Welcome Note About AUJS ontents Chairperson Vice Chairperson e of c Treasurer Political Affairs Director Conferences Convener Campaigns Co-ordinator

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1 AUJS

2 table of contents Welcome Note 2 About AUJS 3 Chairperson 6 Vice Chairperson 11 Treasurer 14 Political Affairs Director 17 Conferences Convener 20 Campaigns Co-ordinator 22 Leadership and Development Officers 25 AUJS New South Wales 29 AUJS ACT 37 AUJS Victoria 42 AUJS Western Australia 48 AUJS New Zealand 52 AUJS Queensland 56 New South Wales Shaliach 59 International Programs Director 61 Susan Wakil Fellowship 63 Executive Director Executives 67 1

3 Welcome to the 2017 AUJS Annual General Meeting and National Assembly! This annual report contains reports from all members of the National Executive, State and Campus Presidents and the Professional Staff Team. The report details the successes of what has been a dynamic year in the Australasian Union of Jewish Students, but also the challenges we face as a union and important learning points for future executives. Welcome Note As we do every year, we have strived to continue working towards our mission statement in developing and strengthening Jewish tertiary engagement across Australia and New Zealand. We have seen huge success this year with larger conferences, engaging campaigns, a new Fellowship program, a new internship stream in Academy, two sold-out balls and a new Leadership Training Summit. We have seen students challenge the mould in every aspect, finding innovative ways to keep Jewish students stimulated. Our team this year has excelled, we have cultivated Jewish life for youth and fostered a sense of belonging through our community. We have lived through our ideology and captured aspects of the four pillars we strive towards: Judaism; Zionism; Pluralism and Activism. Thank you, to our community partners and friends, thank you for your trust and confidence and for keeping your faith in AUJS acting in the interests of our community s youth. In particular, thanks to Danny Lamm and Ginette Searle at the ZFA, Anton Bloch, Peter Wertheim and Alex Ryvchin at the ECAJ, Bruce Goldsmith and Alain Hasson at the JCA, and Tamara Samuels at Shalom. Thank you also to the UIA, NSW JBD, JCCV, ZV and ZCNSW. Many thanks also to Millie Phillips and the JCA Millie Phillips Education Fund, Leslie Burnett and the JCA Dave Burnett Leadership Fund, The Susan and Isaac Wakil Foundation, our patrons in Melbourne, the Besen and Gandel foundations, ABL and very many other donors and supporters in the community. It is with your help that AUJS continues to grow. We would finally like to extend our sincerest thanks to every executive of AUJS Nationally, Regionally and on Campus you are the reason AUJS excels and we hope that you recognize your immense impact on this organization. Thank you to the entire professional team and AUJS Board as well, your guidance, wisdom and support are immensely appreciated. And finally, a huge thank you to the National Executive Zack, Ariel Z, Jade, Ariel MP, Joshua, Erin, Jacob, Tal, Jess, Karmi, Steven, Eli and Saul. It has been an absolute privilege working alongside such dedicated individuals. We are looking forward to seeing the future of AUJS into our 70 th anniversary next year and have confidence in leaving the organization in the incredibly capable hands of our future leaders who will no doubt continue to build on AUJS success. Isabella Polgar Lexi Kowal AUJS National Chairperson 2017 AUJS National Vice Chairperson

4 AUSTRALASIAN UNION OF JEWISH STUDENTS AUJS The Australasian Union of Jewish Students (AUJS) is the federal body for Jewish student societies at universities, colleges and TAFEs, and is present on more than twenty-five campuses and seven regions across Australia and New Zealand. Our mission is to provide meaningful Jewish experiences through engagement, enrichment, development and action, thereby strengthening community and enhancing Jewish life. AUJS provides its members with a wide variety of events and activities both on and off campus. These include social, cultural, educational, political and religious events as well as national conferences, campaigns and our international programs. About AUJS National Executive The AUJS 2017 National Executive was elected at the Annual General Meeting in September 2016: Chairperson Isabella Polgar (NSW) Vice-Chairperson Alexandra Kowal (VIC) Treasurer Zack Garkawe (VIC) Political Affairs Director Ariel Zohar (VIC) Conferences Convener Jade Katz (WA) Campaigns Coordinator Ariel Mekler Peled (NSW) Co Leadership and Development Officers Joshua Moses, Erin Gordon (NSW) The Regional Presidents who sit on the National Executive are follows: New South Wales Victoria Western Australia New Zealand Queensland ACT Karmi Shariev Saul Burston Jessica Greenfeld Steven Hofman Tal Szumer Menashe Elisheva Madar Additionally, I acknowledge all campus and regional officers who dedicate their time to bringing Jewish life to their campuses and advocate tirelessly for Israel. AUJS Staff Executive Director International Programs Director NSW Shaliach Fellowship Director Fellowship Deputy Director International Programs Marketing Rep International Programs Marketing Rep Jake Campbell (NSW) Johnathan Sherman (NSW) Yoav Yaron (NSW) Benjamin Saling (NSW) Raphael Mengem (VIC) Richard Rosen (NSW) Talia Stone (VIC) 3

5 Executive Council of Australian Jewry Inc. The Representative Organisation of Australian Jewry Level 2, 80 William Street Sydney NSW 2000 Address all correspondence to: PO Box 1114, Edgecliff NSW 2027 Tel (+61 2) Fax (+61 2) Web: PRESIDENT Anton Block DEPUTY PRESIDENT Jillian Segal AM HON. TREASURER Eugene Berkovic HON. SECRETARY David Knoll AM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Peter Wertheim AM VICE PRESIDENTS Jeremy Spinak (NSW) Jennifer Huppert (VIC) David Denver (WA) Jason Steinberg (QLD) Norman Schueler (SA) Jordana Schmidt (TAS) Yael Cass (ACT) IMM. PAST PRESIDENT Robert M Goot AM, SC CONSTITUENTS NSW Jewish Board of Deputies Jewish Community Council of Victoria Inc Jewish Community Council of Western Australia Inc Queensland Jewish Board of Deputies Jewish Community Council of South Australia Hobart Hebrew Congregation ACT Jewish Community Inc AFFILIATES Australasian Union of Jewish Students Australian Federation of WIZO Union for Progressive Judaism Federation of Jewish Aged Care Services Maccabi Australia Inc National Council of Jewish Women B nai B rith of Australia/ NZ Jewish National Fund of Australia Joint Distribution Committee Australia 18 September 2017 Isabella Polgar National Chairperson Australasian Union of Jewish Students Shalom College University of NSW 2052 Dear Isabella As we approach the end of the academic year for 2017, I extend my thanks, both personally and on behalf of my colleagues on the Committee of Management of the ECAJ, to you as National Chairperson of AUJS and to your entire team of officers. AUJS has continued to demonstrate its importance both as an affiliate of the ECAJ and to the wider Jewish community as an incubator for the development of future leaders. The Political Training Seminars and the new Isaac Wakil Fellowship are wonderful initiatives that are helping to instil in AUJS members the knowledge, passion and confidence they need in order to be effective advocates for the Jewish community and Israel, and to counteract antisemitism and other forms of racism on campus and in the wider community. The spike in neo-nazi activity on campuses across Australia in the last 12 months has been especially confronting. Everyone at AUJS is to be commended for the resolute and dignified way in which you have opposed this phenomenon. We salute you also for the added richness you bring to Jewish life across our universities. I also thank you personally for your constructive contributions to the ECAJ s discussions on matters of community policy. I look forward to continuing our excellent working relationship with your successor and other colleagues. Yours sincerely Anton Block President OBSERVERS Council of Progressive Rabbis Federation of Australian Jewish Ex-Service Associations New Zealand Jewish Council Zionist Federation of Australia Council of Orthodox Synagogues of Australia

6 MESSAGE TO AUSTRALIASIAN UNION OF JEWISH STUDENTS (AUJS) FROM DR DANNY LAMM PRESIDENT, ZIONIST FEDERATION OF AUSTRALIA September 2017 On behalf of the Zionist Federation of Australia, I am pleased to extend our greetings to the Australasian Union of Jewish Students (AUJS) as you conclude another successful year. The ZFA recognises the outstanding efforts of AUJS in enriching Jewish student life in Australia and New Zealand. We congratulate you on a successful year of initiatives and cultural activities to promote Israel advocacy, activism and connection to Judaism. The ZFA is proud to maintain a close relationship with AUJS, particularly in its Israel connection. We are pleased to provide assistance to AUJS by arranging and supporting your shlichut positions. I wish to congratulate Yoav Yaron on his productive shlichut thus far and wish him and AUJS much success. The ZFA and AUJS work closely together on your short term Israel programs, in particular on AUJS s Taglit Birthright Israel programs and on Onward Academy. I commend AUJS 2017 President Isabella Polgar, whose enthusiasm, productivity professionalism has been a hallmark of her leadership. I thank Isabella and the entire AUJS Executive for your dedication, activism and accomplishments. I look forward to our continued partnership in the coming year, and I wish you hatzlacha raba for all your endeavours. Dr Danny Lamm PRESIDENT

7 National Chairperson Isabella Polgar, National Chairperson AUJS defends against Holocaust denial on campuses AUJS Friends Subject Line August 2017 I have had the absolute pleasure and honour of spending my year serving Jewish students across Australia and New Zealand. The role of the AUJS National Chairperson is undefined. In some way, it s what makes it so exciting and interesting, in other ways it s what makes you step out of your comfort zone and what makes you learn. The role is to be everything to everyone. To be the expert recruiter and hire 5 different staff, to be the mind reader and understand what is happening throughout the organization, to be the spokesperson and an expert writer and then to pick up and assist in running a conference, camp or political training seminar. It is to be a fundraiser, a mentor, a mentee, a travel agent, an employer, an employee as well as the occasional psychologist. However, without the everyday surprises and catastrophes I would not have grown so fundamentally as a person, been someone who takes things as they come and been rewarded each and every step of the way. In my three years in AUJS, I have seen the organization grow immensely. This year has been year of change and growth for the organization, with the recruitment of a new Executive Director, a new International Programs Director, a new Shaliach, two fellowship directors, there are innovative new ideas and successes upon us. I hope that my legacy of the Leadership Training Summit and the new and stable staff structure will keep AUJS growing for the years to come. This year I sought out for AUJS to have connectedness and communication, leadership training programming, support to all regions, political strategy and 6

8 inclusive conferences. I have spent the year working towards success in these departments and feel comfortable that these have been achieved and will continue to be achieved in years to come. Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much Helen Keller So sit back, relax and enjoy the rest of this report, for this year was not about me and what I could do, but the people around me who allowed me to. To the National Executive, for your endless dedication and support. Politically, AUJS has evolved this year, from our new antisemitism reporting system, to another successful Political Training Seminar. Despite a tumultuous year in campus antisemitism, we succeeded in leaps and bounds regionally, with Victoria and NSW hosting Political Training Days, internships and women in leadership events. To Ariel Zohar, thank you for being there at any time of the day, for being the first to react and being on guard, protecting our Jewish students. Thanks for being my best Birthright participant, for being passionate about equality and for sending me pictures of your dog in tumultuous times. This year, our conferences saw a change in structure. With an astounding 85 participants at Summer, due to our more inclusive, restructure of what an AUJS conference is. Our Winter conference found a way to connect with the community with Limmud Day. To Jade Katz, I have witnessed you grow so much this year. Thank you for your spreadsheets, your conference briefs, your patience, but above all thank you for your commitment to AUJS. Our campaigns this year have also been strong thanks to our Campaigns Coordinator. From a Holocaust Awareness Campaign with an interactive website, to a Jewish Awareness campaign with viral videos, campaigns this year have developed to be modern, engaging and topical. Something I hope continue in the years to come. To Ariel Mekler-Peled, the campaigns queen. Thank you for being patient and understanding and self-motivated. Thank you for putting your heart into every campaign we have had and caring for yourself and everyone around you. To the leadership team. At the Annual General Meeting last year, we acknowledged the need for a position on the national executive that would support skills-based training and encourage and foster leadership development. We have made remarkable steps for further implementation in this department. With funding secured to hold a Leadership Training Summit for three years, we are on the right track for further development. To Joshua Moses, thanks for attending every community event with me. For coming to a two- day retreat with me and for always providing humour when necessary and for your passion for education. 7

