Dr Joachim Schneeweiss AM: 1927-2017
Australian Jewry has lost one of its stalwart members of its community with the passing of Dr Joachim Schneeweiss in Sydney on Monday.
ECAJ presidents past and present, Dr Joachim Schneeweiss,Dianne Shteinman, Anton Block, Jeremy Jones, Robert Goot and Dr Danny Lamm Photographed 2016.
Joachim Schneeweiss served the communities in many capacities including the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies and The Executive Council of Australian Jewry, which he served as President for two terms from 1976 to 1978 and from 1980 to 1982, and of which he was a Life Member.
Dr Joachim Schneeweiss Photo: Henry Benjamin
Current president Anton Block, immediate past president Robert Goot and executive director Peter Wertheim have written to the family saying: “He managed to combine a resolute determination to protect and advance the interests of the Jewish community with great sophistication, a gentlemanly manner and a wonderful sense of humour.
His knowledge of Jewish history and tradition was outstanding, and his many public addresses to the Jewish and wider communities were marked by erudition, eloquence and wit.
Joachim Schneeweiss was a man of great depth of character and immense charm. He was devoted to his family, community and people, a true mensch, and a role model for future Jewish community leaders. He will be sadly missed by all of us at the ECAJ and his many other friends.”
NSW Jewish Board of Deputies chief executive Vic Alhadeff added: “Dr Schneeweiss was unquestionably one of the giants of our community, serving as Board of Deputies vice-president among his plethora of leadership roles. He will be remembered as much for his urbane manner and warm sense of humour as for his tireless championing of Jewish causes. We extend our condolences to his family.”
Dr Joachim Schneeweiss was born in Hannover, Germany in 1927 moving with his family to Australia in 1939. He was honoured by Australia by being awarded the AM.
He is survived by his wife Sybil and his sons Geejay, David and Daniel.
A wonderful man.
He will be missed.