Former NSW JBD CEO ‘an amazing leader’
NSW Premier Chris Minns was joined by politicians from both sides of politics, leaders of faith communities and others in paying tribute to Darren Bark's contribution.
NSW Premier Chris Minns has led the accolades to former NSW Jewish Board of Deputies (JBD) CEO Darren Bark – who resigned on Monday after just two years in the job – calling him “an amazing leader”.
Bark’s resignation followed speculation over his future after The Australian reported last week that he was “put on unexpected leave” and is “very unlikely to be returning”. The reason for his resignation has not been publicly disclosed.
In a Monday press release, JBD president David Ossip expressed sincere thanks to Bark for his service and wished him well for the future. He noted that Bark had successfully advocated for legislation banning Nazi symbols in NSW, secured funding commitments for communal organisations and served as an inaugural member of the NSW Religious Communities Advisory Council, among other achievements.
Bark said, “It has been a privilege representing the Jewish community and I thank everyone who I have had the pleasure of working with over the past two years. I wish the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies every success in the future.”
Minns told The AJN on Tuesday that Bark, 36, “was a real pleasure to work with” and “I’ve got no doubt he’ll go on to bigger and better things”.
He was joined by politicians from both sides of politics, leaders of faith communities and others in paying tribute to Bark’s contribution this week.
Australian National Imams Council president Imam Shadi Alsuleiman said Bark “has been instrumental in working with other faith communities”, while Hindu Council of Australia national vice-president Surinder Jain said that in return for Bark’s support, “Hindus stand by Australian Jews in full solidarity.”
Better Balanced Futures CEO Murray Norman said, “NSW is a better place because of the leadership Darren has shown.”
In addition to his role in the Nazi symbols legislation, as CEO Bark helped obtain security funding commitments prior to this year’s NSW state election.
He was also involved in securing $5 million in funding for the Sydney Jewish Museum and a commitment to increase Holocaust education in schools, and oversaw the launch of the JBD’s online reporting portal for antisemitic bullying.
He negotiated for the Jewish community to hear the shofar blown outdoors on Rosh Hashanah and for 15-minute outdoor services to be conducted on Yom Kippur during the 2021 lockdown.
JBD head of community Michael Gencher was announced acting CEO on Tuesday.
“The board is fortunate that Michael, who has intimate knowledge of the board and a deep passion for our community, will lead the organisation during this interim period,” Ossip said.
Gencher said, “I am excited by the challenge of this new role and look forward to working with my colleagues to advance the interests of the NSW Jewish community.”
The JBD said a recruitment process for a permanent replacement will commence in due course.
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