9 To Erin Gordon, thank you for the year of AUJS. Thank you for meeting me in New York before a conference, for answering my phone calls at any time of day and rationalising everything I do. Thank you for being there for me when I needed you most, unquestionably taking my side. For your dedication to AUJS, even from Texas. The small regions this year, have grown immensely in passion and dedication to the union. They have all grown individually in running unique events that cater to their unique Jewish communities. Thank you to Jess Greenfeld, for understanding what the Perth community needs and standing up for it. Thank you to Steven Hoffman, for your wisdom, guidance and support of the executive and well as your two-year term as New Zealand President. Thank you to Eli Madar, for running innovative events in ACT and for surprising us in NSW at events occasionally. Thank you to Tal Szumer Menashe and Jonathan Kogan for revitalising Queensland and for being the most present Queensland executives at national initiatives. To Karmi Shariev and Michael Garbuz, thank you for leading NSW, for your dedication, time and commitment to building strong events and creating a fantastic team around you. The success of NSW this year is testament to your hard work in motivating and engaging the NSW executive. Thank you for supporting me and allowing me to support you. Thank you also to the NSW executive who without you, AUJS NSW would be nothing. Special shout out also to Gareth Milner for his assistance on Winter Conference and organising the first-ever AUJS NSW Ball. To Saul Burston and Gaby Davis, thank you for your dedication to the Victorian campus community. To holding successful events, the ball, the Purim party, Q and AUJS, Empower, but also for your dedication to work outside of your prescribed roles. For helping with Charidy, with conferences, campaigns and campus day. You are both a true testament to passion for the Jewish community. The Victorian Jewish community is lucky to have you. To Saul, thank you also for your thoughtfulness and for always being there, to be a sounding board, to vent to and to listen, our friendship has allowed me to understand the Victorian community and advocate accordingly. Thank you to the AUJS Board, led by the incredible Stephen Machet, your guidance and support this year has been immense. Thank you also to the subcommittee chairs, Ethan Kravietz, Ricci Steckoll, Dean 8

10 Sherr and Lexi Kowal for your work ensuring we are focussing on all aspects of our organisation. AUJS has developed in its staffing department. With two Fellowship Directors to implement the fellowship program, we have seen the inaugural year shape the direction of the program, inspiring Jewish students in civic duty and encouraging them to take an active step in campus action. In our International Programs department, we have seen another year of a successful Birthright season with a stable number of Academy participants. To the AUJS Staff, to Yoav Yaron, Jonathan Sherman, Benjamin Saling and Raphael Mengem. Thank you for listening to a 22 year old that doesn t know what she s doing. Thank you for sharing your office with me, thank you for Stand Up and lunchtime memes. Thank you for Shaliach Tube, the Fellowship, Academy, Birthright and the support you provide outside your job description. Thank you for the conferences, campaigns, retreats and extra time you commit to the job. You are all a true testament to the passion, guidance and support you bring to this organisation, I wish you all the best in your future successes. To Jake Campbell and Liraz Poorian. Thank you for inspiring me every day of my year. Thank you for sharing your office with me, for keeping the organisation stable, for rationalising things, for listening to hours of phone calls, for almost burning down the office with exploding candles, for bringing ants in with your dirty coffee cups, but more importantly for your constant guidance of the student leaders and the organisation. If only I could be as passionate about the Jewish community as you both one day. 9

11 To Zack Garkawe, the first third of Glossy Triad. Thank you not only for your incredible job as treasurer this year but your support to AUJS in general. Thank you for your innovation and creativity in a role that can become monotonous. Thank you for checking in with me, for listening, for providing advice and support as well as humour. Thank you for your friendship, for making playlists I can listen to in the office, for your thoughtful messages and for keeping up to date with my day-to-day life. Most importantly, thank you for caring, caring about the organisation, the executive and the people around you and me. And finally, to Lexi Kowal, the other third of Glossy Triad, my partner-in-crime, words cannot express the thanks I have for you for this incredible year. Thank you for answering my calls at every hour of the day, for hearing me laugh, cry and scream at the situations we were in, for allowing me to be myself, and somehow enjoying it. Your dedication, efficiency and constant passion astounds me every day and it is hard for me to describe the thanks you deserve for this. I have witnessed you grow personally over our three years working together, you re a confident, communicative, caring, kind and committed strong female leader and mentor that I look forward to seeing continue to grow with our lifelong friendship for years to come. AUJS will always be part of my family. It is where I discovered my Jewish identity, fostered my leadership skills, learnt about true passion for our community and developed profoundly as a person. The opportunities AUJS has afforded me are second to none and indescribable. I owe the world I ve created around me to AUJS and how we got here to my predecessors. Every student leaves a legacy upon this organisation and contributes to the constant success of AUJS for years to come. I wish all the best to the Executive of 2018 and cannot wait to see where they take this special organisation. 10

12 Lexi Kowal, National Vice Chairperson With great power comes great responsibility Steven Hofman s signature National Vice Chairperson 2017 has been a year of growth, laughs, strategy and immense development for AUJS and that AUJS team. The successes of AUJS 2017 were no easy feat, and I am so incredibly proud of the broader AUJS team that help manifest them into reality. When I set out in the role of Vice Chairperson, what I aspired to give to AUJS was a reliable support network, accountability for tasks and assistance, diligence in the carrying out of responsibilities, and a creative and dynamic leadership style. Then, the role of Vice Chairperson to me, was as an ultimate role of support: to the National Chairperson, to the National Executive portfolio holders, to the staff, to the exciting new Fellowship, to the regions and, of course, to the campuses and membership. To this day, all of this stands true. O-Week kicked off the AUJS calendar this year, and with it my work as Vice Chairperson. Working hand in hand with the National Campaigns Coordinator, we were able to spread the same proud and welcoming message, Shalom, throughout our regions and campuses. It was thrilling to see smaller campuses in QLD, ACT, and WA as a region continue their presence as the natural home for Jewish tertiary students. From the outset of the year, we were able to see AUJS core Jewish values flourish as campuses and regions alike held Purim, Passover and Shabbat celebrations around Australia and New Zealand. In semester one we saw the reinvigoration of an AUJS oldie-but-goodie, as the Meal Matcher sparked 11

13 intrigue and popularity across social media, and allowed us to ensure that no Jewish student who sought our assistance in finding a Seder table was left stranded. The phenomenally innovative and engaging Summer Seventeen conference was without a highlight on the AUJS calendar. The cohesiveness of the AUJS team, working together to pull off a tight, balanced and creative conference for all members, was truly outstanding to watch and partake in. Given that the smaller regions within AUJS are bursting with potential and passion, it was particularly wonderful to see an increase in small region attendance at this conference, that resonated throughout the year in increased engagement. These same sentiments were echoed later in the year was leaders and members from far and wide joined once again for the ever-interactive AUJS Winter 17. With the arrival of NSW Shaliach Yoav Yaron, came an insurgence of passion for social justice, focus on team dynamic, and of course: Zionism. The introduction of Shaliach-Tube, a platform for the Shaliach to engage with AUJS politically-interested members in discussion and debate around all matters facing Israel, spawned from late night discussion at the July National Executive retreat, was a step in the right direction for an increasingly aware and involved Zionist Union. This wave of political passion and engagement culminated in a phenomenally balanced and engaging Political Training Seminar. The introduction of a new stream into our legacy Israel Program: AUJS Academy, was a challenge and a learning experience for all involved. Channelling organisational, community and IP strategy into a creative and fresh introduction to the program enabled student leaders to have a voice in enhancing this department of the organisation. In reflection of the year that was 2017, I only wish that there had been more time to empower each incredible AUJS member and leader with which I crossed paths. I am endlessly proud to see so many committed and involved people working together for the same uniting mission. AUJS is nothing without its student leaders, and I hope that the future heads of the organisation adopt this people-first approach to work with each other to achieve the best results together. I look forward to seeing the inaugural Leadership Training Summit allow for a future generation of AUJS leaders to flourish, learn and develop life-long skills. I am profoundly appreciative of the backing of our many community supporters in providing us with the mentorship, resources and independence to do our work. To the JCA, the Shalom Institute, the ZFA, the Jewish Agency, the ECAJ, JBOD, the JCCV and Zionism 12

14 Victoria our students admire and respect you and your work, and appreciate the reciprocal respect which you provide us. Thank you to all of the members of the AUJS Board under the remarkable leadership of Stephen Machet. Thank you to the AUJS staff team in Jonathan Sherman, Raphael Mengem, Ben Saling, Yoav Yaron and in particular Jake Campbell. Jake, you are a role model unto us all as to what it means to follow one s passion, and dedicate yourself wholeheartedly to a cause. Finally, to the national executive. Your dedication, can-do-attitudes and incredible personal investment is the reason why AUJS is still proudly running after 69 years. A huge thanks to Zack Garkawe for being a constant source of support, wisdom and knowledge; Ariel Zohar for your humour and unbeatable experience; Ariel MP for your creativity, passion and for always striving for ultimate inclusivity; Jade Katz for your innovation, perseverance and impeccable organisational skills; Erin and Joshua for your leadership, development, and passion to create the unthinkable and the necessary; and to Jacob Kingston for diving head first into the unknown with a smile. To Saul Burston, I admire endlessly your passion, commitment and innate leadership and personable characteristics; Karmi Shariev, your ability to think outside the box is always an incredible asset; Jess Greenfeld, your community is so unique and passionate yet so are you, and with these traits you have accomplished incredible feats both personally and for the community; Eli Madar your re-invigoration of your fun-sized and spirit-filled community is admirable; Steven Hofman your oversight and unique perspective, with experience beyond your years, is an incredible quality; and to Tal and Jonathan, I thank you for your quirky Queensland charisma and thriving cando-attitudes. Though, this year, and this organisation, would not have been the same were it not for one Isabella Polgar. You are truly exceptional in the way that you kick goals in your every day life. Your positivity, even in the face of exceptional challenges, has allowed both for your own personal growth, and for that of the organisation. You dedicated a year of your life in the name of Jewish tertiary engagement, however it was not in vein, as the legacy that you are leaving behind you is above all. To this day, AUJS has afforded me endless opportunities for personal growth, development of my Jewish and Zionist identities, and a network of incredible like-minded students. I hope that many others have found, and can find the sense of belonging that I have found within this incredible organisation. I wish the incoming executive the best of luck in May the challenges, successes and that in-between, culminate into an incredible year of engagement, advocacy and learning. 13

15 Treasurer Zack Garkawe, Treasurer If we succeed, AUJS will receive $80,000 to support its vital programs to help prevent domestic abuse around the world! 50% Complete Charidy My past three years involvement with AUJS have been an incredibly rewarding experience, culminating in the last 12 months as National Treasurer. Taking on this role came with a huge learning curve; being nothing like I have ever experienced, making it all the more rewarding. The Treasurer s role is quite diverse. I was in charge of fundraising, allocating funds across the union, budgeting for national campaigns and conferences and stakeholder management with our donors and community organisations. After two years at MonJSS as Treasurer and President, I felt a strong connection with campuses. This love for campus is something I tried to weave into every initiative and project I worked on. From the Charidy campaign, where campus leaders and members came into the Victorian office to make phone calls, to securing vital funding for the Campus Fund, which provides much needed funds to run events on campuses across Australia and New Zealand. Fundraising The Treasurer is responsible for fundraising for the union and reports to the Sponsorship Subcommittee of the Board (SpoSC). This year we focused on taking a step back to 14

16 explore what the purposes of the sub-committee is and constructing short and long term-strategies for fundraising. At the beginning of the year, SpoSC held a hack-a-thon at which we workshopped its purpose in the organisation, as well as brainstorming more efficient processes. We also formulated internal documentation to define our fundraising strategies and needs. With the assistance of the SpoSC, I helped combine the Board of Patrons with the annual appeal to create the exciting 24-hour Charidy campaign which raised $95,547. The three strategic goals from the campaign were 1) Raising money for the Union s initiatives 2) Increasing the number of donors and the diversity of these donors (through individual families, foundations, communal organisations and businesses) 3) Raising awareness in the community that AUJS needs funding for our incredible projects. We believe that these three goals were all met, especially increasing our donor base with over 320 people donating during the campaign. The goal of raising awareness within the Jewish community that AUJS requires support was one which I personally became most passionate. When I commenced the campaign, I was initially met with a lot of donor rejection. After getting over the heartbreak, I realised the reason for my current despair was because the community did not understand the scale at which AUJS operates. People genuinely believed we solely exist to sizzle sausages on campus. Even though that is an important part of AUJS, I had to explain how we also run International Programs, hold four Annual National Conferences, as well as bring Jewish youth together at university. As outlined in previous Treasurers reports, the makeup of the Victorian community can make it difficult to fundraise, but I believe due to the success of our Charidy campaign and the hours of work put into redesigning SpoSC to fit this market, we can maintain and build on the accomplishments for years to come. Union The work of the Treasurer often gets lost from the rest of the Union. Neither of the Treasurer s two major responsibilities gets much notice. Fundraising and budgeting for union projects aren t the flashiest tasks, but are essential to the program s success. This year a big focus was put on accessibility to AUJS programs through means tested subsidies. With many thanks, we were delighted that Gandel Philanthropy fully funded the Campus Fund. AUJS can now confidently help campuses thrive by purchasing much needed resources and improve their current offering of events. Innovation was lacking in the past with campus events, but since the fund has been introduced, there has already been variation and experimentation on campus with the launch of a professional development program launched at Monash. 15

