2012ANNUALREPORT connecting you with Israel 2014ANNUALREPORT 18th November 2014 25 Cheshvan 5775 3 SPONSORS 2014 MAJOR PARTNER PARTNERS PATRONS CORPORATE SPONSORS OXFORD LOGISTICS GROUP EVENT SPONSORS THE MAJTLIS Slonim & Pastor GROUP Families CMYK LOGO 2 COLOUR PMS PANTONE 299 U PANTONE 288 U 2014ANNUALREPORT Contents 2 President’s Message saM tatarka 7 exeCutive List Messages 10 tHe Hon. dr denis naPtHine MP Premier of victoria 11 DANIEL andreWs MP Leader of the opposition Israel Exhibition: Parliament 2014. 12 h.e. sHMueL Ben-sHMueL ambassador of israel 13 DR DANNY LaMM President, Zionist Federation of australia Ltd. 14 roBert goot sC aM President, executive Council of australian Jewry inc. 15 Nina Bassat aM President, Jewish Community Council of victoria inc Kook Kitchen: Yom Ha’atzmaut 2014. 16 sHLoMo Werdiger President, united israel appeal victoria 17 exeCutive direCTOR’s rePort 24 rePort oF tHe HonorarY treasurer 25 BetH WeiZMann CoMMunitY Centre inC 28 LaMM JeWisH LiBrarY oF austraLia 30 israeL aLiYaH Centre In conversation with Natan Sharansky. 31 MisHLaCHat (tHe sHLiCHiM desk) 32 rePorts oF ZCv aFFiLIATE ORGANISATIONS 53 tHe ZCV STAFF 54 JerusaLeM PrograM 2004 55 our Mission 56 triBute iBC in MeMoriaM Yom Hazikaron 2014. 1 CMYK LOGO 2 COLOUR PMS PANTONE 299 U PANTONE 288 U 2014ANNUALREPORT President’s Message the past year has been full from many faith communities joined us in decrying violence of exciting and demanding and the senseless death on both sides caused by Hamas and challenges. As I sit in Jerusalem in calling for peace for the people of gaza and israel. and prepare for Rosh Hashanah, i reflect on how the Zionist Council of victoria has, over It is not only during times the past year, endeavoured of crisis that we witness the to synthesise, harmonise and represent the interests of our strength of the diversity of Sam Tatarka affiliates in a coherent voice for our Zionist community. President israel. That task is not a simple one given the spectrum of views held by our affiliates and the many voices with which it is not only during times of crisis that we witness the they speak. Nevertheless, the welfare of the State and the strength of the diversity of our Zionist community. At the wellbeing of its citizens is the theme that unites us all no request of israel’s Justice Minister tzipi Livni, the Jewish matter where we sit on the political or religious spectrum. People Policy institute (JPPi) reached out to diaspora communities around the world to provide input for an We are grateful that Israel’s initiative to develop a “constitutional arrangement dealing with Israel’s identity as a Jewish and democratic state.” We supporters from many faith were proud to host a workshop, moderated by Community communities joined us in relations Chair John searle, with over 35 participants decrying violence and calling representing a broad spectrum of age, religious and political affiliations who deliberated a range of serious questions in for peace for the people of order to formulate a response for the JPPi on behalf of our Gaza and Israel. community. It was a great pleasure to sit with this diverse group of dedicated Zionists as they respectfully grappled it is no surprise to me that as Israel faces significant challenges, with these important issues. our community joins as one to demonstrate support and this year’s Annual Assembly will be held just three weeks advocate on Israel’s behalf. This winter, we prayed together after the twentieth anniversary of the signing of the peace for the return of kidnapped Israeli teens Naftali Frenkel, Eyal treaty between Israel and Jordan. Sometimes, especially in Yifrach and Gil-ad Shaar, and upon learning of their tragic times such as these, it is easy to forget how momentous this murder we gathered at Beth Weizmann Community Centre treaty was and the how much israel benefits from having for a moving tribute to their young lives. Soon thereafter, as peaceful relations with its neighbours. Fortunately, we had the Hamas rockets threatened Israeli cities and Israeli reservists opportunity to be reminded of this when, thanks to Magen were called for active duty, over two thousand people david Adom, we hosted a community conversation with Dr attended a community solidarity rally in Princes Park in Mohammed Al-Hadid of the Jordanian Red Crescent Society Caulfield. the rally was organised by ZCv in partnership and Uri Shacham of Magen David Adom. Dr Al-Hadid was with ZFa, JCCv, AUJs and the Zionist Youth Council. We provided support and comfort to Israeli soldiers through a the Chair of the international red Cross/red Crescent community-wide letter writing campaign and educated our standing Committee who successfully lobbied for Magen community with sessions about Operation Protective Edge david adom’s inclusion in the international humanitarian and the proliferation of Anti-Zionism/anti-semitism. As the organisation. i had some reservations about this program operation continued and casualties mounted on both sides, and thought twice about displaying the Jordanian flag in Beth over 3000 supporters joined together for a stand With Weizmann, but found myself completely captivated by Dr. israel - rally for Peace on the steps of Parliament House al-Hadid’s commitment to cross-border cooperation and in the Melbourne CBd. This second rally was, again, a real hopes for a future where these types of ventures will expand community effort, and we are grateful that Israel’s supporters throughout the region and become commonplace. 