AJFN raises $650,000 with record donors
'It is profoundly moving to witness our community come together in such a positive way, uniting to create miracles'
When the Australian Jewish Fertility Network (AJFN) launched its 2025 campaign, the goal was simple but profound: to help 150 Jewish families take one step closer to creating life.
Their fundraising target of $650,000 was ambitious, but with 2025 marking AJFN’s Chai (18th) year, the message of life, hope and community carried extra meaning.
At the heart of AJFN’s work is a promise that no Jewish Australian should face the challenges of infertility alone. The organisation provides financial, emotional, mental health, spiritual and educational support, walking with families through every stage of their journey. Guided by the Jewish values of courage, loving-kindness, responsibility, wisdom and community, AJFN has already helped bring more than 90 Jewish babies into the world.
In 2024, AJFN supported 110 families, a 22 per cent increase from the year before. And in 2025, their community once again showed up. Nearly 800 donors contributed more than $650,000, helping the organisation reach its target and, more importantly, giving 150 families renewed hope.
“We are humbled and deeply grateful for the outpouring of support from our Australian Jewish community,” said AJFN board chair Kerry Gonski and CEO Justine Saidman. “Because of you, 150 Jewish families now have renewed hope of holding a baby in their arms.”
To mark the Chai milestone, AJFN hosted major events in Sydney and Melbourne featuring panel discussions and a keynote address by Dr Ellay Hogeg Golan, a survivor of October 7 who has since completed medical school.
Golan shared her story with the audience, describing her son, Iftach, born seven months ago, as a miracle. She survived the Hamas attack with severe injuries, suffering third-degree burns over 60 per cent of her body.
Reflecting on her experience, Golan spoke about the resilience of the Jewish people.
“The power of the Jewish community is that we still choose life,” she said. “They came to take life. We are here to bring more love and light into the world.”
It’s a message that echoes deeply within AJFN.
“It is profoundly moving to witness our community come together in such a positive way, uniting to create miracles,” Gonski and Saidman said. “This is community at its best – a true example of people building each other up and ensuring Jewish continuity for generations to come.”
To learn more about AJFN, visit ajfn.org.au
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