Photo competition
The National Israeli Culture Photography Competition covering subjects relating to Israeli Culture attracted over 200 entries from across Australia.
Ginette Searle and Elliot Freeman
Elliot’s winning photo Capoeira Tel AViv
The initiative, run by Hagshama Sydney, the young adult department of the Zionist Federation of Australia, inspired young adults from across Australia to examine their own Jewish, Zionist and Australian identities.
“I believe it is our role to provide compelling, attractive events and programs for young people that appeal not only to their social and cultural sensibilities, but also provide a framework for discussing those trends” said Hagshama Director, Dana Amir.
The competition received entries from Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth and its Facebook page went viral. Twenty of the photos were displayed at the 2013 ZFA Plenary Conference and at the Farewell to Ambassador Yuval Rotem in Sydney.
The winner Elliot Freeman was awarded an iPad mini for his photograph “Capoeira on Tel Aviv Beach”.
“I am thrilled to have been chosen and I sincerely thank everyone involved.” Said Elliot. “I took this photo during my last week of a six-month stay in Israel on AUJS AVIV after I finished school. I was walking at Tel Aviv beach on a Friday afternoon and encountered this amazing scene. For me, it represents the lively, eclectic character of Israeli life.” He added.
The competition judges were Photographer Nadine Saacks and Renzo B. Larriviere, Head Designer at Nadine Saacks Photography.
Saacks praised the winning photograph: “This image encapsulates the criteria of Jewish Youth and Community. The silhouettes in the background are well defined and you can clearly see each person and what they are doing.”
Jason Silverstone’s work
The judges also awarded an honourable mention to “Cold and desolate lookout at Yad Vashem” by Jason Silverstone.
“This competition has been a stunning success” said ZFA Executive Director Ginette Searle. “Using visual images and online media, it has provided a contemporary platform for people to express their relationships with Israel and share them with others. Dana Amir has captured the spirit of the generation in this project.
The ten finalists are Danna Fain, Oren Elran, David Sokol, Phoebe Port, Elliot Freeman, Jason Silverstone, Tanya Strusberg, Sue Kupferman and 2 photos by Claudia Shmueli. View the winning photos online.
The project was sponsored By ARZA, Emanuel Synagogue, Habayit Home of Hebrew and Israeli Culture, Hagshama, The Australian Jewish News, Masa, UPJ, ZFA & ZCNSW.
