Jane Rapke to Leave Zionism Victoria
After five and a half years in the role, Jane Rapke has decided to step down as Executive Director for Zionism Victoria at the end of this year.
Jane Rapke
During Jane’s time at Zionism Victoria she has played a significant role in ensuring that the organisation stays current and relevant for the community and embraces change to deliver on its important community responsibility. This is demonstrated through the implementation of a range of new and exciting initiatives in the areas of youth engagement, community events and affiliate consultation and involvement. In line with the organisation’s mission, Jane has worked tirelessly to connect the local Jewish and general community with Israel in both the political and social arenas.
As the owner of the Beth Weizmann Community Centre and Lamm Jewish Library of Australia (LJLA), the most visible change at Zionism Victoria over the last 5 years has been the development of the Beth Weizmann precinct into the thriving community hub that stands today. Jane commenced her role on the day of the first refurbishment meeting for the LJLA. Since then, she has carefully guided the revamp, relocation and redevelopment of the building into the now flourishing centre which houses the Library, Kook Community Kitchen, Do Good Labs Co-Working Space as well as other community organisations.
Sharene Hambur, President of Zionism Victoria said: “We will be sorry to see Jane leave the organisation. She has brought to this important community role a unique skill set together with incredible passion and energy for our community and Israel. Jane’s contribution to both Zionism Victoria, Beth Weizmann and to our community over a number of years cannot be underestimated. My Executive Committee and I are enormously grateful for her unwavering commitment, positivity and drive, and the way in which she leads the professional team. I thank her on behalf of the whole community”.
In looking back, Jane comments that being Executive Director of a community roof body has been an amazing journey, “I probably have the best job in the Jewish community and I can recommend it to anyone seeking a fulfilling and challenging next step in their career”.
Jane leaves Zionism Victoria in a strong position, ready for new leadership and poised to move into the future. Her departure is a true loss to the organisation which has flourished under her leadership however Jane’s work over the last five and a half years leaves Zionism Victoria and Beth Weizmann with a terrific foundation for an incoming Executive Director to build on and bring new ideas to the role.
Jane will remain with Zionism Victoria until the end of the year to ensure a seamless transition to the new Executive Director and support the professional staff as they commence the planning for 2017.