17 I would also like to thank our major donors the Jewish Communal Appeal (JCA), The JCA Millie Phillips Jewish Education Fund, United Israel Appeal, Zionist Federation of Australia, The Besen Family Foundation, Gandel Philanthropy, The Dina & Ron Goldschlager Family Charitable Foundation and the members of our Board of Patrons. Recommendations For the incoming Treasurer, I suggest the continuation of the implementation of the new strategies we developed this year. Furthermore, I recommend continuing to expand the campus fund. It now has support and we are in a great position to continue backing the core of our organisation. Conclusion Lastly, I strongly believe that AUJS through each campus needs to be welcoming so that Jews can find a bridge to continue our Jewish identity which can be easily lost after leaving the Jewish school system. I want to thank every person on the National executive this year, as well as the AUJS Ltd. Board Directors. It has been a pleasure working closely with Belle Polgar and Lexi Kowal. I would also like to especially mention Liraz Poorian and Ethan Kravietz for both mentoring and guiding me through the role. Good luck to the incoming executive of I look forward to watching and helping how you can all challenge and innovate within this great organisation that gives so much to its members and leaders. 16

18 Ariel Zohar, Political Affairs Director Let no stranger intrude here, no invader trespass. This was ours, and this we would defend. John Marsden, The Dead of Night With great sadness and a sense of pride as 2017 closes, I can look back as my time on National Political Affairs Director for AUJS this year. I was immensely privileged and lucky to be mentored by many predecessors including Joshua Moses, Julian Kowal and Dean Sherr, whom I regularly contacted for advice and support in addition to the wonderful executives across campus, regional and national who were a pleasure to work with. I particularly wish to thank the Political Sub-Committee of Nufar Gofman, Aaron Meyer, Mia Hermann, Yaron Fisher and Shira Sokolov for your tremendous insights and assistance that made this year possible. Political Affairs Director My objectives for the year were to: 1. Centralise antisemitic and anti-israel related incidents and develop a robust reporting procedure where stakeholders were engaged and informed 2. Encourage active participation of Jewish students becoming politically involved, grow capacity and knowledge of political landscapes and build institutional relationships with other student organisations 3. Deliver a PTS based on programming centred design to maximise outputs and knowledge gained from participants 4. Further understand our membership and take robust action on issues effecting the wider community 5. Work and support Regional Political Directors in assisting State based Political Conferences and events I began to start and flesh out my role from as soon I was elected at the 2016 AGM. In November 2017 I published the Responding to Antisemitic/Anti Israel Incidents Guide, which centralised and coordinated AUJS response to the large volume of incidents that occur each year across all our campuses and regions. The allowed responses to be consistently and be managed with appropriate stakeholders. The Executive Council of Australian Jewry also received a copy of every incident on campus to include in the annual 17

19 Antisemitism in Australia Report. The first AUJS delegation in many years was organised to the National Union of Students National Conference held in December 2016 in Geelong, Victoria. Seven Jewish students spent five intensive days building relationships and speaking on matters of importance to them. For example, on the proactive side, relationships were actively built both internally within the Jewish Community including ZFA, ECAJ, CSG and other groups as well as externally with the National Union of Students, Campus based Student Unions, Youth Wings of the major political parties (Labor, Liberals, Greens) and other ethnic and faith based communities. These relationships and partnerships were very useful in often having incidents preemptively reported and alerted to AUJS before we otherwise would have known and actioned. Major incidents reported through to AUJS this year include; Holocaust Denial Leaflets, Swastikas, BDS and several incidents of personal Jewish student abuse for the wearing of Jewish clothing and allegations of lecturer and teacher bias. These and a number of other incidents, right around Australia and New Zealand took many hours of investigation and follow up time to successfully seek the best possible outcomes for Jewish students. In some cases as appropriate, further support was highlighted through media attention and follow up steps taken with communication and commitments from both Universities and Student Councils alike. On a more positive note, the Political Training Seminar held August was a highlight in organising and bringing over 30 engaged Jewish students to Canberra meeting with MPs, Ambassadors and Journalists right to the Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull. Participants enjoyed the improved programming elements, National Youth Leadership Networking Night and improved social opportunity for participants to get to know each other in a context of fostering their political engagement and involvement. A challenge was holding the conference over three days of university classes as opposed to two and this proved a situation where approximately a dozen students couldn t attend. A recommendation for future years would be to ensure to minimise university disruption. That being said, there were positives in having a tighter group where further in depth discussion and social aspects were able to thrive in a smaller group environment. 18

20 The inaugural year of the Susan Wakil Fellowship was a huge addition to the scope and breadth of the political portfolio in working with the changemakers and activists and coordinating activities, strategy and programming between the Fellowship and the Union. This is a growth area as the Fellowship becomes more grounded for mutual cooperation and partnership, particularly in the space of Fellowship projects and connection to wider and broader activities, aims and objectives of AUJS. The fellowship program assisted in the unprecedented engagement with student politics with many Jewish students getting involved and running for campus leadership roles across multiple campuses. AUJS played an active community voice role this year with impactful media releases and a presence in the wider political sphere, receiving major newspaper and Jewish community paper and radio coverage on issues important to us. Our statements were largely driven by the potential of first relevance and desired strategic outcomes. For future years, we can play a bigger role in more regular columns and broadcasting opportunities and exploring digital spaces in which our community is most active to further report on all the incredible and amazing work our AUJS leaders do from our campuses to our national executive team. Management of AUJS PoliticalSpace. AUJS PolitcalSpace has grown to 800+ members in New rules and processes were introduced to encourage respectful debate managed by a team of volunteer moderators. With the arrival of AUJS NSW Shaliach Yoav Yaron, we were able to embark from Semester Two a Digital Israel Engagement Strategy in PoliticalSpace in the form of weekly briefings where students were regularly filled in on what s happening in Israel and the major headlines in an interactive manner via the form of Facebook live videos. These experienced high view counts and likes and were a highlight each Friday before Shabbat that fostered both Israel connection and Israeli Politics understanding alike. The remainder of 2017 will be focused on developing Israel advocacy skills and political training programs for the upcoming Leadership Training Summit and supporting the Victorian Political Training Seminar conference and planning a handover process for the next person in this challenging but rewarding role. I would like to again thank everyone for the opportunity to have grown and delivered upon AUJS political capacity and impact this year as your National Political Affairs Director. It is clear that Jewish students, despite all the progress gained, still need a strong union that can stand up for Jewish students needs and continue to ensure that Jewish students feel safe and included on campus. With more and more Jewish students getting involved and joining political parties the future is certainly looking bright for the future leaders of our community. 19

21 Conferences Convenor Jade Katz, Conferences Convenor You need to play to win, but you also need to win to play Michael Scott, The Office Following two very successful conferences in 2016, it was time to bring our A- game to the 2017 bi-annual conferences. Bringing in ideas from the executives past experience in youth movements and awesome previous camps, we created two conferences, with fresh faces, new and exciting programs, and quality activities. Summer Seventeen With over 80 young Jewish students from across Australia and New Zealand, Summer Seventeen was the big bang AUJS needed to start off 2017 and all that was to follow. From team challenges and competitions, to our classic limmud day, we found something that everyone could enjoy. Summer Seventeen s biggest attraction was our kef day including the inaugural AUJS summer festival. The day started with a mini beach olympics followed by an outdoor festival, filled with flower crowns, slip n slides, tie dying and live music! Our day ended with the battle of the teams, seeing the night come to a close with an epic colour powder fight and glow party. 20

22 Winter Seventeen Hosted in Sydney s South West, over 50 participants trekked from far and wide, with both old and new faces at Winter Seventeen. Based on our successful summer conference, we ran a super interactive camp, where we saw participants working together for physical challenges and putting their brains to use, when we created our very own mini escape rooms at the campsite. We were fortunate to have great weather which allowed us to embrace the great outdoors with a bush walk and lots of outdoor activities. One of which was our carnival day, comprising of some awesome activities! From face painting and a chocolate fountain to our very own jumping castle, it was an afternoon filled with vibes! Final Words This past year has been incredible to work with a team of such talented leaders. To the whole national executive and regional executives who helped me: Thank you for the tireless effort and passion you put in, to help make my confernce dreams become a reality! I certainly could not have done it with each and every one of you. A special thank you to Belle Polgar and Lexi Kowal, who were my biggest supporters and believed in every idea I put forward. 21

23 Ariel Mekler-Peled, Campaigns Co-ordinator If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito Dalia Lama Campaigns Co-ordinator This year is my third year of being an executive member in AUJS. You would think that by now, I would be sick of it, or I would have seen all that AUJS has to offer. But, with the incoming of new executives and members each year, I have seen AUJS grow and change, create new, exciting initiatives, and create a community of motivated and passionate individuals. This year, my capacity as a national executive member has extended well beyond my capacity as a campaigns co-ordinator; attending my first PTS and first NSW Ball, being a camp leader (go team purple), and moderating panels for school and university students. The opportunities my involvement in AUJS has afforded me are endless. When I began my term as Campaign Co-ordinator, I envisaged campaigns to be educational tools used to engage and empower people with an aim to increase visibility and accessibility. With campaigns being an avenue for connection for many members and non-members, I saw the value of opening up access points both online in the regions. We built upon the sub-committee model developed last year, and added a regional campaigns liaison in NSW, Victoria, NZ, and WA. In doing so, we created dynamic campaigns that functioned in different capacities in each region and opened up the lines of communication between campus, region and national. 22

24 So far this year we have launched two major campaigns; 1. O-Week We begin our year with the re-affiliation of members at campuses across Australasia. The campaign sub-committee and Vice Chairperson worked together to formulate the campaign for Orientation Week. This year the O-Week theme was Shalom and helped welcome old and new faces to AUJS. With our famous blue water bottles, What is AUJS info-graphic and postcards, and colour-in-able tote bags members were set for an AUJS filled year. 2. Holocaust Awareness Campaign At the end of April, we ran our Holocaust Awareness campaign, Share the Memories. The campaign encouraged discussion, understanding and remembrance of the Holocaust, through shared stories, images and memories. The campaign reached over 35,000 people online both on our FaceBook page and the website we developed where we aimed to visualise the enormity of six million. In NSW and ACT we ran screenings of Woman in Gold, Victoria had a panel on genocide, in WA we held a survivor talk at the courage to care exhibition and in QLD and NZ we attended community events on behalf of AUJS (where we handed out information cards for how the community could get involved in our campaign). Campuses held talks from survivors, and had stalls also in accordance with the campaign. However, the year is not over yet. Keep your eyes peeled for; 1. Jewish Awareness Campaign Jew Can t Ask That! Is a six part video campaign featuring Jewish students from across Australasia, answering taboo questions about what it means to be Jewish. 23

25 2. Celebrate Israel Campaign Later in the year, we hope to develop a campaign celebrating Israel culturally. So keep your eyes peeled for that. Thank you! The real success of the year so far is the development of the campaigns subcommittee and involving smaller regions in campaigns. However, working in a wider capacity, leads to some communication problems, which we attempted to overcome with one page campaign guides/ info-graphics instead of booklets. These whatsapp-able images worked in our favour with the easy spread of information. For next year, I would recommend the onepage campaign guides remain and the dates for campaigns are set early. As a twenty-two year old university student, it seems unfathomable that I have been able to do what I have so far with AUJS. The successes of the year thus far would have been impossible without the help of my fabulous subcommittee; Prielle, Tobi, Meg, and Steven together we have brainstormed, created, innovated and supported each other to push boundaries, challenge our own understandings and the perceptions of others. In saying that thanks are due to both Belle and Lexi, who each sat on the subcommittee and whose feedback was so appreciated and to the national, regional, and campus executives who had any involvement either in the planning or executing stages of the campaign. To my successor, you re in for a challenging but fulfilling year. Your year will be filled with creativity, and the ability to educate a wide spread audience. Don t be afraid to take risks, experiment and try new things that s the only way we can move forward as an organisation. 24

26 Erin Gordon and Joshua Moses, Co Leadership and Development Officers You do not lead by hitting people over the head- that s assault, not leadership. Dwight Eisenhower. Joshua: Being on the National Executive for a 2nd consecutive year, I was coming into a role with a better understanding of the organisation overall and how each of its moving parts worked together. Being a new year, a new national executive and more especially an entirely new role, my previous experiences in AUJS provided little to predict what this year would hold, where a changing of the guard meant not only a new direction for AUJS, but an entirely new dynamic. Looking back, I can now say with confidence that this year was even greater than the last; a year of greater opportunities to grow and learn, and more importantly a year of new friendships. Our achievements this year could not just be attributed to our own successes, but rather attributed to that of the entire executive for their continual support and assistance. Being surrounded by a group of intelligent, hard-working and passionate group of people, not only gave me further motivation for my role but caught my admiration as well. Without such a great team, under the guise of even greater leadership, the year would not have amounted to as much as it has. Co- Leadership and Development Officers Erin: It s been a whirlwind coming back into AUJS after 6-months abroad and diving into the national executive. I ve had a lot of support from the national executive throughout the year and they have put a lot of faith in me and the things I wanted to achieve. Having the opportunity to work with a group that is so passionate about AUJS and what they are doing was extraordinarily motivating. Getting off the plane and a week later running programs and making new friends on winter conference made the transition a lot easier. The position has allowed me to form new relationships with people outside of my typical AUJS circle. The work hasn t always been easy and it has taken a lot of time and effort, but I wouldn t change any of it. The skills and opportunities 25

