Community champions recognised

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THE efforts of a lifelong supporter of the Sydney Jewish Museum, a champion for Kosher Meals on Wheels and two Maccabi movers and shakers have been recognised in the JCA’s 2016 Communal Awards for service to the Jewish community.

Michael Jaku won the Hal Goldstein Lifetime Achievement Award for being a constant, energetic contributor to the community since the early 1960s.

Jaku was one of the driving forces behind the Sydney Jewish Museum and he served for six years as chair of the Shoah Remembrance Committee.

The Mensch Award went to Wolf Pollack, a COA Sydney volunteer for more than a decade, for his dedication delivering Kosher Meals on Wheels to the frail and aged throughout the Woollahra, Waverley and Randwick areas.

Deeply aware of the positive effects of social action, Wolf takes tremendous care of his clients and helps them to improve their quality of life, ensuring they receive the services they need.

“Being a mensch is all about being a good human being and our award-winner this year is truly that,” JCA president Stephen Chipkin said.

Maccabi NSW president Danny Hochberg is the Shofar Award for Community Service recipient, in recognition of his work for the community spanning 17 years.

Hochberg serves on the executive of the Zionist Council of NSW and the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies and, in addition to his leadership role at Maccabi, he is also chair of the Shoah Commemoration Committee.

The Young Social Entrepreneur Award went to David Weiner for his substantial work for Maccabi, including serving as president of the Maccabi Touch Football Club. Through the channel of the rapidly growing sport, Weiner created a new competition to further connect members of the Jewish community.

All four recipients received awards specially designed by Jeff Einstein and watches courtesy of JCA sponsor Raymond Weil.

AJN STAFF