2 CMYK LOGO 2 COLOUR PMS PANTONE 299 U PANTONE 288 U 2014ANNUALREPORT it is clear that recent military action and loss of life was the to sit with Mr Sharansky for an intimate conversation in front direct result of Hamas’ actions and desire to cause maximum of 400 community members. We discussed a plethora of harm to Israel, regardless of the impact on the citizens of topics ranging from his days as a prisoner of the Fsu to his gaza. Unfortunately, these events coupled with the deaf ear involvement in a solution for prayer at the Kotel to his views turned toward anti-semitism tricked up as anti-Zionism have and connections with the diaspora. His straight-shooting emboldened Israel’s detractors. This has led to an increase answers and emotional delivery created a strong connection of anti-semitic attacks against persons and property across with the audience – our community will remember this visit the globe. sadly, we have begun to see this in our own for years to come. in partnership with the australia israel communities with the physical attack against a former Israeli Labor Dialogue, we welcomed the Knesset’s Deputy Speaker soldier, the harassment of Jewish school children on a bus in Mr Hilik Bar for a public lecture. We were grateful for Mr sydney, and the disturbing increase of personal anti-semitic Bar’s insights regarding the impetus to continue to assertively anti-israel rhetoric and activity on our university campuses. pursue a two-state solution, even in times of conflict, and the While these types of actions are cause for concern, challenges faced in doing so. This year, our state politicians Natan Sharansky’s straight- from both sides of the spectrum shooting answers and emotional stood with us in solidarity delivery created a strong while Israel was under attack. connection with the audience – our community will remember this visit for years to come. i am pleased to report that, in spite of recent events, the Boycott, divestment & sanctions campaign seems to have gained very little traction in our multi-cultural and our community is blessed to have outstanding local Zionist tolerant society. Political leaders and the vast majority of leadership. Philip Chester, a former president of the ZCv, the members of the Parliament of victoria consistently stood down in May after eight years at the helm of Australia’s demonstrate their support for Israel and the Jewish people Zionist Federation. Philip’s dedication to the Zionist cause is and are becoming increasingly aware of the issues that exemplary and, for the most part, unsung. We are delighted concern us and impact on our safety and security. david to be able to honour Philip with the presentation of the southwick MP and Marsha Thompson MP, as co-convenors Jerusalem Prize. of the Victorian Parliamentary Friends of Israel, have been We note with sadness and warm memories the passing of very active in ensuring that their colleagues have access to long-time supporter erwin Lamm a few months ago. His informed opinion on issues of concern as well as generally passing has left a void in the Jewish community that will be enhancing understanding of the Jewish community and the impossible to fill. I had the privilege of knowing and working issues we hold dear. This year, our state politicians from both alongside Erwin for a number a years and was proud to be sides of the spectrum stood with us in solidarity while Israel able to call him a friend. A passionate Zionist leader and a was under attack. member of both the Zionist Federation of Australia and the We were pleased to welcome to Australia His Excellency Zionist Council of Victoria Executives for many years, Erwin shmuel Ben-shmuel, israel’s new ambassador. He leaves an inspirational legacy of a love of Eretz Yisrael and demonstrated his understated eloquence with emotional am Yisrael that is eternal. The Zionist Council of Victoria remarks at a ceremony remembering former Prime Minister is honoured to have been the recipient of Erwin’s tireless ariel sharon and during Yom Hazikaron. energy and dedication, and his legacy will be a lasting one.