27 I have received in a few short months as LDO is unprecedented in anything else I ve done in AUJS so far. Our overall joint objectives for the role, and consequently the year, were the following: 1. To ensure the retention of institutional memory to provide continuity for future years 2. To provide the framework for the upskilling of executive members on a national, regional and campus level. 3. To ensure the codification of key portfolios and promote the effective handover of position holders. 4. To centralise and establish a national AUJS database for the collection and distribution of organisation relevant resources Our major project for the year to secure funding and organise the new inaugural Leadership Training Summit (LTS). This summit will be an allexpenses paid conference in Melbourne for all newly elected executives and fellows to provide the training and skills necessary for professional and union development. Together with members of the national executive, we are delighted to announce that we have secured significant funding for LTS to run for the next few years. Organising LTS is our main priority for the rest of the year and will be run in late November. At this stage, logistical elements of the conference are being soughted and we are in the process of creating a well-designed and well-balanced program. Sourcing speakers and training sources from inside and outside the Jewish Community, whilst developing key developmentbased sessions. We really look forward to sharing the results of this hard work with you all at the end of the year. Our secondary project was the the establishment of a centralised National AUJS database that ensured the tangible retention of institutional memory of AUJS. The database is and will be a compilation of knowledge-based resources and skills-based resources, including resources of structures, templates, contacts, and information applicable to executives and specific position holders. The database includes resources on Israel Advocacy, International Programs, AUJS an organisation, and past programs, with skills resources on event management and Running a meeting to name a few. The aim being that any executive holder will be able to access key resources used in the past for their personal development and learning, and to assist in their position s vision for the year; remaining a failsafe in the case of a poor handover in a given year. At the beginning of 2017, a Handover Survey was sent around to the current and previous AUJS position holders of National, Regional & Campus executives. The aim of this survey was to gather data on AUJS position holder handover and identify the current state of the handover processes and areas of concerns. The results of the survey indicated the following: 26

28 35% (approx) of position holders did not receive a handover from their predecessor, whereas 60% of position holders believe they were not provided enough guidance to carry out their role Handover predominantly included sharing past files, 1-2 discussions, and follow-up during the year, however did not include specific portfolio manuals, and introductions to contact network 75% (approx.) identified that structures, templates, previous documents and an instruction portfolio-specific manual would have improved their handover. 50% identified that contact referral and further yearly assistance would too. Executive meetings, Whatsapp, facebook, and discussions were identified as imperative to the functioning of their positions Executive retreats should included predominantly more executive bonding, calendar planning, skills sessions, structure & expectations of executive Leadership training, event management, social media marketing & general messaging, financial skills (bookkeeping & budgeting), and strategic planning were identified as areas of training needed. An Executive Skills Matrix has been developed to provide each AUJS executive the ability to gather data about the skills, knowledge, and experience held by their executive members. This screening will be sought to be implemented to all executives upon their immediate election, to provide a clear picture to presidents of the strengths, weaknesses and opportunities of their team. These matrices will also be provided to the LDO, to assist the relevant executive in developing a tailored training program and harness the specific skills of position holders. Furthermore as this was a shared position, it proved a potential challenge to amalgamate and focus our passion for certain projects and ideas for the year. This being coupled with the need to continuously communicate on our individual progress and direction also proved to be essential, but also difficult. We aimed to attack each problem as a pair, to bounce suggestions and feedback off each other and keep each other in check. It also helped to have a mediator in Lexi and Belle to help us agree and come to action. Being the first year for the role, forming a professional relationship with the regional presidents was essential but initially difficult. With regional executives already having pre-existing structures in place that governed their functionality and direction, it proved difficult to identify where we fit into the organisation and how we could position ourselves to better assist executives. Ensuring that we did not encroach on their autonomy was therefore of vital importance. We sought to prove the value of our position by promoting buy-in from executives through the conduct of individual meetings with regional presidents coupled with helping out on regional events. These included 27

29 working with NSW executive on their campus day, helping run an executive retreat for WA and running sessions on Winter Conference. Further value was provided through the development of the National AUJS database, that encouraged regions to request assistance and insight for relevant leadership and training matters. It should be particularly noted that without the development of a productive relationship with the regional and campuses executives, the LDO s capabilities becoming increasingly restricted. Future cooperation with regional and campus executives should see the facilitation of sharing particular structures, processes and/or insight between executives to better develop their functionality. It is our recommendation that a clear direction, defined set of objections and goals and staying well organised is key to the carrying out of this position. Harness the depth that the role has to offer, get creative and help change the organisation for the better. We recommend finding a strong partner that you can bounce ideas off, easily communicate and will compliment your own unique skillset. We are deeply humbled and privileged to have been given the opportunity to work with some remarkable people at an equally remarkable organisation, under a new position. LDO is the type of position that can make a tremendous difference to the organisation, but it also had a concurrent effect on our own personal development. We look forward to seeing how the role continues to grow and develop, encouraging anyone interested to put their hand up. The work that AUJS does is nothing less than vital and imperative to the community in which we are a part of. Time and again, we have borne witness to the admiration of external community organisations at the sophistication and professionalism in which AUJS operates. And for that, we can all stand just a little taller and a little prouder of the organisation we have helped create. 28

30 New South Wales 29

31 Karmi Shariev, NSW President If you want to make everyone happy, don t be a leader. Go sell ice cream. Steve Jobs AUJS NSW 2017, what a year! I have to preface this report by paying tribute to the incredible members of the 2017 AUJS NSW Executive. None of us alone could have achieved what we achieved together. We never came in with the intentions to make a revolution, or to reinvent the wheel, we came in with a crazy amount of energy and we identified key areas where we could make an impact. So what did we do in 2017? Purim - March 9 There was no better way to start our time as an executive than to plan the year s biggest party! Fittingly held in one of Sydney s most iconic venues (The Golden Sheaf), this year s Purim Party was themed after the famous American festival, Coachella. With a huge bar tab, a duo of international DJs and some local talent, this year s party attracted 386 attendees, making it the most attended AUJS Purim party on record! With several highly successful online marketing campaigns (thanks to our marketing Wiz, Prielle) our guests were inclined to come on the day even though it was pouring rain! 30

32 New South Wales Political Conference April 6 Members of the AUJS community came together at NSW State Parliament to take part in the annual NSW Political Conference (NPC). This year s NPC attracted over 30 AUJS members from NSW, Victoria, and the ACT to hear from 16 speakers, including 2 members of the NSW Cabinet, 3 members of the NSW Shadow Cabinet and many high-profile commentators. This year s Conference also included a highlight 1 hour panel discussion that gave our members direct access to the Jewish Community leadership, including representatives from the World Jewish Congress, Executive Council of Australian Jewry and the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies. Young Leaders Night April 6 Following the New South Wales Political Conference, we held a formal networking evening at Sydney s EY Centre, which included some drinks and light food. The event featured keynote address from the Presidents of NSW Young Labor, NSW Young Liberals, NSW National Union of Students and AUJS NSW. The event provided politically interested members of the AUJS Community the opportunity to network and meet with some of the state s most active activists in the stupol space. Holocaust Awareness Movie Screening April 26 This year's Holocaust Remembrance event was an intimate movie screening of "Woman in Gold" held at B'nai B'rith. The event attracted over 30 Jewish university students and allowed them to view the Holocaust through a different lens, through the lens of film. Accompanied by this touching film, we set up a mini-museum as guests arrived. The stories of Holocaust survivors were displayed around the room with a candle under each of them, as well as a photo of them holding their most prized possession. Overall, this event made its way to the heart of every attendee. 31

33 Be-douin Shabbat Dinner June 2 AUJS NSW and Dover Heights Shule Youth and Young Adults hosted a magnificent Bedouin Themed Shabbat Dinner Dover Heights Shule. The tables were set out close to the ground, and attendees used pillows as chairs. The night was truly magical and attracted over 65 university students. Multicultural Students Seminar July 24 Held at the Sydney Jewish Museum, the Multicultural Student Seminar brought together student leaders Armenian, Sikh, Jewish and Pakistani communities together for an insightful tour of the museum, as well as a workshop focused on the importance of intercommunity relationship building. This event served as the start for the Multicultural Students Network, a coalition of intercommunity university groups that aim to support each other and collaborate on various projects. AUJS NSW Ball September 10 We brought the AUJS Ball to NSW and we sold out! The AUJS NSW Ball was an event which we planned for 10 months. Knowing very well that this event had to be planned and executed to near perfection, every single member of our executive was involved in one way or another. We partnered up with 3 wonderful charities, The Friendship Circle, Our Big Kitchen and Sydney Cats and Dogs Home, and attendees had the opportunity to make donations on the night. 32

34 With the Great Gatsby as the event s theme, we accordingly hosted it at the Queen Victoria Building, at the heart of Sydney s CBD. Attendees enjoyed a completely open bar, a three-course meal, a photo booth and a live DJ set throughout the night. Even after the night officially ended at 12AM, the whole dancefloor was full, with the crowd shouting one more song! one more song! The DJs of course did not disappoint, and gave the people what they wanted! Overall, an unforgettable experience from start to end! Rest of 2017 Until the end of the year, we are intending to host 3 more events and launch 1 major project. On October 16, we will be hosting the Women in Leadership Speaker Night, which is an event dedicated to acknowledging the various journeys to leadership, topical issues, and matters affecting university students. We will also hold 2 AUJS X Jumpstart events which will expose AUJS members to the world of entrepreneurship through the lens of JCA s Innovation Hub. We will also be launching the AUJS NSW Internships program, which will connect AUJS members with start-ups working in the digital marketing and fintech environments and provide them with internship opportunities throughout the summer break. A final note 2017 has definitely been a high engaging and busy year for AUJS in NSW. We have immense faith in next year s leadership to continue enriching the lives of Jewish Tertiary students, and grow our community of AUJS bigger and better! I want to once again thank all AUJS leaders in NSW for a truly fantastic effort over the past year! 33

35 NSW Campuses AUJS at Macquarie: The year 2017 for AUJS MQ has been an exciting and productive one. We started the year with a strong membership base of 71, following an engaging O-week. Our first semester consisted of four events; Lunch by the Lake, Time for Trivia, Holocaust Awareness and Sugar, Shakes & Shavuot. These events touched on social, religious and cultural aspects. The second half of the year began with a further 7 sign ups at our mid-year o-week increasing the membership base to 78. Semester two has taken off from last semester by continuing to be exciting and productive. The first event of the semester was a successful intercampus Vegas Party which was a collaboration between AUJS MQ, UNSW, UTS & USYD. Throughout the current semester AUJS MQ has more exciting events to offer as we plan to keep up the productivity of last semester. The AGM will be an exciting time too as many members have shown interest in running for an executive position next year. AUJS at UNSW The 2017 UNSW AUJS executive brought excitement, passion, and creativity to each role, and through setting ourselves high standards with each event, new goals, and a fresh approach to all our marketing and social media strategies, we succeeded in running successful events that each found us introducing countless Jewish students to AUJS and all that we offer. Our executive team saw the importance in developing and maintaining relationships with non-jewish students on campus, and thus far we have developed strong partnerships with other societies of ethnic minorities on campus, such as both the Armenian and Sikh societies. We held a highly successful night-time social event on campus in Semester to introduce our executives, and members of the NSW regional executive, to members of the Armenian society, and our plans for the remainder of the year include an event during the daytime on campus, to advocate for seeking out and understand the common interests between ethnic and religious based societies on campus, in order to foster and strengthen relationships between these societies. 34

