NCJWA NSW leadership restructure
THE National Council of Jewish Women of Australia (NCJWA) NSW unveiled a new structure at its AGM this week, with a single president to be replaced by a steering committee consisting of three women at the helm.
THE National Council of Jewish Women of Australia (NCJWA) NSW unveiled a new structure at its AGM this week, with a single president to be replaced by a steering committee consisting of three women at the helm.
Monday night’s AGM saw Victoria Nadel, who has been NCJWA NSW president for the past four years, step down. However, she will remain heavily involved, sitting on the steering committee alongside former vice-presidents Miri Orden and Anne Reid.
Speaking at the AGM, Nadel reflected on her time leading the organisation, and discussed its multitude of programs including MUM FOR MUM, the Jewish Women’s Breast Cancer Network, and interfaith activities.
“We are never going to solve all our differences, and we don’t have to. But I do know that through these events we are doing something worthwhile by promoting awareness, acceptance and goodwill. This has to be a winner,” she said.
“It’s been an honour and a privilege to have been president of the NSW section … For me National Council ticked all the boxes.
“Inspired by Jewish values, it continues to offer the opportunity to work for Israel and the Jewish community here – but also to advocate on social justice issues … and to do so and be seen to be doing so as proud Jewish women through a Jewish organisation is so very important in a Diaspora community.”
Reid told The AJN she feels strongly about NCJWA’s three-pillared approach, in its support for causes in Israel, the local Jewish community, and the local community more widely.
Having been involved in NCJWA for more than 30 years, Reid hopes to build on frameworks already successfully in place. But she also has other aspirations.
“My ardent wish is that we could have a bigger membership,” she said, drawing attention to the challenge of engaging younger women. “We do need younger members.”
Orden’s involvement in NCJWA has also spanned many years, during which time she has been a tireless building chair, and most recently driven the Books Out Loud program, which sees volunteers visit local nursing homes and read to residents.
She said it will be “constructive” to make decisions as a team of three, and to be able to share the load. “We are all very excited and very happy to be working together.”
The elected board is made up of Mandi Chonowitz-Jacobson, Sunny Gold, Josephine Holland, Miriam Levy, Janet Merkur, Ruth Osen and Isabelle Shapiro. Barbara Shotland was re-elected honorary treasurer.
PHOEBE ROTH
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