Professor Peter Schattner takes the helm
"Strengthening the community remains our focus."
“It is time for change.”
That was the opening address of newly-elected B’nai B’rith Victoria president Professor Peter Schattner at his first meeting at the helm of the Victorian B’nai B’rith Council.
He replaces Dr Benny Monheit who had a very successful four-and-a-half-year term as president of the organisation.
Schattner shared his vision for the organisation saying, “Strengthening the community remains our focus.”
B’nai B’rith has a long history in Victoria, even more so internationally. It is a name synonymous with human rights, advocacy and social impact, yet it has been inwardly focussed for much of its recent history.
“The need to remain focussed on our mission is essential,” Schattner said.
He shared some of the main focusses of B’nai B’rith, one being human rights advocacy.
“Advocating for human rights is the foundation of B’nai B’rith, from its international roots over 170 years ago through to the establishment of what has become the Anti-Defamation Commission, and most recently work in support of Australia’s First Nations people,” he said.
“This is achieved through action and education of members and the wider community.”
Through a strategic planning process that has been guided by CEO Ellana Aarons over the past 12 months, B’nai B’rith has worked to fine-tune its goals across many segments of the Jewish community.
One of the goals that was highlighted by Schattner is the continued emphasis and focus on their members.
“Members join B’nai B’rith either to create or add to their own personal support system and to be linked with an organisation that runs activities or raises funds for those in need,” Schattner highlighted.
As a membership-based organisation, whose members are actively engaged and passionate about having a social connection with fellow members, B’nai B’rith remains committed to supporting and strengthening the Victorian Jewish community and to delivering a range of projects with genuine impact.
Aarons told The AJN, “Peter has a clear vision for the future of B’nai B’rith which will ensure it fulfils an integral role within the Victorian Jewish community by providing wonderful social connection amongst members, while delivering a series of impactful programs.
“I am excited to work alongside Peter in delivering on this vision.”
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