36 Our executive has worked very closely with the AUJS NSW regional executive team, and each member has formed a strong partnership with their counterpart of the same role in order to develop and maintain a solid professional relationship and to engage socially in and out of AUJS campus events. The NSW exec has worked with us to ensure that our team remains strong and that our events are successful; encouraging us to engage and grapple with ideas that have potential risks involved, but the outcome, if successful, will change AUJS from the perspectives of both the exec and also financial members of AUJS on campus. This year, our Treasurer, Vice President and President all worked extremely closely throughout both semesters and have worked to achieve our goals within a budget framework that will allow next year s executive team to think big, take risks, and focus on what is fundamentally important to AUJS at it s core; engaging Jewish students on campus in all facets of Judaism. I end with a quote by Larry David; I have ideas, but I choose not to carry them out. This is the only time I will ever be seen disagreeing with Mr David, but I am sure that if he had spoken with our NSW President and Vice President Karmi Shariev and Michael Garbuz before he said these words they would be very different words indeed. AUJS at University of Sydney Our key aims are for AUJS at Sydney University this year was to bring together Jewish community on campus and to extend friendship to other community groups sharing the university experience. We have achieved this through the various events that we have organized. One of our first events we organized was a Shabbat dinner in Newtown. This dinner was successful that engaged in locals, international students and Jews and non-jews alike. We ran the annual Shavuot cheesecake stall with Chabad on Campus that was highly successful as it gave us the opportunity to engage with Jews and non-jews alike, many of whom were interested in the Jewish people, culture and religion and with the assistance of Chabad on Campus we were able to try answer their questions.this year, AUJS, the Greek society and the Armenian society at USYD joined together and organized a highly successful event called Stories of Survival. The aim of this event was to have different group of campus interacting but engaging in ways to collectively and individually remember the genocides. Two students from each society spoke about how their family survived the genocide. The students talked about their grandparents or great grandparents survival. It was a very moving and powerful event. AUJS USYD was honoured to have the opportunity to host Merav Michaeli MK earlier this month. It engaged students who had not yet been highly engaged in AUJS before. It was a highly successful event. 35

37 AUJS has continued to represent students on campus during incidence of anti-semitism throughout the year. AUJS at UTS AUJS UTS has held and participated in an array of highly successful events throughout 2017, all of which have engaged both long-standing and new members of the organisation. The Executive teams of AUJS MQ, AUJS USYD, AUJS UNSW and AUJS UTS joined together to run an inter-campus Semester 2 Vegas Party, which attracted members and friends from across Sydney! AUJS UTS has also run two smaller, campus based meet-ups to provide members with an intimate opportunity to mingle and socialise in the midst of busy university life. AUJS UTS is looking forward to partnering with AEPi and Challah for Hunger in October to host a Challah Bake to give back to the community and celebrate a much-loved Jewish tradition! Beyond events, the biggest success has been new members of the AUJS UTS Executive being passionate about contributing to the organisation and wider community, spearheading events and feeling empowered to continue as active AUJS leaders. 36

38 Eli Madar, Co-ACT President ACT Highlight of the Year Drunk Rabbi Melter z Jokes (example below) A rabbi and a priest get into a car accident and it's a bad one. Both cars are totally demolished, but, amazingly, neither of the clerics is hurt. After they crawl out of their cars, the rabbi sees the priest's collar and says, "So you're a priest. I'm a rabbi. Just look at our cars. There's nothing left, but we are unhurt. This must be a sign from God. God must have meant that we should meet and be friends and live together in peace the rest of our days." The priest replies, "I agree with you completely. This must be a sign from God." The rabbi continues, "And look at this. Here's another miracle. My car is completely demolished but this bottle of Mogen David wine didn't break. Surely God wants us to drink this wine and celebrate our good fortune." Then he hands the bottle to the priest. The priest agrees, takes a few big swigs, and hands the bottle back to the rabbi. The rabbi takes the bottle, immediately puts the cap on, and hands it back to the priest. The priest asks, "Aren't you having any?" The rabbi replies, "No...I think I'll wait for the police." 37

39 Quotes from the Executive Hannah Was lots of fun, got fantastic experience in event planning, marketing and bookkeeping. Eli Incredible experience balancing the needs of a disparate (and occasionally very apathetic) community interspersed amongst one of the most active campus cultures in Australia. Learnt a huge amount about how smaller Jewish Communities function in different regions and how they balance the different needs of their members with maintaining a cohesive social and religious culture. Loved every minute of it and hope the community continues to grow around it! Michael Involved in the executive of a small campus affiliate. I felt that the national executive was interested in trying to build a stronger connection to Canberra. I attended AUJS Camp, Puzza and Vic Ball. Goals for 2017 Hannah To continue to run engaging activities for ACT Jewish students and make them more relevant for students. Eli Learning how to create and function within a cohesive Executive and provide engaging and meaningful engagement for students on a religious, cultural and social level. Michael Try and expand members, hold events that interest non-jewish students. 38

40 Major Projects Cultural Change One of our major goals was to change the reputation and internal culture of the society. Historically, even Executive members haven t attended all events and have publically disparaged the society. We sought to change this and develop a positive relationship with our members and with AUJS. Coordinating Events with ACT JComm Balancing the needs of the ANUJSS Community with the events and direction of the broader ACT JComm was an important goal for out Executive. Co-ordination with National AUJS Creating a stronger relationship with National AUJS (and other Regions) was an important goal. We advertised all National events and many NSW ones in order to foster a broader sense of community within the ANUJSS. We also ran all National Campaigns and sought to personalize them so they were relevant for our region and its members. Inter-Society Events A major goal was organizing more inter-society events within the ANU and ACT more broadly. We did this with great success during Interfaith Week at ANU, and hope to build upon this in future with more engagement with the ACT Interfaith Union and other cultural and religious societies within ANU. Challenges we overcame: Handover Handover from the previous Executive to this one was a slightly bumpy path (e.g. organizing a new bank card and updating our status on the Clubs and Societies Council) as they all went on to other full-time commitments. We are writing a comprehensive handover document for the next Executive and will stay in regular contact with them in regards to these challenges (specifically in the first 3 months). 39

41 Event Attendance Getting people to come to events- being a small region that many Jewish people come to to escape the JCOM I think we have difficulty getting numbers at events. This was overcome by slowly creating individual relationships with our members and continuing to make sure the tone of AUJS ACT events is right for our students. Casual Shabbat and Festival events towards the end of the year have been very successful. Reputational Difficulties ANUJSS has historically been seen as quite a nebbish organization, which presented issues in regards to getting students involved in inter-society events. This issue is definitely not one that has been totally overcome yet, but as each preceding Executive we have tried to engage students in more casual events (read: providing more alcohol) and engage on an individual level with as many of our members as possible. Moreover, being selective about which events we endorse/allow to be posted on the group has limited the nebbish - factor associated with needless/weird posts. Resetting Expectations Attending NatExec Retreat and seeing the amazing events larger regions were able to put on was an incredible motivator at the beginning of our term, but also gave us slightly unrealistic expectations of what was possible within our own region (e.g. Interfaith markets, ACT Purim both fell through etc.). We realized it was important to not try and push for a complete cultural change in one 12 month period and rather instigate smaller social changes that hopefully will be built upon by successive Executives and develop into larger changes. Successes of 2017: Exec Communication Honest communication and constructive criticism has been a focus of the Exec this year and has helped to keep us on track and aware of what to events and initiatives to keep/amend/drop. Market Day Stall Location this year wasn t fantastic, but had a lot of members approach who were unaware of our presence on campus. Having free food at the stall was a definite draw card. Jews and Booze Bi-Monthly bar events were a success. Co-ordinated with the Schlichim who incorporated Hazborah elements by setting themes for each event and bringing news articles/other conversation starters along (made it more justifiable to drink on a week night). Shabbat Dinners (ft. cute babies) As said before, causal Shabbat/dinner events (especially in second Semester) have been a major success! Keep up the good work, and make sure we have fun advertising! 40

42 Laser Tag Organised in conjunction with CaTZ and the Community Centre. So so so much fun! Good event that mixed university students and those working in the public service. Feminist Faces of Faith Incredible event run during Interfaith Week at the ANU. Hannah (our Treasurer/Secretary) had attended a similar panel while in the US and brought the concept to ANU. Great involvement from non-jewish students and societies, hope it will become an annual event! What you should know for next year: Key Lessons Plan the year/semester calendar in advance with the Schlichim and Rabbi/JComm Coordinator to minimize overlap Establish clear expectations on the Facebook Group with other community leaders Inter-society events are fun and a success, but often require a lot of pushing and proactivity from within Recommendations Keep events relevant for our members Maintain and develop more connections with ACT Community more generally Look into coordination more with the National Events that are often held Canberra for various Jewish Organisations Streamline the process for reporting campus incidents within the ANU (e.g. Holocaust flyers and racist lecturers etc.) CAPITALISE ON MID-WEEK JEWISH HOLIDAYS! Weekend holidays mean everyone returns to home states, but midweek events are a great way to capture a larger audience of Two-Day-a-Year Jews. Create closer ties with the Jewish Public-Service young adults who don t have as much of a community in ACT but can be adopted into ANUJSS. 41

43 Saul Burston, VIC President He looks like a 12-year-old! Zack Garkawe, referring to me in a speedo. This year has been immensely rewarding for me, I have loved working with such a passionate and diverse team and had so much nachas from all the campuses putting on amazing events. The success of AUJS Victoria in 2017 is a testament to the dedication of the 40+ volunteers on and off campus, throughout the region. It has truly been a year blessed with achievement, growth and strength. Victoria Political Politically, however, unfortunately, this year saw an increase in anti-semitic materials distributed on campuses throughout Victoria. In addition to drafting media releases and alerting communal organisations, AUJS met with university leadership to take practical steps to fight anti-semitism and intolerance on campus. At the start of the year we hosted Kim Beazley at the Sir Zelman Cowan Oration. The event was a huge success with 400+ attendees packed into St Kilda Town Hall. The event showed us that even though we are a for-student organisation we can host events that cater for the wider community as, well with only 40 students, maximum, in attendance, the rest of the audience was made up of adults. This year, as part of the Victorian Winter Internship Program, five students interned at State and Federal MPs and a further two interned at Zionism Victoria and the Australia Israel Chamber of Commerce. We received amazing feedback from the program both from the participants and the offices that hosted them. We held our second sold-out Q&AUJS event, headlined by John Safran. We discussed whether we have seen a rise in right-wing politics on a national and global stage. We are currently planning for the Victorian Political Training Seminar which will be held in November after exams. Education To date we ve host two EMPOWER events and currently planning the third. Our first event sold-out and more than 120 people packed into a Melbourne 42

44 café to hear about entrepreneurship. With our second event, we hosted an audience of 80 at digital marketing agency, Hard Hat, where we learnt about digital marketing. After both events students are left engaged and inspired by the stories told. The most amazing aspect is that for 80% of attendees this has been their first interaction with AUJS. Social In the social portfolio, we ve organised three big events- Puzza, Yom Ha atzmaut and Ball. Puzza saw over 250 students pack into Cushion Lounge for a Superheroes vs Villains themed party. There was a higher turnover of numbers from last year compared to previous years and we were blown away be the amount of first and second year students in attendance, for many this was their first AUJS event. This was an incredible opportunity for students from across the region, from diverse social backgrounds, university courses and campuses, to dress up in the spirit of Purim and celebrate together. With Yom Ha Atzmaut, we partnered with other Jewish, student-for-student run, organisations. Again, over 250 Jewish tertiary students came together and celebrate Israel s independence. The AUJS VIC Ball is of course the flagship event on the AUJS Victorian calendar, and this year s Hollywood themed Ball at The Park, Albert Park was no exception to the history of extravagant Ball s hosted in Victoria. Guests enjoyed a spectacular evening of entertainment, socialising, a phenomenal meal, renowned DJ Jesse James and Approachable Members of Your Local Community and many other small surprises throughout the night. The affordability, and high-level of quality seen by the Ball this year would not have been possible without the generosity of our donors. Campaigns As part of Share the Memories campaign every campus hosted an event where a Holocaust survivor told their story, it was very nice to see Melbourne University and RMIT team up and put an event on together as they are near of each other. Off campus, we hosted a panel discussion with a Holocaust survivor, Darfur Genocide survivor and a Genocide academic. We wanted to bring awareness to other Genocides happening around the world and even though we say never again every year, these atrocities are still happening today. As part of the Jew Can t Ask That campaign we wanted to film students that all came from different social circles to engage a larger audience. We had a 43

45 fun day filming and all the answers given were either humourous or philosophical which was exactly what we were after. Religious As many high holidays in 2017 clash with university teachings and examinations, this year also saw the universalisation of Special Consideration for High Holidays throughout the region. Regardless of campus, or membership status, all Jewish students throughout Victoria were afforded the accessible opportunity of requesting support for special consideration. We hope to see this system grow and improve in future years. Schools At last year s AGM we introduced the position of Schools Engagement Officer. We had multiple school visits interacting with various year levels in both a fun and educational way. For students in high school we deem it crucial that they familiarise themselves with AUJS before they graduate as they will be the next batch of AUJS members and leaders. We are excited by the potential this new portfolio holds for the coming years and believe this role can grow and become an even bigger platform to engage with school students. Final Word 2016 has ultimately been a highly engaging and busy year for AUJS Victoria. I have great faith that next year s leadership team will use the strong foundation that has been established, to continue to grow our community of AUJS members through social, political, educational and religious engagement. A huge thank you and congratulations to all AUJS Victorian student leaders - without you this year would have remained merely a vision, written down on butcher s paper at our retreat. 44

