Daniel Aghion appointed ECAJ president
"I share your unconditional love for this amazing Jewish Australian community," says Daniel Aghion
“I have three somewhat modest goals for this presidency,” incoming Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ) president Daniel Aghion said on Sunday.
The former Jewish Community Council of Victoria (JCCV) president was appointed unopposed at the organisation’s AGM to succeed Jillian Segal, who has steered the national roof body for the last four years.
His first focus, he said, would be continuity.
“Jillian has brought this organisation to an operational and professional level it has not seen at any time during its history. I intend to maintain and build upon Jillian’s excellent work,” Aghion said.
“Second, social media and community messaging. I would like to see the ECAJ go further in this area and transfer its traditional strengths across to younger and wider audiences.”
The third area, he said, is communal outreach.
“I plan to travel to each of the capital cities, and possibly elsewhere – as best advised by the state affiliates – to meet the Jewish community through this far-flung land of ours,” he said, adding he wanted to see the ECAJ also reach out more to the Israeli community.
Aghion praised his “wise and experienced” team.
“I share your unconditional love for this amazing Jewish Australian community. I look forward to an exciting and effective presidency working with each and every one of you,” he said.
Segal thanked Aghion for his generous words and the various representatives at the AGM for being “part of such a fabulous team spread out through the country”.
“We will all continue to fight the good fight together – united and stronger for being together,” she said.
Paying tribute to Segal, ECAJ co-CEO Peter Wertheim said the revitalisation of the roof body 15 years ago would not have happened without her contribution.
“Jillian has been a tower of strength behind not only our fundraising efforts, but also the impetus to engage more fully in the community, to expand the resources of the ECAJ and make the ECAJ what it was originally created to be – the true elected representative body of the Australian Jewish community,” he said.
“Jillian, thank you for your leadership. Thank you for your passion and your commitment to the Australian Jewish community. Thank you for all you’ve done in building relationships within the community and without, and giving your all to this most important role.”
Deputy president Robert Goot, who is currently overseas, lauded Segal and congratulated Aghion on taking on the presidency in a heartfelt video message.
Federal Health Minister Mark Butler told The AJN earlier in the day that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has asked him to congratulate Segal on the conclusion of her term and welcome Aghion.
“He particularly wanted me to pay a personal tribute to your work, Jillian. You’re an outstanding Australian with an extraordinary reputation as a community leader, a philanthropist, a mentor of emerging women leaders and so much more,” Butler said.
“The Prime Minister has deeply appreciated your firm, always frank, but wise counsel. And I’m sure Daniel will continue in that role as well, with all of your support.”
The AGM also featured a moving tribute by former president and honorary life member Nina Bassat in honour of Jeremy Jones, who passed away in September this year. Jones was president of the ECAJ from 2001-2004.
Every state in Australia was represented at the AGM, at the conclusion of which Senator Simon Birmingham joined attendees for drinks to honour Segal’s presidency.
comments