The Changemakers

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The stories of 48 nominees have been told at the third annual Jewish Changemakers Awards in Sydney.

The nominations were judged by a panel comprised of Peter Wertheim, Ilona Lee, Camille Fox, David Knoll  & Kirsten Shteinman.

Individuals were nominated under six categories – youth contributions to Jewish Community and Australian Society; young adult contributions to Jewish Community and Australian Society; as well young adult awards recognising a Jewish Communal Professional and the Hillel Ezekiel Award for exemplary leadership.

The Winners were:

• Youth : Jessica Harrison (NSW) – JNF Award to the Jewish Community
• Youth : Liron Smith (NSW)  – Contribution to Australian Society
• Young Adults:  Shayna Slotar (WA) Jewish Community
• Young Adults:  Gary Samowitz (Vic) Australian Society
• Young Adults: Brandon Srot (NSW)  – Hillel Ezekiel Award for Leadership
• Young Adults:  Joel Kuperholz (Vic) Leadership

Ernie Friedlander OAM, the President of the Alfred Dreyfus Unit said: “It was a very exciting and uplifting event -it is a great pity we don’t have more awards to give, as they all deserve to get one. This was recognised by giving each nominee an Acknowledgment Certificate and a JNF Tree was planted in their name. Their unselfish dedication is certainly a feather in the cap for our community. Far too often we hear the negatives – it was a shining light for me to hear their accomplishments “.

There were also two HIGHLY COMMENDED AWARDS to:

• Rabbi Mendy Litzman – for his work establishing HATZOLAH
• Jonathan Markowitz ( Vic ) – for his work for Betar

Rabbi Dr Orna Triguboff, along with Rachel Flitman, Shlomo Ben Haim from the JNF and Ernie Friedlander presented the awards.

There were several prominent dignitaries, it included Bruce Notley-Smith, the Member for Coogee, representing Victor Dominello, the Minister of Citizenship & Communities – Ron Hoenig, the member for Hefron, representing John Robertson , the Opposition Leader- Peter Philipson,  the JCA President-  Ilona Lee, the President of Shalom College – Tony Kay, the Deputy Mayor of Waverley- Ivan Kaplan, the President of B’nai B’rith NSW – Isabelle Shapiro, the Hon Secretary of the Jewish Board of Deputies & former Mayor of Woollahra –  Leon Goltsman –Waverley Councillor.

Rachel Flitman, the Hillel Director stated, “Threads of passion, creativity and innovation are woven throughout the stories of our nominees, which capture the essence of the spirit that drives our community. We thank all our nominees for their enduring efforts and stories of inspiration, and to their nominators for bringing these stories to light.”

Readers can follow the stories of success and inspiration showcased at the awards by liking the ‘Jewish Changemakers Award’ facebook page, which will feature nominee profiles over the coming weeks.

The awards are an initiative of the  B’nai B’rith Alfred Dreyfus Unit in conjunction with Hillel Sydney and JNF Australia celebrating the innovation, inspiration and achievements of young people in the Australian Jewish community.

This event was made possible thanks to the generous sponsorship of Harry Triguboff AM and Meriton apartments.