Jewish Board of Deputies celebrates 80 years of leadership
'JBD is 80 years young, and we are looking forward to a bright future ahead of us.”
The NSW Jewish Board of Deputies marked its 80th anniversary at NSW Parliament House on Tuesday night with a celebration attended by government ministers, police, multicultural leaders and Jewish communal figures.
JBD president David Ossip highlighted the organisation’s commitment to broader social justice causes alongside its advocacy for the Jewish community.
“We have stood shoulder to shoulder with other communities in defending their rights and multiculturalism, in opposing racism and extremism and in upholding the principle that Australia’s diversity is its strength,” he said.
“I’m so proud that this organisation has always been ahead of its time in battling for the underdog on a universal level, including for the advancement and protection of Indigenous communities, respect and equality for LGBTQ plus groups and other social justice causes.
“At the same time, we have never shied away from wearing our faith and our identity on our sleeves, even when it is controversial, even when passions are at their height, including in relation to our community’s unique relationship and care for the State of Israel.”
Ossip said that through it all, “the board of deputies has been our community’s voice, measured, principled, persistent, whether in dialogue with governments, civil society leaders, the media, police and law enforcement, or in quiet counsel behind closed doors”.
JBD CEO Michele Goldman told of how when she first encountered the JBD “I was struck by the passion and the commitment of the individuals involved.
“It was inspiring, and one of the key reasons why I joined this organisation. Since becoming CEO, I’ve got to see firsthand the incredible breadth of work that this organisation undertakes.”
Goldman paid tribute to the “dedicated community village” of board members, deputies, constituents, volunteers, staff and community members “who have given inordinate amounts of time, energy, wisdom, skills, goodwill, in order to tackle many issues over the decades and to make a valuable contribution to our tapestry”.
She concluded, “I’m pleased to tell you that JBD is 80 years young, and we are looking forward to a bright future ahead of us.”
Police Minister Yasmin Catley, representing the Premier, praised the organisation’s work over eight decades. “The Jewish Board of Deputies has been a powerful and important voice for the Jewish community here in NSW, and I want to pay tribute to that critical work,” she said.
“I especially want to acknowledge the Jewish Board of Deputies leadership in civil society, particularly your work with young people through Holocaust education and anti-bullying programs in our schools. You’ve helped instil compassion, resilience and understanding in the next generation. These efforts are not just admirable, they are essential.”
Deputy Opposition Leader Natalie Ward recalled how her first meeting as a newly elected MP was with former JBD CEO Vic Alhadeff. “For eight decades, the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies has exemplified the highest ideals of civic leadership, advocating for justice, safeguarding memory and strengthening multicultural harmony across our state,” she said.
Two videos were shown during the evening, one tracing the organisation’s history and featuring a touching tribute to the late Jeremy Spinak, who served as president from 2014 to 2018. Another video featured messages of congratulations from former JBD representatives, staff and community members.
Also in attendance were Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon, Israeli Ambassador Amir Maimon, members of NSW Parliament, local government councillors and representatives of other multicultural communities.