Over 2,600 attend Moriah College’s Rise Up Appeal to rebuild high school
In a remarkable display of unity and pride, more than 2,600 members of the Moriah College community gathered for the Rise Up Capital Appeal, a landmark event aimed at raising funds to rebuild the College’s ageing High School.
\
The evening was a celebration of Moriah’s legacy and future, filled with emotional performances and a shared vision for educational excellence.
The event marked a pivotal moment in the school’s 81-year history, as leaders spoke passionately about the importance of the capital campaign. Moriah College President Robbie Blau described it as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to invest in future generations and ensure that the school remains a stronghold for Jewish education. His message was echoed by College Principal Mira Hasofer, who highlighted the need for a cutting-edge learning environment to meet the demands of a changing world.
The evening featured a powerful mix of student performances, stirring videos, and historical reflections. Attendees were taken on a journey through the College’s founding in 1943 during the Holocaust to its present-day role as a leading institution of Jewish education. Special appearances from descendants of the school’s founders underscored Moriah’s enduring legacy of resilience and determination.
One of the standout moments of the evening was a video message from Israel’s President Isaac Herzog, who praised Moriah’s commitment to nurturing future Jewish leaders. Herzog emphasized the critical importance of Jewish education in the diaspora, urging the community to continue investing in this vital cause.
The emotional high point came during a moving performance of the Birkat Kohanim (Priestly Blessing) by an orchestra of more than 100 alumni and a choir of 120 primary school students. The performance, conducted by Russell Hammond and led by Roberta Goot, symbolized the deep generational ties within the Moriah community.
Attendees were also treated to a stunning student showcase, featuring performances by the Senior Jazz Band and exhibitions from the school’s Visual Arts and Design and Technology students.
The evening’s symbolic centrepiece was a two-ton stone from Jerusalem’s Mount Moriah, presented by the State of Israel. This historic artifact, uncovered near the Kotel, will become a central feature of the new High School, linking the College to its Jewish roots.
Judy Lowy Moriah Foundation President and Capital Appeal Co-Chair said, “What we do here tonight is bigger than any one of us. Giving is both a privilege and a responsibility. When we give, we send a powerful message to our families about what is important to us. Each of us has a different capacity to give – both of time and money – and every contribution, no matter the size, really is vital.
She quoted her father-in-law Sir Frank Lowy who was in the audience, visiting from Israel. “He often says: “If you have a little give a little. If you have a lot, please give a lot.”
With over $55 million raised so far, the campaign continues to garner support. The College is calling on the community to contribute further, ensuring that the new High School becomes a reality and cements Moriah’s future as a beacon of Jewish education.
To donate to Rise Up visit www.riseupmoriah.org.au