46 Victorian Campuses Monash Jewish Students Society (MonJSS) 2017 has been a year of immense achievement for MonJSS, and is a testament to the hard work and many hours put in by the Committee. They truly have performed a Herculean task. The year took off with an incredible start: signing up about 260 financial members, as well as receiving two Judges Awards at O-week. We subsequently launched our inaugural Mentorship Program, which was a great success and could not have proceeded without the help of our many mentors who were coordinated by Darren Flaks. A fundamental objective of ours for the year was to grow the intellectual side of the organisation. In this spirit, we launched our inaugural Leadership Program, spearheaded by Josh Gelb. Subsequently, we significantly grew our average attendance at Educational, Religious and Political events. Shira Rosenblum organised an extremely meaningful talk early on by a survivor to help commemorate AUJS Holocaust Remembrance campaign. We also partnered with Zooz, Friendship Circle and Flying Fox for a social action showcase to highlight the great work being done in our community and encourage our members to get involved, all led by Natasha Connors. I strongly encourage next year s Committee to continue with these events and programs, to build on-top of the momentum achieved this year, in order to grow this more meaningful side of MonJSS. We boasted over 20 events this year, and are still counting! In semester one we held more events than all other AUJS campuses in Victoria combined. This could not have been achieved without the passionate and hard work by our Social Officer, Nicole Gerson. With the thorough work by Aron Snider and Elijah Katranski, we were nominated for Most Outstanding Administration by Monash Clubs & Societies. We updated our Constitution to bring it out of the Stone Age, were able to provide our members with real financial value through discounts to Yochi and Zavdiel s thanks to Ariel Singer s smooth negotiating style, and streamlined the communications system within the organisation. A big thank you to James Silber for keeping up on social media, and to Michelle Maryanovsky for always putting her hand up to help first. Being part of the MonJSS Executive is a regular commitment but it is highly rewarding. What you put in is really what you get out. I am incredibly proud of how the committee has persevered through the challenges and celebrated the successes of the past year. I am truly humbled to have led such an extraordinary and inspiring team, and wish the 2018 committee the best of luck! 45

47 Melbourne University Jewish Students Society (MUJSS) 2017 has been another fruitful year for the Melbourne University Jewish Students Society. We ve run over 12 successful events between two semesters, ranging from Shabbat dinners, to Holocaust awareness, to guest speakers, to lunch and food events. In my tenure as President, I ve achieved several administrative goals as well, such as the purchase of a new club sign and club t-shirts. As the Jewish Students Society, we ve been the first port of call for students requiring special consideration for Jewish holidays and fast days, and have been the unofficial watchdog for incidents of anti-semitic and anti-zionistic rhetoric on campus. In the coming year I hope that we expand the new tradition of bi-annual Shabbat dinners at the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation, and further our membership numbers and membership diversity. For over 111 years, MUJSS has been a Jewish home at Melbourne University offering lunches and social events for Jews and gentiles alike. I look forward to bequeathing this old and loved institution to the incoming President and Executive, and I am l eager to see the progress this Society makes in the coming Jewish Year. AUJS Monash Caulfield (CauJSS) AUJS Monash Caulfield has had another incredible year! With a range of activities on campus such as culture carnival, diversity week or getting together for a footy night, CAUJS attracted more members than ever. The highlight of the year however was our second annual paintball event. Students joined together to de-stress, blow off some steam, and have some fun before end of semester exams. I am proud to say that the 2017 executive were extremely dedicated, hard working and committed, and I thank everyone for their efforts. Overall, its been a successful year for CAUJS and am looking forward to see what the future brings. 46

48 AUJS Deakin AUJS Deakin has successfully completed another year... and what a great year it has been! We held both on and off campus events that were greatly received and the most notable being our holocaust remembrance guest speaker. Our members were a great support throughout the year and we wouldn't be as successful as we are without them. We are so grateful to be able to provide tertiary Jewish engagement to our members and the community at Deakin. I cannot be more thankful for such a strong and supportive team by my side throughout the year and we are proud to be able to pass on Deakin Aujs to the 2018 executive. AUJS RMIT (RUJSS) If you will it, it is no dream Theodore Herzl At the beginning of the year, the team set the goal of not only becoming a consistent presence, but also a growing presence. The team understood this would be a difficult task but just like ol mate Theodore says, If you will it, it is no dream. But wow, what a year it has been for Jewish Life at RMIT. This year, RUJSS has upped the ante when it comes to creating and fostering a Jewish community at RMIT s city campus. We began the year with our O-week picnic (in week 2) where we had a great turnout of students. Furthermore, we were extremely privileged to join MUJSS at their campus for a Yom Hashoah event where we heard from a Holocaust survivor. For the rest of semester 1, students were able to enjoy two other events where RUJSS provided a place for Jewish students to relax and enjoy free food. Semester 2 began with a welcome back to semester event and the RUJSS presence was continued in the Do-it-yourself stress ball event where students were able to make their own stress balls. At the moment we are prepping for our Inaugural general meeting where we will hope to affiliate the Rmit student union and elect the new exec for Cheers, Ugi, Simone, Libi and Eva 47

49 Western Australia Jessica Greenfeld, WA President Reach for the stars so if you fall, you land on a cloud Kayne West 2017 has been an incredible year for AUJS WA. In 2016 we were new to AUJS and had a steep learning curve, trying to run an organisation, while still finding out feet. This year we were able to use what we learnt in 2016 to create dynamic events and engage with students across a range of areas. I am extremely proud of what we have accomplished this year. For a WA executive of six people to achieve all that we have is a testament to our determination and passion for our community. We have put in a great amount of effort to enrich the student experience of young Jews in WA and add to the close-knit student community we have in Perth. Purim After many years without a Purim party in Perth, we decided to step up and make Puzza WA a reality! We organised a sell-out event with over 80 students, dressing up in their best 1920s attire, at the Rosemount Hotel. Everyone had an amazing night and we couldn t be happier with the turnout and the enthusiasm our members displayed. We were thrilled to be able to provide a platform for students to celebrate this important festival by eating hamantaschen and dancing the night away! Pesach This year Meg Rudman and I decided to create educational content for young students to read at Shule over Pesach. We spoke about the concept of the fifth child who may have a Seder to attend but chooses otherwise. We explained that it is essential to positively reinforce their Jewish identity and communicate with them in a way that resonates. This is one of the aims of AUJS, to connect to the Jewish youth, and ensure they remain within the Jewish fold. The takeaway message was to endeavour to reduce the number of fifth children among us! We also spoke about the concept of slavery and that by supporting those in need, we elevate ourselves spiritually, freeing ourselves from our material world. It is our responsibility, especially the youth, to overcome injustice with compassion, righteousness and activism and promote freedom for all humanity. By discussing Pesach in this way we were hopefully able to 48

50 connect with Jewish students by providing them with material that resonates in a modern age. Yom Ha atzmaut Despite having no campus executives, our small WA exec was able to bring Yom Ha atzmaut to two of our main WA campuses. With great turnouts at both Curtin and UWA we celebrated Yom Ha atzmaut in true Israeli fashion, by eating bagels and hummus and playing Israeli music. It wouldn t be a true celebration without the infamous Kosher Provedore blue and white cupcakes, a staple in the Perth Jewish community, which we were able to share with our non-jewish friends on campus too. It was a great day and I was proud to be able to play Israeli music and wave Israeli flags on tertiary campuses in Australia. We came together as a student community to celebrate Israel s existence and it was a sight to behold. Holocaust Awareness Campaign- Share the Memories As part of the national AUJS Holocaust Awareness Campaign we hosted an event in conjunction with Courage to Care. We were privileged to invite university students, year 12s, sponsors and supporters to a pre-launch access to the Courage to Care exhibition. They showed us their exhibit and explained how we can learn from the Holocaust to be upstanders rather than bystanders. It was a personal and intimate forum where we had the opportunity to hear some of Ken Arkwright s experiences and thoughts. It was an incredibly moving and meaningful event and an intimate forum for deep discussion and reflection. Thank you to my Vice President Meg Rudman for organising such an important event. Interfaith and Politics Yaron Fisher and I were approached by UWA to speak on an interfaith panel as part of UWA's faith week. It was a meaningful opportunity for students from different religious backgrounds to discuss their faith in a modern and secular environment. We were thankful for the opportunity to represent Jewish students on campus and discuss aspects of our faith that many were unaware of. In the weeks following the faith week panel, UWA found itself littered with Holocaust denial flyers. The paper slips also expressed support for an individual, famous for making a career based on anti-semitic and racist hate speech. The friends that we made during our engagement with faith week connected us to the UWA Student Guild who were extremely proactive in addressing the issue. Yaron and I were able to draft a statement with them which went out to all UWA students in which they expressed that they 49

51 strongly condemn the content and distribution of these paper slips and stand in solidarity with students and staff who have been impacted by this disrespectful act. As AUJS WA, one of our main concerns is to ensure Jewish students feel safe on campus. It is extremely encouraging to have a public statement made by The UWA Student Guild as it shows that the student community does not tolerate this type of behaviour and that it is not without consequence. Zionist Camp and Shabbat Dinner One of our main focuses in WA is ensuring we have a sustainable AUJS executive. Due to the size of the Perth Jewish Community succession planning is essential, as year groups usually only have 40 Jewish students at any given time. This makes it extremely hard to ensure there are people that step up and lead the executive each year. We decided to address this issue early on and increase our AUJS presence in high-school. Instead of only engaging with high-school students to promote AUJS Israel Programs, we wanted to focus on presenting AUJS WA as a legitimate option for students when they finish school. Ohad Vider and I attended Yr 12 Zionist camp where we spoke about the opportunities available through AUJS involvement and how AUJS has enriched our lives in Perth. We also hosted a Shabbat Dinner for year 12 and university students. The aim was to have a Shabbat Dinner amongst friends, to bridge the gap between high-school and university, by showing how inclusive and close-knit the student community in Perth is. The Shabbat Dinner was an extremely successful night, with over 60 people staying past midnight, as they didn t want to stop talking and enjoying the Sabbath meal! Community Connection Something very important to us in WA is not to merely enagage with the Jewish students but also with our wider Perth Jewish community. Throughout the year we attended many community events and supported countless initiatives. We laid a wreath on Anzac day, lit a Candle on Yom Hazikaron and had a stall at Limmud Oz Perth. We supported Carmel School s Shavuot Tikkun Leil and made tables for the Annual UIA gala and JNF dinner. We are proud to support other community organisations and to be positive role models for the youth in the community to engage with all aspects of Jewish life in Perth. Still to Come We still have many exciting events on the horizon for In collaboration with UIA, Habonim Dror and Bnei Akiva, we are hosting a screening of War Story. It will be followed by a Q & A with Brig. Gen Gal Hirsch and the money raised will support our community s youth movements. We are also planning an interfaith Succoth event and our annual end of semester bash! WA engagement in AUJS National Events 2017 saw an increase in the WA attendance at National conferences and events. Early in the year, we were lucky enough to have six participants attend 50

52 AUJS Summer and four on AUJS Winter. We also had three participants book to attend AUJS PTS in Canberra. This year we had two members of our six person executive sit on the National AUJS Executive. That means 33.3% of our regional exec was also working on a National level! Despite our success in increasing engagement at a National level, increased attendance would be possible by improving flight subsidies and accessibility for small region attendees. This is something we have been acknowledging for years now, as all we need are a few people to engage with AUJS on a national level, to ensure continuity in our region. Final Words- Continuity Despite all that we have achieved this year AUJS WA is at risk of not continuing into the future. While we may be a small region, due to the size of our Jewish community, we have the most engaged AUJS members in Australia. Proportion wise our events draw in roughly 70% of the student demographic in Perth which is larger than any other region and we send an average of 15% of our graduating class each year on AUJS Academy. For Jewish students in Perth, AUJS WA is the only community organisation that we have. Therefore, no AUJS in WA will mean the discontinuation of AUJS most engaged region and the end of all Jewish student engagement in Perth. Sustainability is a major issue in Perth and something that, despite our best efforts and awareness, is an extremely serious concern. This is an issue I really wish AUJS would take more concern for on a national scale and before I leave AUJS I wish to put procedures in place to ensure this isn t such a prevalent threat each year. As we have shown this year, all you need are a few passionate people, who care enough about their community to achieve great things! We have worked so hard to provide a warm and engaging Jewish environment for students in WA and I hope the strong foundation we have built will lay the path for years to come. Hopefully we will find the people willing to reach for the stars in 2018 as it will be a great loss to the AUJS family if WA is not an active and engaged region. Thank you to AUJS National for helping make AUJS WA so successful this year and to my amazing regional executive for being so passionate and selfless! 51

