Hakoah 2.0: bigger, better but with the same heart

So many people in our community remember the blazing lights of the Hakoah Club in Hall Street, Bondi. It was a place of family, friends and togetherness.

As Susie Klein says, “Hakoah was really the shining jewel of the community. I think it was really the centre of Jewish community, and it will be again.”

The new Hakoah will be a hub for all communal activity, where everyone can enjoy wonderful celebrations from Yom Ha’atzmaut, the Shabbat Project and Chanukah through to mums and bubs programs, school sports days, youth movement activities and comedy nights. And it will all happen simultaneously, so you can be together as a family, while still enjoying your separate interests.

Because life is better together.

“The new Hakoah will transform what it means to be a connected Jewish young adult and its impact will extend far beyond my generation.” Jodi Velik

For all generations

We’ve all missed so much time together over the past couple of years owing to the pandemic. People are searching for ways to connect again, and there’s only so much Zoom and FaceTime people can handle.

“We need a space. We need a home away from home,” Hakoah board member Ali Linz said. “It’s about doing what you love, together. You’ll make new friends through common interests. And bump into old friends too. There’s that kind of serendipitous meeting that happens at a place like this. It’ll deepen and strengthen connections.”

“Growing up not going to a Jewish school, feeling part of the community isn’t always so easy. I’m confident that Hakoah might just change that and become our community’s melting pot.” Harry Rosen

Consider how amazing it will be to meet up with your grandmother for breakfast, catch up with friends for a quick swim in the pool and then stay for a delectable juice. And you don’t even have to move your car. Or consider the fact that you can go for dinner with your family – your whole family from grandparents down to toddlers – and then meet your friends for a drink at the bar afterwards.

“I love that it’ll be welcoming for people who don’t currently feel part of the community,” Linz said. “You don’t need an invitation, you just join a class, a talk, a team. It’s new, bigger and better, but with the same heart.”

A day in the life

Hakoah will be a place where everyone, no matter what age or interest, will find something they love to do. Whether it’s playing bridge, learning robotics, playing soccer or hearing expert speakers, there’s something for the littlies right through to the grandparents.

And then you can hang out after with a coffee or a falafel.

So, let’s look at what a possible day at Hakoah could look like.

At the fitness centre, there’s yoga, pilates, spin classes and Zumba. Then hop into the pool for some laps.

While you’re there, your mum or dad may be off learning pottery or playing bridge, while your younger kid is having a swimming lesson.

Then there’s book club for you and a music lesson for your child, and then wander down for a coffee while you wait for the other kids to finish their netball and tennis training.

“There was a definite anticipation about meals at the ground floor bistro. The matzah ball soup followed by wiener schnitzel, creamed spinach and mashed potato was a dish so many people looked forward to; week in, week out.” Yoni Meinrath

No need to rush home for dinner. Grab your parents and the kids, and head to the restaurant for a quick bite. You’ll probably find yourself joining some tables together because you’re bound to pick up a few friends along the way.

Whether it’s cooking demonstrations from some of the most renowned chefs, food festivals, comedy shows or events like Dinner in the Dark, everyone will find their home.

“I think I fell in love with at least eight 13 or 14-year-old boys on the top floor of Hakoah Club. It was a great time in life. And to be honest with you, how many places around town can you hang out with people your own age, your own kids, your parents. Hakoah Club was, and will be again very soon, one of those unique intergenerational places.” Ali Rosen

In numbers

• Hakoah needs 2000 members to break ground
• 1700 memberships are already sold
• $48 million in philanthropic donations pledged
• $15 million in Government Grants
• Planned to open in late 2023

For more information or to take out membership, visit hakoah.com.au

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