Finalists announced for inaugural Esther Awards
The NCJWA have announced 16 finalists from 97 nominations for the inaugural Esther Awards, recognising women who have made a significant contribution to the Jewish community.
The National Council of Jewish Women of Australia (NCJWA) has announced the finalists for its inaugural Esther Awards, which recognise Jewish and non-Jewish women who have made a significant contribution to the Jewish community and to Australian social cohesion.
The awards drew 97 nominations across four categories. Winners will be selected by a judging panel and announced on Saturday, August 22, at a reception hosted by Governor-General Sam Mostyn at Admiralty House, coinciding with the opening night of the NCJWA National Conference.
The Esther Courage Award finalists are artist Nina Sanadze, journalist Julie Szego, Northern Rivers Jewish Community Association president Annalee Atia and Empowered Jew founder Chavi Israel.
The Esther Lifetime Contribution Award finalists are WIZO NSW president Nilly Berger z”l, NCJWA and Jewish community volunteer Carolyn Goldsmith, JNF leader Esther Wende and multi-organisation community leader Rachel Robyn Segal.
The Esther Allyship Award finalists are local government councillor and Brave Voices founder Carol Tannous-Sleiman, media identity Julie McCrossin, domestic and family violence advocate Jas Rawlinson and Christian ally Sarah Ruth Way.
The Esther Rising Leader Award finalists are Kesher Australia founder Talia Bernstein, AUJS leader Rebecca Katz, Stand Up leader Chloe Green and Operation Golda founder Shoshana Eisner.
The judging panel comprises NCJWA ambassador Professor Kerryn Phelps, University of Melbourne associate provost Professor Marcia Langton, Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief executive Peter Wertheim, author and advocate Dassi Erlich, International Council of Jewish Women honorary secretary and NCJWA past president Di Hirsh, Zionist Federation of Australia president Jeremy Leibler and NCJWA president Lynda Ben-Menashe.
Ben-Menashe said the organisation was “thrilled that so many people made nominations for women they felt should be honoured for their courage and contribution to the community”.
“Our 16 finalists within the four award categories represent a broad cross section of remarkable women – Jewish and non-Jewish – who have stepped forward – often without formal power, and sometimes at personal or professional risk.”