Kangarusski leadership conference
Kangarusski has held its inaugural Australian leadership convention for the Russian Speaking Jewish Community.
Kangarusski is the Russian Speaking Jewish Community (RSJC) department of the Zionist Federation of Australia (ZFA) which works to engage the Russian-speaking members with both Jewish and Israel content. It has been further developed by a dedicated volunteer base with the desire to celebrate their Jewish heritage and revive their Australian Jewish social epicentre.
Sarah Bendetsky, founder of the Russian speaking Jewish group Subbotnik: – “We loved being a part of the inaugural Russian-Speaking Leadership Convention, which gave an opportunity to gather with like-minded, passionate individuals in our community. We brainstormed ideas for future projects, learnt from each other and celebrated our big and small victories that we were able to achieve together over the past few years. We can’t wait to bring our shared goals to reality, so stay tuned for new, exciting initiatives in the near future!”
The focus of the seminar held in Canberra was to identify the needs of the RSJC community and explore ways in which to develop a strong united community with deep Jewish identity. During the 3 days, leaders focused on planning major events for the Russian speaking community in the different states, building a fundraising program and discussed key issues and challenges. It was also an opportunity for the participants to take part in a Shabbat programme, socialise and visit Australia’s capital.
Anna Maylis, Kangarusski Coordinator in Sydney: – “The ideas for future events and suggestions of how to enrich our community and bring more people together never stopped flowing. The discussion around the table between Melbourne, Sydney and Young adults committees was highly productive and resulted in the long list of practical steps towards the future growth of the Russian speaking Jewish community in Australia. This was the first time the three committees were brought together to identify commons issues and needs. I strongly believe that this is a great step towards uniting Russian speaking Jews from all over Australia and making them active and proud members of the Australian Jewish community.”
The programme was not limited to personal development and leadership skills, real outcomes were resolved and a plan of action put into place. Some of the goals included establishing the leadership as a not for profit body under the name RJCA, which will act as an umbrella organisation for all Russian Jewish organisations in NSW and VIC. Each state will have its own branch and its own leadership. To run a national fundraising campaign for Limmud FSU in Sydney and Melbourne, to select an Honourable chair and establish an Advisory Board of influential people in the Russian and the wider Jewish community of Australia. The organisation will develop a greater social media presence for the younger demographic and to be a united group that can action change and continue to make a positive impact in the community.
Rami Teplitskiy, the Shaliach of Kangarusski – Russian Speaking Jewish Community in Australia: – “When we, the Jewish people, discuss our future we always think of what we can preserve or what can we do to maintain our heritage. We rarely think of what was taken from us and how we can undo the damage. The Russian Speaking Jewry is such an example. A community that had so much taken away by the Soviet Union. So we gathered to create the ‘un-doing.’ We gathered to establish an understanding our heritage. For the first time volunteers met to say: ‘And now what?’ I am happy to announce that in this conference the blue print of our future community was drawn.”
A spokesperson said: “The ZFA and Kangarusski together with the RSJC community would like to thank and farewell Rami after his successful shlichut in Australia and we wish him all the very best for his future studies. In his words we say: – ‘Spasibo, Toda, Thank you!’”
More information contact: Anna Maylis, Kangarusski coordinator 0410 558 624.
