Rath notes Bark’s achievements
Under Bark, the JBD launched an online religious bullying hotline and reporting portal, with Rath also praising for Bark for his "instrumental role" in establishing the inaugural NSW Religious Communities Advisory Council.
Liberal MP Chris Rath recently moved a motion in NSW Parliament to recognise the “extensive work and significant achievements” of Darren Bark during his two-year tenure as CEO of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies (JBD).
Bark resigned from his role last month following reports that he had been put on “unexpected leave”, with Opposition Whip Rath one of several politicians going on to pay tribute to Bark.
“Darren has been an incredibly effective advocate for Israel and the Jewish community. He is lauded in NSW Parliament for his professionalism, dynamism and commitment to the cause,” he said then.
The motion last week congratulated Bark for his work, including on the “statewide ban on the display of Nazi symbols, leading to an unprecedented charging of three individuals under this new offence”.
Rath also acknowledged Bark’s role in securing bipartisan commitments of $25 million to enhance the safety and security of communal institutions across all faiths, such as schools, shules and community centres, as well as securing funds to expand the Sydney Jewish Museum.
Rath made mention of Bark’s establishment of a partnership with the Department of Education to increase Holocaust education in NSW schools, while Bark was also thanked for hosting town hall forums with the Premier and Opposition Leader in the lead up to the NSW state elections earlier this year.
Under Bark, the JBD launched an online religious bullying hotline and reporting portal, with Rath also praising for Bark for his “instrumental role” in establishing the inaugural NSW Religious Communities Advisory Council.
Rath concluded by congratulating Bark for his “outstanding advocacy on behalf of the Jewish community in the mainstream media and his negotiations enabling the Jewish community to attend COVID-safe, outdoor shofar blowing services during the 2021 COVID-19 lockdown”.
Meanwhile, Member for Davidson Matt Cross recently urged the Labor government to follow through on its election commitments, many of which were secured by Bark.
Cross noted that NSW has a “vibrant” Jewish community, before listing Labor’s promise to “commit $15 million towards the safety and security of faith institutions, enhancing Holocaust education and addressing rising antisemitism in our schools”.
Cross noted Labor’s pledge of $5 million to the Sydney Jewish Museum and the commitment to explore direct flights between Sydney and Tel Aviv.
Former JBD head of community Michael Gencher was announced as the organisation’s acting CEO last month. The JBD said a recruitment process for a permanent replacement will commence in due course.
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