53 Steven Hofman, NZ President We can only blame ourselves for all the crime and violence today. We removed all the phone booths and now Superman has nowhere to change A Very Wise Man New Zealand It began with the forging of the Great Union Rings. Three were given to the NSW, immortal, wisest and fairest of all beings. Seven to the Melbourne- Lords, great miners and craftsmen of the mountain halls. And nine, nine rings were gifted to the race of Small Regions, who above all else desire power. For within these rings was bound the strength and the will to govern each region. But they were all of them deceived, for another ring was made. Deep in the land of New Zealand, in the Fires of Mount Wellington, the Dark Lord Steven forged a master ring in secret, and into this ring he poured his cruelty, his malice and his will to dominate all life. One ring to rule them all. AUJS New Zealand has been in a state of rebuilding and progressing towards the future. Due to lack of numbers in Wellington and Dunedin, we had no formal AUJS in these campuses. With focus on strengthening AUJS Auckland (see AUJS Auckland report). We have developed a greater connection to community organisations within New Zealand. With particular growth with Moshie House, Zionist Federation of New Zealand and the Astor Trust. At the end of last year, with the help of former AUJS Chairperson Micky Fisher and Shlicha Rachel Adams, the AUJS New Zealand executive developed a five-year plan to help build AUJS New Zealand into a sustainable union. This included building relationships and financial stability. This has begun, but there is still four years on this plan. This year on a national level we have been involved in community work. AUJS has been part of the Bnei Brith Intergenerational debate. Where members from all walks of the Jewish community coming together and talking about issues that affect us as people. We also helped organised Prime Minister Bill English talking to the Jewish Community. 52

54 AUJS is also been at the forefront for getting people to vote in the New Zealand election. With sharing information in the Israel Institute of New Zealand s webpage, a social media campaign. AUJS NZ did have some issues with the Auckland European Students Association. Where the founder was caught stating anti-semitic comments on his twitter account. With the help of Ariel Zohar, we were able to come out with a public statement that got national attention. We have also had some issues in Dunedin where a BDS supporter is making statements at a conference. I feel the biggest success has been in the stability that has come from a second term in charge. I believe this will leave the region in good stead for years to come. The other big success has been the revival of AUJS in the New Zealand public sphere. Now AUJS is a name that members of the New Zealand Jewish community is aware of and it is making us more recognisable. Next year is a new year for AUJS New Zealand. It is also a fresh start for a new executive that will shape AUJS in their image. My advice for next year is to have fun and try do something new with AUJS. I would like to thank our donors, Raye Freedman Trust and Keren Or Trust. Whose financial help has continued to support AUJS New Zealand. The wisdom they bring to the table is greatly appreciated. To the Zionist Federation of New Zealand, The Jewish Council, The Israel Institute of New Zealand, Moishe House, Habonim Dror Aotearoa, Bnei Akiva New Zealand, Bnei Brith Auckland, The Auckland Hebrew Congregation, Beth Shalom Progressive Synagogue, Limmud New Zealand, we would like to thank you for your continued support and events that cater to AUJS members. To my executives Jenna Bernstein, Jess Furmanski and Gary Hofman for dealing with me and being part of the AUJS NZ family this year. 53

55 AUJS Auckland Report This year has seen AUJS engage students in wider surrounding areas, including within near-by universities such as Auckland University of Technology, as well as partnering with local Jewish community groups to provide further support to our target audience. Partnerships Perhaps our most significant partnership in 2017 was our relationship with Moishe House Auckland, the local hub for young Jews who have grown out of involvement with youth movements but still crave a connection to New Zealand s small community. Alongside Moishe House, AUJS has implemented several large themed events, to which members of both AUJS and Moishe House were invited. The partnership with Moishe House has enabled both organisations to increase their numbers. Due to the restricted size of the community, there is inevitable crossover between the two groups. However, partnering with one another has allowed us to combine budgets and brand leverage and reach out to students that may have not been aware of either AUJS or Moishe House, and the services offered by each. In addition to a growing partnership with Moishe House, AUJS has maintained its relationship with the Zionist Federation of New Zealand, Habonim Dror Aotearoa New Zealand and Bnei Akiva. We support them by promoting their upcoming events, as well as occasionally providing student representatives or speakers. We see it of utmost important to continue these relationships; due to the small population of New Zealand s Jewish community, we believe that the key to thriving is inter-movement cooperation and coexistence. External Campaigns The partnerships listed have greatly impacted AUJS s external events, as we have had the chance to combine resources, budgets and members to cater to great numbers of young Jewish adults. The most notable events have included the annual Purim Party which often yields the largest attendance and most recently, a mid-winter Chanukah Celebration. Both of these events had a significant number of students from Auckland s various universities, as well as young Israeli expats, and other young adults from the Jewish Community. Furthermore, AUJS played a role in assisting young Israeli expats and other Jewish New Zealanders in finding Pesach seders. For many Jews away from home or their homeland, this can be a disheartening experience. However, our social media enabled us to reach out to those looking for families to join, and match people up based on their preferred affiliation. 54

56 Internal Campaigns Most recently, AUJS invited Peter Gaspar to speak at Auckland University as part of his tour around New Zealand s schools. This talk was successful in that turn-out was comprised of not just AUJS members, but of students who had heard about it through word of mouth, and families with high-school ages children. We considered this a success in that we had captured a wide variety of audiences which in turn are able to support AUJS in our mission of engaging Jewish students. Further, New Zealand was part of the Holocaust Awareness campaign. Contributing to the online members and being the facilitator for this social media campaign to the wider Jewish community and the wider community at large. Advocacy Thankfully, this year has not called for much in terms of fighting antisemitism on campus. However, a spate of issues arose in March when a group identifying as the Auckland University European Society attempted to affiliate with Auckland University s student movement. Although they portrayed themselves as advocates for European heritage i.e., Irish, Welsh, German, Spanish a sentiment of European nationalism was implied, which made minority students feel unsafe in the wake of racial unrest across the world. In addition, the President was known for his (now deleted) hateful tweets, which all openly stated themes of anti-semitism, xenophobia and white supremacy. AUJS Auckland released a statement on our public platforms to make it clear that racial intolerance was not welcome on campus. It was stated that while AUJS encourages diversity and celebration of all cultures, we condemn all forms of racism, xenophobia, misogyny and anti-semitism. Auckland University s student movement have also declined to affiliate with this group. Future Plans AUJS Auckland recognises that social engagement, independent of our affiliation with Moishe House, has been somewhat low this year. In an attempt to revive student social connection to AUJS for the remainder of the year, the Head of Auckland is planning to hold bi-monthly catch-ups with students over coffee. The current concern is that younger students aren t familiar with the services that AUJS offers, such as advocacy and engagement. Thus, the intention is to capture younger students who are disengaged or unaware, and build up enthusiasm, social connections and social support networks. In addition, it is also hoped that AUJS can encourage younger students to invest interest in the activities that AUJS is doing, and recruit younger students to next year s exec team. AUJS Auckland will continue to be the leading campus for AUJS New Zealand and will begin to help develop the other campuses. 55

57 Queensland Tal Szumer Menashe, QLD President I reject your reality, and substitute my own! Adam Savage, Mythbusters 2017 has been a rollercoaster of fun and experiences as a leader in the Jewish community in Brisbane. It has been an incredible year for AUJS in Queensland in participation and growth as we continue establishing a support base for Jewish tertiary students. The Brisbane Jewish community remains as small and tightly knit group and has welcomed our growing participation in the community with open arms. The small and dedicated AUJS team in Brisbane has worked hard to develop community connections and show our support for the community at large, as well as keep our members on the up and up during the university semester. My goal for 2017 was to continue providing support and events for my fellow university students throughout the year, as well as developing our presence in the wider Brisbane Jewish community so that for the years to come Jewish tertiary students have a network to grow into and continue developing youth culture. This year AUJS QLD continued to spread our roots into the Queensland tertiary system with our campus market day stall and club registration. We have had an incredible success in reaching out to Jewish international students from all over the world and helping them settle into life in 56

58 Brisbane (and the Sunshine Coast) and integrate into the Brisbane community. The hallmark of AUJS QLD has continued to be our small group social events which bring together our widespread and varied collection of students on nights off and study breaks for dinner, drinks, and even to celebrate Pesach but in a super relaxed style. Our other big successes have been in participating in community events like Hanukah in the City and the Yom HaAtzmaut Festival where we set up stalls alongside Queensland youth movements and community groups to showcase both AUJS in Brisbane and at the National level. We ve answered many questions on the political stance of AUJS and the health of political and religious representation of Jewish students across the country, as well as the various different programs and events that AUJS runs and participates in. We are also very proud of our members and leaders who find the time to travel interstate for both AUJS National events like Winter camp and PTS as well as other Jewish community conferences like the ZFA AGM in Canberra (Thanks Shira!). Still waiting for us in 2017 are our campus and regional AGM s to swear in the coming year s executives, but we are still yet to celebrate Rosh HaShanah for 5778 with our picnic, the wider community s Yom Kippur ceremonies and of course Hanukah a holiday we would never pass up the opportunity of celebrating. Unfortunately, this year we saw the overt rise of anti-semitic activity in Brisbane. Two universities, UQ and QUT, saw incidents involving the propaganda of white supremacist group, the Antipodean Resistance. To their credit, both universities administrations and security teams were quick to act to remove these propaganda pieces from campus grounds and respond to AUJS concerns over reporting these issues to the Queensland Police Service. It was also very encouraging to see that the wider student community at both universities was also almost instantaneous in condemning and rejecting this kind of holocaust denial and white supremacist propaganda from their campuses. We are hopeful to remain in close contact and in cooperation with both universities in the future should any further incidents occur, and that we will 57

59 take further collective actions in resisting the rise of racist and white supremacist ideology in Brisbane with the wider tertiary community. In 2017, AUJS continued to develop our relationships with more established Brisbane community groups like Betar, Maccabi, UIA and ZFA, as well as continuing to improve our connections and participation with the Queensland Jewish Board of Deputies. This year also saw some increased volunteer recruitment to the CSG by AUJS members, one of our strongest indicators to the Brisbane community of our dedication and commitment to our local community. As Brisbane remains a small Jewish community in general and more specifically in our tertiary student demographic, we continue to learn that supporting our community events and groups does not inherently make for an inactive student society. Rather than fighting the hard fight to establish completely youth-centred and tertiary based events, 2017 has been a continued campaign to encourage tertiary students to participate in the wider variety of established community events, such as the Board of Deputies collaborative event with the Asia-Pacific Centre for Responsibility 2 Protect s Holocaust Memorial Day at UQ. We hope to continue drawing attention to the good work already going on in our wider Jewish community, while we develop better ties between our students with our more targeted social functions. We hope that in the coming years we will be able to continue developing our local community networks, both at the student and clubs level, as well as in the wider community. The biggest challenge we face in Queensland (apart from the numbers game) is to continue putting in the hard work communicating with our local community of students and our colleagues inter-state. We hope that where we can, we will send leaders and participants to interstate events and conferences, and that where we don t that we stay in the loop on all the news, gossip, and information that come from them. We also hope that our continued (and increasing activity) will help us improve relations, leader training and resource sharing strategies between campuses, regional and state levels. Our motto for 2017 has been to keep things fun and interesting, and to never forget to that no matter how small or difficult an event can be that it is always worth it. I look forward to seeing what next year s close-working regional and campus executives can achieve and improve upon. I would personally like to thank all the Queensland AUJS members and executives who are put in their hard work and sweat, as well as the support and encouragement of other regional and national executives have showered AUJS QLD and myself with this year. 58

60 Yoav Yaron, NSW Shaliach NSW Shaliach It is often said that the first 100 days in a new framework - be it a new workplace, study programme, internship or even a relationship - make up a period of grace, during which a learning process is underway and mistakes are expected, accepted and forgiven. It is the irony of human nature: one begins a new job with fierce motivation, full of hopes and dreams, inspiration and devotion - yet with absolutely no ability to put any of it into action. The learning curve behind this centennial of grace is bound to conform one's ideas and motivations, making the overall conduct akin to the new environment. In the past 100 days I have been checking the grounds - in my sessions, my countless coffee dates, my talks and my correspondences - I aimed at learning AUJS from within, understanding its drives, objectives and needs, as well as its everyday performance, opinions and rhetoric. With my period of grace coming to an end, I am confident more than ever before of my mission, as well as of the methods and practices. It is time for me to start implementing my vision for AUJS at full speed. As a Zionist organization, AUJS seeks to promote a positive image of Israel on campus. It is not an easy task: advocacy, or the public support of an idea, cause or policy, requires in-depth acquaintance with the issues at stake, upon which one can shape his or her worldview to analyse the ever complex reality. In the case of Israel, much like in other places in the turbulent Middle East, it seems particularly difficult to do, given the ongoing disputes revolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Israeli policies often seem, or rather presented, as if Israel aims to hinder a peaceful resolution of the conflict, deepening the military control in the West Bank and tightening the blockade over the Gaza strip. In its internal policies, Israel seems to be drifting away from its mission statement of becoming a home for all the Jews, while its democratic and liberal values are being challenged on a daily basis. Relying on media reporting on things that happen 13,000km away, it is often hard to separate 59

