade Maccabi Hakoah vs Roosters FC at ES Marks Field at 1.00pm
Sunday 21 June First grade Maccabi Hakoah vs Roosters FC at ES Marks Field at 3.00pm
ES Marks Field – Cnr Alison & Anzac Parade, Kensington enter through Boronia Street Gates.
SAVE THIS DATE – Saturday 27th June
The Rugby Club is putting on a “Ladies Day” promotion at it’s next home fixture, being Saturday, 27 June, 2009. The event starts from 1.30pm and is being held at the home ground, “Fortress Lyne Park”, New South Head Road, Rose Bay. The event co-incides with the match against arch-rivals, Dee Why, who beat us in the Grand Final last year. Kick-off is at 3.15pm. Our 2nd XV also has a game scheduled, with kick-off at 2pm.
HAKOAH THIS WEEK
Friday 19th June
11:55pm LIVE: UEFA U21: Sweden V Italy
Saturday 20th June
5:30pm LIVE: Union: New Zealand V France
7:30pm LIVE: Union: Australia V Italy
Sunday 21st June
2:00pm LIVE: AFL: Sydney V Collingwood
Monday 22nd June
6:45pm LIVE: Monday Night Football
9:00pm LIVE: WIMBLEDON – Day 1
Wednesday 24 June
8:00PM LIVE: NSW Origin v QLD Origin
TWO GREAT SHOWS
Y-Love
Black Hasidic rapper Y-Love will be performing at Hakoah along with amazing Jewish support artists to promote love, unity and the ultimate in Peace! This is the only night you will be able to connect to this amazing artist in an uplifting and “off the hook” atmosphere.
Saturday 20th June at 9.00pm. Tickets at the door $20.00
“KUGEL!”
If you enjoy larger-than-life characters like Shirley Valentine, Effie from “Acropolis Now” and Fran “The Nanny” Drescher, then this unique production of “KUGEL by South African satirist Illana Klevensky will make you screech with laughter!
2 Shows – Saturday 29th August 2009 at 8.00pm – Sunday 30th August 2009 at 3.00pm
Tickets now on sale $35.00 at Hakoah Club – Ph:91303344
Hope you all enjoyed this week’s Newsletter!
Maccabi Greetings,
Mick Vasin, CEO, Maccabi NSW
Check out our website www.maccabi.com.au
Rabbinical Top Ten!
June 19, 2009 by Henry Benjamin
Believe it or not, there is a web site featuring the world’s top ten rabbis… Sydney Rabbi Levi Wolff and Melbourne’s Rabbi Mordechai Gutnick have made the list…. Read more
Mendel experiences sleeping like the homeless
June 19, 2009 by Henry Benjamin
The St Vincent de Paul Society organised a sleep-out for 250 CEOs last night to show how the homeless fare on a winter’s night. The CEO of The Jewish House, Rabbi Mendel Kastel was one of them. Read more
Prestigious award for Sydney Aged Care Home
June 19, 2009 by Henry Benjamin
The Sir Moses Montefiore Home in Randwick has won the property industry award for the best development project resulting in better communities…taken out last year by Sydney Airport’s Terminal 2. Read more
Petition delivered to Julia Gillard
June 18, 2009 by Henry Benjamin
A petition protesting her visit to Israel was delivered by email yesterday to Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard shortly before her departure. Read more
Adelaide Rabbi facing serious fraud charges
June 17, 2009 by J-Wire
An orthodox Rabbi is facing fraud charges alleging he and his wife received funds for a Jewish school which did not exist. Read more
Memories of home
June 17, 2009 by J-Wire
Russian academic Vladamir Kabo has died in Canberra. Read more
Smith praises Netanyahu’s speech and calls for peace talks
June 15, 2009 by Henry Benjamin
Foreign Minister Stephen Smith has issued a new call for paece talks in the Middle East. Read more
Marcia re-appointed to the Victorian Multicultural Commission
June 14, 2009 by Henry Benjamin
Marcia Pinskier has been named by Victorian Premier John Brumby as a Commissioner to the Victorian Multicultural Commission…for the second time. Read more