61 the wheat from the chaff, the facts from the opinions and reality from illusions. To those who wish to advocate for Israel, this creates an exceptionally difficult challenge, as our Zionist dogmas are subject to endless debating, provocation and questioning. It is this scope of confusion that I wish to use as a starting point for AUJS Zionist discourse. Advocacy requires first and foremost a clearer understanding of our causes, upon which we, as an organisation and as individuals, can formulate sincere and factual statements that would contribute to the discussion rather than withhold it or abstain from it. Being confused and uncertain around such concept must not be regarded as a sign of stupidity or weakness, it is the central mark of maturity, both of Israel and of its supporters. It is our moral duty as Jews in the 21st century to engage intelligently in the Zionist discourse around us, not by paying lip service to Zionism, but through maintaining an honest discussion that considers Israel s contribution to economy, technology and human progress but also takes the liberty to criticise Israel and its wrongdoings. This is the Zionist standpoint I wish to see AUJS aiming for, and this is where I intend to take us. I wish to take advantage of this opportunity to thank you all for welcoming so warmly and involving me so rapidly into AUJS. Your patience, openness and willingness to help quickly made me feel part of the AUJS family and at home (so far) away from home. I look forward for an insightful and fruitful year ahead! 60

62 international programs Jonathan Sherman, International Programs Director A staple in AUJS over its existence has been its international programs to offer to AUJS members and students alike. Any day is a good day when you can send a group of students on amazing, life changing experiences in Israel and other Jewish communities across the world. AUJS December Birthright (Younger Bus) AUJS Academy Onward 16/17 61

63 Programs by the numbers: December 2016 Birthright - 76 Participants LDP - 8 Participants AUJS Academy - 39 Participants July 2017 Birthright - 79 Participants Total number of participants on AUJS Programs Key Trends with international programming: Lower numbers across the Academy program due to huge increase in numbers of year 10 s experiencing Y2I and other year 10 trips. A larger number of students out of high school (due to above point) are now looking at heading to the USA/Europe for contiki style programs in favour of the typical post school Israel program. Difficulty as always to reach non-jewish schools. A very large increase in Birthright applications over the past year. By switching to two busses in July and one in December gets more people AUJS July Birthright (Younger Bus) AUJS July Birthright (Older Bus) applying for the warmer time of year. With this years december numbers there could be potential to run 2 busses in both July and December in the future. Follow Up: Madrichim across programs have been informally catching up with participants from respective programs for drinks/meals, etc. Many of the Academy participants joined AUJS upon joining university with some taking on state positions and others going to parties/events/balls and even on the winter and summer seminars. 62

64 Benjamin Saling, Fellowship Director (Outgoing) Raphael Mengem, Fellowship Director (Current) We emerged from microbes and muck Carl Sagan Susan Wakil Fellowship Last year the Fellowship was a dream, an idea, existing merely in hearts and minds of modest men. The Directors worked tirelessly in an abstract landscape, and came to know what Picasso knew when he placed his brush upon a canvas. Networks took shape, an unparalleled curriculum took on colour and with the help of the Fellows a picture emerged. Some found it perplexing, some found it inspiring, but none could doubt that it hung pregnant with the possibility of creating a better world. One where the good earth could provide for everyone, a decent world where men and women were given a chance to work - given a future, old age and security. Some compared the Directors to Herzl and Steve Jobs. Maybe they were compatible, one thing was for certain, Jewish tertiary engagement would never be the same. The Fellowship adopted 15 of the brightest, creative community minds and leaders who came together for the first time in February on Phillip Island to turn this dream into a reality. Each Fellow was matched with an expert industry mentor and met twice a month for masterclass for a range of topics from Student Politics and youth in power to media strategy and framing. In each they heard from an industry experts, among them; Shadow Attorney General Mark Dreyfus, Corporate Strategist Lillian Kline and Demographics Professor Andrew Markus. Coordinating with the NUS they sold out venues to discuss topical issues relevant to students and in July spent two weeks in DC and NY meeting with emerging startups, journalists, diplomats, politicians, think tanks and community organisers. Upon their returned they implemented the lessons from the international program into their social and political impact projects that will be rolled out this semester. 63

65 The projects are set to build communities around issues important to students, and create positive and meaningful action in these spaces. This year the projects will seek impact in four different areas: The Anti-Discrimination Coalition - will bring together groups who have been the victims of discrimination and prejudice treatment to discuss and understand each other s experiences, and form a coalition that stands together against discrimination of all types in university environments. The Student Journalism Seminar will create a framework for a crossinstitutional student journalistic community, to better represent, and reaffirm the legitimacy of, the student voice in Australia s tertiary landscape. Its focus will be cultural and student issues, and build an epistemic institution that is built by students, for students. The Student Welfare Committee aims to relieve the stresses associated with studying an undergraduate degree. They hope to achieve this by improving access to existing university-provided welfare services. They intend to cooperate with existing student unions and the NUS to discuss the viability and efficiency of welfare services, such as the financial advisory service, student counselling and others. Together they hope to bring awareness to the students body about what services already exist and what services should be provided to students. The Environmentally Sustainable Collective will build a network of clubs, societies and institutions to provide a platform, processes and incentives to empower university businesses, faculties, clubs and societies to reduce their resource wastage and carbon footprint. They intend to set up interactive profiles for university clubs and societies who commit to a certain standard of sustainable practices. This project has the potential to extend to businesses on campus (such as a co-op) in future years, and to partner with corporate partners as sponsors. These projects are open to all students who have an interest in these issues, and are an excellent opportunity to gain experience in politics and social and political action. The Fellowship has begun its second year of recruitment, applications close September 29th and are open to any Jewish student who would like to learn the process of politics and empowerment. Join today, change tomorrow. It is important to note that the success of the Fellowship, and indeed its existence is due to the generous support of the Susan and Wakil Foundation, as well as the resolute and consistent support of the AUJS executive. In the future we may face the effects of climate change, nuclear war and Together for Monash, but after a year with AUJS I am sure the leaders of tomorrow can face any challenge that may come their way. 64

66 Executive Director Jake Campbell, Executive Director It is one of the most well-known Talmudic stories. An oven had been cut into two parts with sand replacing the middle. One Rabbi, Rabbi Eliezer claims that the oven was ritually pure while the rest of the Rabbis protest to his ruling. Eliezer, believing that his spiritual prowess will persuade his detractors performs an array of miracles. Carob trees are uprooted, streams flow backwards, and walls cave in on themselves. Unpersuaded by the miracles, the other rabbis remained steadfast in their opposition. Finally, Rabbi Eliezer declares, If the law is as I say, may it be proven from heaven! Miraculously, Hashem does in fact respond to Eliezer s call, What do you want of Rabbi Eliezer the law is as he says Rabbi Joseph, one of the sages debating Eliezer, upon hearing the voice of Hashem furiously screams towards heaven Hatorah lo bashamayim hi! The Torah is not in heaven! Hearing Rabbi Joseph s furious criticism of Hashem, Hashem begins crying tears of joy and between sobs and laughs proudly proclaims My children have triumphed over me. Before I was involved with AUJS as a student activist, I did not have a Jewish identity. I did not even have a single Jewish friend outside of my family. Soon though, it became the defining characteristic of my identity, and AUJS and the Jewish community became my obsession. Why did I become obsessed? Because I had full autonomy and ownership over my role. It was the first time that I could see that I was making a difference in the lives of others, and I was able to make this difference in AUJS because it is an organisation where the Torah is not in heaven At AUJS the Torah is found in the hearts, minds, and hands of its student activists. I have seen Jewish communal organisations in North America where this is not the case, where the Torah remains in heaven within the hold of the 65

67 Professional staff and the impact is visible with commitment and engagement of students struggling in comparison. On the other hand, since leaving student leadership at AUJS I have only seen growth. Participation in National conferences are at levels that were once aspirational as is participation in Regional events. The Charidy campaign was a showcase of student dedication involving 39 student volunteers who collectively made 1,474 calls to potential donors this would not have been possible 5 years ago. Also impossible 5 years ago was the ideation, creation, and application of the Susan Wakil Fellowship. However, perhaps most demonstrable of the growth and student dedication that is a result of the autonomy that is awarded to our student activists is the National Elections Not in recent memory until these 2017 elections has every position on the National Executive been contested. More students are being engaged, more students are becoming activists, and more students are pursuing involvement in AUJS s highest tier of representation. While the professional staff may lay the foundations and support students in these achievements, ultimately AUJS s success is due to the skill and talent of our activists which matches that of any Jewish communal organisation in Australia or the world, because at AUJS the Torah is not in Heaven. However, the growth is also due to an ongoing commitment of AUJS s activists to upholding the 4 pillars of Judaism, Zionism, Pluralism, and Activism and ensuring that the aims and goals encompassed by these pillars and the mission statement are fulfilled. Ultimately, AUJS is not its bottom line and it never has been. AUJS is the impact it has on the students it represents, and it is the ideology it upholds and nothing demonstrates this more than the Annual General meeting where both is reviewed. I look forward to supporting a new generation of activists in grabbing the Torah of AUJS s ideology, owning this Torah, and creating another year of unmatched change for Australian Jewry, Australia, World Jewry, and the world. 66

68 National Executive Isabella Polgar Alexandra Kowal Zack Garkawe Ariel Mekler Peled Ariel Zohar Jade Katz Erin Gordon Joshua Moses Jacob Kingston Karmi Shariev Steven Hofman Saul Burston Jessica Greenfeld Tal Szumer Menashe Eli Madar New South Wales Karmi Shariev Michael Garbuz Jason Kane Louis Orner Aaron Meyer Mia Herrman Gareth Milner Prielle Betito Sheli Tvina Judy Mekler Peled Elias Visontay Ashera Harris Melissa Steiner Arthur Shariev Chaim Deitz Olivia Morris Eitan Harris Samuel Buchwald David Tsor Justin Von Ortenburg Robert Shegan Gaby Gluch Jake Meyer Andrew Kaploun Joshua Levy Dayna Kohn Michaela Lee Levine Raquel Ware Sophia Kwiet Marian Barer Ronald Budovski Daniel Zakochanski Zehava Heinrich Sabrina Ulis Asher Levitt Dean De Jong Shlomi Bension Sarah Schamschula David Weirnik Ariela Shatari Grace Dekel Jakob Singer Claudia Goodman Dana Segal Verity Boustead Victoria Saul Burston Gabriella Davis Adam Pincus Nufar Gofman Lori Spilkin Daniel Janover Rocha Toby Rozenblit Jacob Kingston Tobi Rosengarten Jessica Fenster Lexi Kowal Daniel Kahan Darren Flaks Aron Snider Ariel Singer Elijah Katranski Josh Gelb Natasha Connors Nicole Gerson Shira Rosenblum Michelle Maryanovsky James Silber Lital Weizman Zack Garkawe Paige Morley Tara Saltzman Josef Wilkinson Brandon Bassin Dean Horiniak Shannyn Gelbart Goldie Jurkowicz Jess Glagovsky Shani Hadade Levi Lewis Gal Landau Zoe Osborne Melinda Sobol Jack Stock Alex Pupko Ben Janover Jacob Sacher Joanna Friendman Ashley Curtis Samuel Abrams Ashlee Danino David Mastratuono Ethan Kravietz Phillip Di Biase Menashe Segman Nathan Guttmann Simone Chait Libi Boroda Eva Zeleznikow Western Australia Jessica Greenfeld Dani Stoch Megan Rudman Devon Reichlin Jade Katz Ohad Vider Yaron Fisher Queensland Tal Szumer-Menashe Jonathan Kogan Louise Heller Shira Sokolov Abraham Phillips New Zealand Steven Hofman Gary Hofman Jenna Bernstein Jess Fermenski Sara Kisch Camille Jameson Perry Wilton Australian Capital Territory Eli Madar Michael Horowitz Hannah Golan-Burnett Tasmania Phillip Rothschild Gili Smart Fellows Elias Visontay Olivia Morris Genevieve Radnan Sarah Schamschula Leeor Chabat Ilana Cherny Sara Kaltman Asher Kozma Ross Lomazov Tobi Rosengarten Raphael Tell Staff Jake Campbell (Executive Director) Jonathan Sherman (International Programs Director) Yoav Yaron [NSW Shaliach) Benjamin Saling (Fellowship Director) Raphael Mengem (Fellowship Deputy Director) Talia Stone (IP Marketing Representative) Ricky Rosen (IP Marketing Representative) AUJS Ltd Board Stephen Machet Isabella Polgar Alexandra Kowal Rachel Setti-Grynberg Zack Garkawe Dean Sherr Elenore Levi Gil Orski Ricci Steckoll Ethan Kravietz Cameron Graf Raz Chorev 2017 Executives 67

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